2023 High Sheriff of Kent Awards announced at an event in Maidstone

On 22 March invited guests joined the High Sheriff of Kent 2022/23, Russell J Race Esq JP DL, at the Mercure Great Danes for an evening reception to learn which charities and community groups had been recognised with a 2023 High Sheriff Award.

The annual High Sheriff Awards celebrate the charitable work of organisations that contribute their time and care to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community. 

During the evening, The High  Sheriff announced six winners,   Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service Limited,  SNAAP (Special Needs Advisory and Activities Project), Home-Start Dover District, The Community Cupboard, Young Lives Foundation and Imago Dei Prison Ministry. The High Sheriff then announced that the recipient of a special recognition award was Darrell Newsome for his work at HMP Swaleside.

Based in Canterbury Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service Ltd provide advice and support to adult and child survivors of domestic abuse and aims to help individuals make their own choices, regain their freedom and take control of their lives.

SNAAP supports disabled children, young people and their families in the East Kent area. Its core mission is to improve the quality of their lives by providing information, support, advice and leisure activities within a friendly, safe and non-judgmental environment.

Home-Start Dover District is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with young children under the age of 11. It offers volunteer home visiting support to families with parental mental health issues, children’s behaviour and emotional issues. Volunteers offer regular practical and emotional support in the home, to empower families by helping to prevent family crisis and breakdowns.

New Ash Green’s The Community Cupboard, provide emergency food supplies, essential toiletries and other household items, to individuals and families in financial hardship and also to other charities or organisations working to prevent poverty. 

The Young Lives Foundation helps children and young people in need to enable their voices to be heard, champion their rights and interests, support them through times of difficulty and distress and assist them to achieve their potential.

Imago Dei Prison Ministry offer courses for women in prison, focusing on addressing the underlying reasons behind offending and changing the self-perceptions of women who end up in prison, and giving them tools to feel empowered to make different choices and help reduce reoffending rates.

High Sheriff of Kent, Russell Race Esq JP DL said:

“Kent has a wealth of amazing charitable organisations doing vital work to support our residents across the county and I am grateful to Kent Community Foundation for introducing me to many wonderful charities and for supporting me during my year as High Sheriff. The recipients of this year’s Awards cover a wide spectrum of much-needed services and I hope reflect the diverse nature of the county.”

The winning charitable organisations received a certificate and a £500 donation.