New faces & exciting events!
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
This is your March update from Catching Lives. Spring has finally sprung, and this month, our clients have been busy preparing the day centre garden for warmer weather, creating a relaxing and functional outdoor space.
Thanks to our wonderful community, we have reached (and exceeded!) our £20,000 target for this year's Winter Appeal! Thank you so much to everybody who donated and helped us to support people who are homeless through the winter months. We remain open every day for essential services and support, and we couldn't do it without you.
If you would like to find out more about how we work with people experiencing homelessness, and want to see what your donations support, why not come along to our Open Evening on Wednesday 22nd April. You can book a place here.
Catching Lives appoints new Chair of Trustees
This month, Catching Lives welcomed new Chair Teresa Pearce.
Teresa brings a wealth of experience, including previously serving as shadow Minister for Housing and Planning, where she worked on policies to improve protections for tenants and increase housing supply.
In accepting the role, Teresa said "Homelessness remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our society. I look forward to working with Catching Lives to strengthen our impact, advocate for lasting solutions, and ensure that everyone has access to safe and secure housing."
We look forward to working with Teresa to continue to develop the work of Catching Lives in supporting people who are homeless. You can read more about the appointment here.
My Hands Are My Voice: Client artwork exhibited at The Beaney
Back in Autumn of last year, some of our clients took part in a textiles project with local artist Rachelle Francis. The 'Mind to Stitch' workshops were delivered over multiple sessions, with clients selecting shapes and materials that inspired them, to create cloth book pages and worry dolls.
Clients and Occupational Therapy students on placement at Catching Lives took part in making colourful and creative pieces which were all turned into books full of unique cloth pages, each one telling a story. Individuals had the opportunity to create art and express themselves through new materials and techniques, learning to sew and work with fabrics that were completely new to many of the clients involved.
The books have become part of Rachelle's exhibition 'My Hands Are My Voice', a tribute to her late mother and her fascinating body of drawings and textile works. It's an interactive and colourful installation displaying stories of creativity and connection to support wellbeing. The exhibition is available at The Beaney until Sunday 17th May. You can find out more here.
Secret Postcard Event bookings are live!
Catching Lives is hosting a Secret Postcard event! On Thursday 14th May from 18:00 we are hosting an evening of local art at BoConcept in Canterbury, to raise money for Catching Lives.
Local artists and creatives have been working on one-of-a-kind postcards that will be sold on the night. The artist is revealed when you buy the postcard! There are so many amazing pieces, all completely unique - there is something for everybody.
Join us for an evening of fantastic art, with drinks and nibbles, to support people experiencing homelessness. You can find out more and book your free tickets to the event here.
Meet our new Kitchen & Volunteer Coordinator
This month, we welcomed Fiona, our new Kitchen & Volunteer Coordinator, who will be supporting our wonderful team of volunteers and keeping our kitchen organised. We asked Fiona a few questions to get to know her better:
Tell us about your role:
There are two main aspects to the role: recruiting and supporting volunteers, and managing the kitchen to make sure we can provide tasty and nutritious food.
Why did you choose to work at Catching Lives?:
I've done lots of volunteering in the past and after leaving a career in higher education marketing decided to look for a role in a community setting that made the most of my professional skills and experience, so working at Catching Lives is perfect!
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?:
Being part of a dedicated and proactive team, making a difference.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?:
Walking our mixed terrier Dobby, reading, theatre, visiting galleries and travelling.
What was your previous line of work/study?:
I was Head of Marketing for student recruitment at the University of Kent.
What are your passions/interests?:
Waging a war on litter and creating a more equal society!
If you are interested in volunteering at Catching Lives, contact Fiona via email: volunteer@catchinglives.org. You can find out more about our current volunteering opportunities here.
Kent Charity Trek: 6 weeks to go!
The countdown to the Kent Charity Trek is on! In less than 7 weeks, on Saturday 16th May, our Chief Executive Tasmin is taking on the full 50km Trek to raise money for Catching Lives to help people who are homeless.
If you have been meaning to sign up for the Trek and haven't done so already, now is the chance to take on the challenge and raise money for a local charity like Catching Lives. You can choose the 25km or 50km trek through the Kentish countryside.
If you're looking for inspiration, or would like to sponsor Tasmin on her long walk from Rochester to Ashford, you can find her fundraising page and training updates here.
If you would like to take part in the Kent Charity Trek, you can sign up via the website.
Thank you
This month we said farewell to two of our brilliant team members who have made a big impact on many clients' lives over the years they have been here. Becky (Project Worker) and Miriam (Arts & Activities Coordinator) are both moving on to new chapters. We thank them for all of their hard work and commitment over the years, and wish them all the best for their new adventures.
Thank you to everybody who donated to our Winter Appeal, raising £24,000 for people experiencing homelessness through the winter.
Thank you to the Kent Police Male Voice Choir, who chose us as their Charity of the Year for 2025 and raised a fantastic £1,257 through collections at their concerts. Thank you to East Kent Spurs, who have chosen us as their Charity of the Year for 2026!
If your company or community group supports a charity each year, and you would like to support Catching Lives, we would love to hear from you! Partnerships like these mean you can have an impact all year round, and make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Please get in touch if you would like to support.
Keep in touch
For regular updates, please keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for more updates until we write to you again in April. If you're not subscribed to our monthly newsletter, you can sign up here.
