Weds 23rd April 2025
The WBG chosen charity for 2024/25 was Take Off, who offer mental health peer support services across East Kent. Chair, Colman Carpenter was keen for his chosen charity to offer support in that area, and also to be both local and small enough that the WBG funds would have a significant impact. Take Off fitted the bill perfectly.
During the year the group was joined by Take Off on a couple of occasions, once to introduce themselves and kick off the fundraising efforts, and again at the WBG 25th anniversary summer party. WBG were delighted to welcome them back today to update us on the charity’s work, and also to present them with a cheque for £1,500.
Wayne and Ellie informed us that they have been confirmed as joint-CEOs of the charity, having been acting-CEOs when WBG first engaged with them. In the last year they had to make the tough decision to close their Dover office to better utilise their funds, sharing resources with other organisations instead. The new setup, along with other internal initiatives, is showing an improvement in morale, though. The money from WBG will go to support the Ashford group, who offer peer support to those who need help with anxiety and depression.
Outgoing chair, Colman Carpenter, expressed his pride that his tenure resulted in a significant donations to Take Off’s coffers, and that the money will allow them to continue to offer important peer-support services in Ashford and beyond.