People who have made a difference in the borough were recognised at the third Compassionate Community Awards.

The annual ceremony, which was held in Maidstone Town Hall, was organised by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and Heart of Kent Hospice.

The awards were initially introduced in 2020, to highlight the work of people in the community in response to the pandemic.

Cllr Derek Mortimer, Mayor of Maidstone, presented the awards and said they were “a fantastic way to recognise some amazing acts of kindness and shine a light on some of the people who give up their own time to help and support others.”

He added: “The nominations included some great examples of how people in Maidstone help each other without a thought for themselves, making a big difference to their community.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate each and every one of them for everything they have done and continue to do.”

The winners were:

• Workplace/business: Fusion Healthy Living Centre
• Neighbour/Volunteer: Katrina Farrell
• Neighbour/Volunteer: Bill Seymour
• School /Teacher: Archbishop Courtenay Primary School
• Young Person: Chloe Hubbard
• Community: Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM)

MADM was presented the award for the most compassionate community by the panel.

The christian charity supports individuals and families who find themselves in crisis through homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction, financial need, unemployment, relationship breakdown and more.

They opened their first shop along Maidstone High Street in April 2016.

Its founder, Amanda Sidwell, commented: “It really means a lot to us, I was tearful when I received the phone call!

“It shows that respect is there, people are able to see what we are doing and it doesn’t go undetected.

“I was so elated to be presented with the award, it was most unexpected.”

Archbishop Courtenay Primary stood out to the judges and were honoured as compassionate school/teacher.

Over the last year, the school had worked on a "Wellbeing Change Project", which was made up of leadership, teaching and support staff.

They also had "Wellbeing Ambassadors", who were pupils, as well as "Wellbeing Fairies" – where from time to time, someone is left a small gift anonymously on their desk as a thank you for all their help.

Fusion Healthy Living Centre picked up the award for compassionate workplace/business.

They were nominated for going above and beyond helping others in need through tough times.

The drop-in centre currently hosts events and activities daily throughout the year for the community.

One resident said: "The Fusion team have helped me through a very difficult time recently.

"They have supported me with great advice and listening to my worries to find solutions; supported me with getting back to work, coping with my anxiety and grief after I recently lost my mum."

The judging panel was composed of Alison Broom, chief executive of MBC, Rachel Street, chief executive of The Heart of Kent Hospice, and Cllr Lottie Parfitt Reid, MBC lead member for communities and public engagement.