It can be a lonely task running a charity or not-for-profit organisation.

But now at least there is somewhere for good causes in Kent to turn to for advice and guidance.

Charity Mentors Kent and Medway runs a bank of experienced professionals who are willing to give free guidance on problems ranging from sustainability and governance to inter-personnel relations.

It was set up by the Kent Lieutenancy at the behest of the former Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Viscount De L'Isle, and is co-ordinated by Deputy Lieutenant Nick Marden.

Mr Marden explained: "We have a team of 15 mentors, all senior managers in business or with experience in Government or the charity sector.

"They can help leaders to meet whatever strategic challenges they may be facing.

"Busy charity leaders sometimes find it difficult to focus on the wood and not on the trees. It's very easy for them to get caught up with the small things."

Since its foundation last year, Charity Mentors has taken 19 good causes under its wing.

Mr Marden, himself a former professional diplomat and private secretary to the Duke of Kent, said “The idea came from similar mentoring organisations that have been working well in Oxfordshire and East Sussex.

"Running a charity or social enterprise can be a challenging and even lonely job.

"This is especially true now when so many people in the not-for-profit sector are struggling with the adverse effect that the coronavirus pandemic has had on their income streams and their ability to deliver services that are so much needed by communities throughout the county.

"Speaking to somebody with top level management experience in business or charity sectors can help to give fresh perspectives and release time, so that managers can look beyond immediate problems and focus on the future development of their organisations.”

One of the charities it has assisted is Hypo Hounds based in Bedlam Lane, Smarden, which uses specially trained dogs to help families with children suffering from diabetes.

Jane Pearman, Hypo Hounds' founder and chief executive, said: "I found the meetings so useful. They gave me tools, skills and also confidence in myself to push the charity forward to help even more Kent children.”

She added that she found that mentoring helped her to understand the need for a strategic approach and to recognise that charities need to think like a business and plan accordingly.

You can find out more about Charity Mentors Kent and Medway here.

To see if your charity or not-for-profit organisation can be helped by Charity Mentors, email Mr Marden on nick.marden@charitymentorskent.org

The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.