Partnerships and Collaboration

We strive to build and nurture connections within the local community to ensure we best represent the people within North West Kent and the surrounding areas. By attending events or working with other organisations on projects we are moving towards strong bodies of work built together with common goals.


We have our current collaborative projects outlined bellow to give you some information on what we are working on alongside some further information how it can help you or how to get involved.

Community Research Engagement Network

The Community Research Engagement Network (CREN) is working to get people in Kent involved with the engagement and participation of research.


Kent and Medway have one of the lowest numbers in the country for people getting involved in health research. Health research also happens less in coastal communities, which means there is less information about the needs of people, and the current support provided may not be right for you and your community. We want to change this.


They aim to:


  • Be a space for community research advocates, representing underserved communities in health and care research across Kent and Medway, to engage with academics and researchers.
  • Identify opportunities to be engaged in research.
  • Hold discussions on the barriers preventing wider participation in research and ask community members the issues that are important to them.
  • Support active engagement and participation in surveys and other research tools including clinical trials.


CREN are working to find individuals to register to hubs for research as seen here alongside being an advocate for this change and spreading the message.


To register either scan the QR codes presented or click on the posters to take you to the designated link.


To join up as an advocate please fill out the form below and we will send you the resources that you can share amongst your organisation.

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Sign Up

“I was surprised at the range of research that is available, and I have signed up for several. There are many that I can suggest to my clients, that will be of benefit to them, and I am now in a better position to be able to take part and signpost, than I ever have been before.” 

 “I am very impressed by the passion displayed by the various companies, around their research field. I have signed up for several myself and have encouraged family and friends to do the same.”

“To know that there is research going in is helpful and that if and when I can, I can engage and that I now have a route to follow.”

“I am a young woman with reproductive health conditions. I generally do not get asked to participate in such things so when I was approached, I thought that it could help me but also help others.”

The UK Shared Propsprity Fund

We are working alongside a number of brilliant organisations to bring a selection of projects and services that support people with employability and the learning of invaluable lifestyle skills.

The Grand

Helping people learn something new, feel supported and make a change.

North Kent Mind have started their new project Inspirations.


With a combination of group and 1-2-1 sessions alongside numerous other services seen on the poster, Mind are providing training for a range of skills that can support people to enter work alongside supporting their mental health and wellbeing.


For more information regarding their services and to book a place please use the links below.

Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (CANWK) is supporting Gravesham residents with their employability skills to help them into work and/or volunteering.


An experienced Careers Coach will provide 1:1 support over the phone, video call or in-person based on the clients needs. Support includes:


  • Careers guidance
  • CV and cover letter writing
  • Job hunting
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Interview preparation, and more!


To access this service, email or call the Citizens Advice in North & West Kent Adviceline (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm).


This service is running until the 31st March 2025.

The Grand have been collaborating with local schools in partnership with a local hair salon.


The Grand have been working with young people with low attendance in education.


Individuals are learning a new hairdressing every week and working in with a team to experience the structure of the working world.


This project is helping people into moving back into education as supporting them with their next steps.