Established in 2014, and independently managed by the Kent Community Foundation, the Port of Dover Community Fund benefits the local community by supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills as well as those offering activities that enrich and improve the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities.

The total amount of financial support provided by the Port Community Fund to date is £520,000, funding 66 projects and over 44,000 beneficiaries.

TCDT have been helping the residents of East Kent since 2002. Their mission is the relief of poverty among local vulnerable and disadvantaged people. They receive no core funding but work in partnership to deliver projects which improve lives. In this way, they have brought over £10 million in grant funding into the local economy over the last 15 years.

This grant funded 4 x CSCS Card courses for the ‘Build a Future’ project covering tutor costs, venue hire, student travel and fees for exams, accreditation and card application.

To date, 45 people have successfully benefited from the ‘Build a Future project’ which is 5 more than their initial target of 40. Ten of these are now in sustainable work as a result and at least one is in further training. The project will continue to track and support participants to help them find employment with an expectation of at least 60% in work by the end of the duration of this phase. The project has been such a success so far it already has a waiting list for any further courses.

Port of Dover Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Jenny Beacon said: “The ‘Build a Future’ project couldn’t be better named as it has done just that for many local young and disadvantaged people. It’s heart-warming to see the dedication of those involved and hear the stories of participants who, following their previous struggles, have now found steady employment or further education as a result.

“Congratulations to the Thanet Community Development Trust. I’m so proud that the Port of Dover Community Fund could help to make the ‘Build a Future’ project the unequivocal success it clearly is.”

Natalie Glover, Projects Manager, Thanet Community Development Trust said: “Thanks to the Port of Dover Fund, we have been able to literally transform the lives of local people who are now qualified to work on construction sites. By delivering these construction industry specific courses in an area undergoing a large housing development, we have seen many people find work quickly, and kick-start their career in construction.

“Some of our recent course participants were previously hanging around the street and getting into trouble but this course gave them the opportunity to break free from this. Having this opportunity on their doorstep led them in a new and improved direction. Here at TCDT, we are delighted with the outcomes of the project so far and it’s been a pleasure working with Bechange in Aylesham to deliver the courses from their Community Hub. We’re looking forward to making even more of a difference in 2019″