Social Enterprise Kent has opened the doors of its new Margate High Street hub.
The organisation, which supports individuals, charities and businesses in a range of services from cost of living help to training and school events, has taken over the former Betfred site in the lower High Street.
The property has been transformed into numerous areas for advice, skills and linking up with other community groups across two floors.
The official opening today (February 28) was attended by Margate mayor Rob Yates who did the ribbon cutting honours. Other guests included Dane Valley councillor Jack Packman, Sharon Davies from Thanet council, Karen Brinkman from TVHS and the Veterans’ Association and Kerry Millett from Broadstairs Town Team and Town Shed.
SEK chief executive Rebecca Smith (pictured) said having the High Street base was “exciting.” She added: “SEK has been running for 40 years next year.
“We do several different things, support social enterprises and charities through training programmes, business consultancy programmes, coaching, peer networking, guidance and putting on events.
“We also support individuals in the community with digital energy guidance about navigating the online world to get the best deal; health inequalities programme, reducing the disparity between those who are healthy and those who are not; cost of living programme helping people in a holistic manner to be able to navigate the system, employability and financial budgeting and confidence building. Sometimes it is as simple as building confidence.”
SEK also hosts prevention programmes around bowel and breast cancer, older people services, the social supermarket in Ramsgate and school events and programmes, including the teacher of the year awards with nominations closing today.
Part of its work, as a larger organisation is to secure funding and then distribute through partnership payments or microfunding to other smaller organisations. Last year £1million was distributed.
The High Street venue, which will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, will offer SEK services but will also be used by organisations such as Barclay’s community banking every Wednesday, Thanet council and the NHS.
Director of Wellbeing Claire Shelton (pictured) said: “We want a space that is a community hub, a venue for people with lots of different support which is accessible on the high street.
“We have a Barclays community banking hub, There are all the SEK run programmes but lots of different partners will be having pop-up sessions or using the space to deliver all sorts of things.”
Space will be used by organisations including the hospital trust and Kent Community Health Trust, community schemes such as Beyond the Page and there will also be rooms available for hire.
Cllr Yates said: “SEK is about connecting communities and funds and finding solutions.
“It is really exciting to see this collaboration grow.”
Food for the event was supplied by neighbouring Olimpia bakery.
Find out more about SEK at https://sekgroup.org.uk/
Nominations for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2024 close at midnight on Wednesday 28th February.
To nominate someone, tell SEK what makes the person/team within your school community stand out from the rest!
Nominations are open to parents, students, and peers and there are a wide range of award categories, including primary, secondary, early careers, non-teaching members of staff, and volunteers.
Make your nomination here
