PEPENBURY, based in Pembury, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Kent Charity Awards.
The organisation helps adults with learning disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities and other conditions, such as autism.
It provides residential facilities with full-time care, supported living, a day services centre and a community team. It cares for 200 people and emp-loys more than 250 staff.
One of the charity’s clients, Sue Owen, whose son lives at the Pembury residential site, said: “Pepenbury is just special. It gives my son a chance to have a life of his own.
“I get real peace of mind seeing him so happy and busy. I needn’t worry about his future, or sec-urity, or how he will manage if I’m not able to be there for him. Pepenbury is well thought out, managed and run.”
The recognition comes a week after the establishment won recognition as the best learning disability support foundation in Kent, at the GHP Social Care Awards.
The main site, in Cornford Lane, is set in 100 acres of unspoilt countryside and the grounds, nursery, farm and café are open to the public.
After a recent fundraising initiative, there is also a children’s playground and woodland walk.
One of Pepenbury’s community support workers, Denise Bain, said of her role: “Getting to know the personalities of the service users at Pepenbury is a real privilege. Helping them to build relationships and achieve dreams and skills for everyday life is all part of our work.”
Pepenbury Chief Executive Sarah Stookes added: “We, as an organisation, invest in educating and supporting our care team to provide the best possible care for our service users.
“We are delighted to be a finalist in the Kent Charity Awards. It’s a fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of our staff.”
The winners will be announced on March 16. For more information, visit www.pepenbury.info
