Chartwell House
Chartwell House Care Home in Broadstairs has opened The Chartwellion, a resident-led shop designed to bring independence, choice and meaningful daily occupation to those living at the home. The shop opened on Tuesday, 7 July, following a period of consultation with residents, whose ideas and requests shaped every aspect of what it sells and how it operates.
The concept grew from a straightforward observation: while residents regularly enjoy trips to the nearby Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, many expressed a wish for the convenience and independence of picking up everyday essentials within the home itself. The Chartwellion answers that directly, stocking items chosen entirely by residents, including stamps, greetings cards, gifts, confectionery, toiletries and personal care products. The range continues to evolve in response to ongoing resident feedback.
The name itself carries meaning: Chartwellion is a nod to the lions of Chartwell, and resident Peter has painted a canvas lion to mark the occasion, a piece that now sits at the heart of the shop and captures the spirit of the community that created it.
What sets The Chartwellion apart from a standard on-site amenity is that residents run it. With support from Chartwell House’s Life Enrichment Team, they take on active roles including serving customers, handling purchases, organising stock and managing the day-to-day running of the shop.
For many, the opportunity carries a deeper significance. Several residents previously worked in customer-facing roles, including retail and the Post Office, and The Chartwellion gives them the chance to reconnect with familiar skills and routines in a safe and supportive environment. For residents living with dementia in particular, meaningful roles of this kind can help reinforce a sense of identity, encourage conversation and stimulate long-term memories. Research from organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society shows that maintaining familiar routines and engaging in purposeful activity can improve wellbeing, support self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation for people living with dementia.
Taryn, Head of Lifestyle and Wellbeing at Chartwell House, said: “The Chartwellion is much more than a shop. It’s about giving residents choice, purpose and ownership. Every product on the shelves has been selected because our residents told us they wanted it there, and many of our residents now play an active role in running the shop. For those living with dementia, familiar routines such as serving customers or organising stock can spark wonderful conversations and memories from earlier in life. Seeing residents take pride in welcoming customers and supporting one another has been incredibly rewarding.”
Beryl, a resident at Chartwell House, added: “I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s lovely to be able to pop into the shop whenever we need something, and it’s even nicer knowing that we’ve helped create it. It feels like our own little community shop.”
The Chartwellion forms part of the home’s Life Enrichment Programme, built around six principles designed to nurture residents’ whole wellbeing: Contribute, Grow, Reflect, Feel, Move and Connect. It reflects a wider philosophy at Chartwell House, and across Boutique Care Homes, of listening carefully to residents and turning their ideas into something they can genuinely call their own.
Parkinson’s UK
A cyclist from Margate has completed a ride of more than 1,242 miles from Canterbury to Rome to raise money for Parkinson’s UK in support of his mother Vivienne, who lives with the condition.
John Millward, 52, set off from Canterbury on 27 June and reached Rome this month, travelling through France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
John began his journey at Canterbury Cathedral, the traditional starting point of the ancient pilgrimage route linking Canterbury and Rome. He was seen off by wife Nancy and their rescue dog, Theo. John sported a Parkinson UK top – with Theo in matching neckerchief- to mark the start of the challenge.
Inspired by the historic Via Francigena, a route travelled by pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, his journey followed the same broad path across Europe, adapted for modern cycle touring.
Travelling through France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy before reaching Rome, the challenge combined a personal mission to support Parkinson’s UK with a connection to one of Europe’s most enduring long-distance journeys.
Carrying his own equipment and camping for much of the journey, IT worker John tackled mountain passes, long-distance riding days and unpredictable weather as he made his way across Europe.
The challenge was to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s UK, a charity supporting people affected by Parkinson’s and funding research into new treatments.
Supporters can donate through his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/c2r26
EKC Group
East Kent employers are being invited to discover how they can access thousands of pounds in funding and support through the Government’s Youth Guarantee programme, thanks to a new series of webinars hosted by East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group).
The Youth Guarantee is a government initiative designed to help young people access employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities, while supporting employers to recruit and develop emerging talent.
To help businesses understand the opportunities available, EKC Group will be hosting two free online employer webinars, providing practical guidance on available funding, apprenticeship incentives and how organisations can benefit from bringing young people into their workforce.
Upcoming employer webinars
- Wednesday 12 August, 3pm – 3.30pm
- Friday 18 September, 11am – 12pm
During the sessions, employers will learn how the Youth Guarantee can help reduce recruitment costs, address skills shortages and support business growth through targeted financial incentives.
Employers participating in the Youth Guarantee may be eligible for a range of funding opportunities, including:
- £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for every 18 to 24-year-old hired who has been claiming Universal Credit and seeking work for six months or more.
- £1,000 employer incentive payment for businesses of any size that take on an eligible apprentice aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan or care experience.
- Employer National Insurance savings when hiring an apprentice under the age of 25 who earns less than £50,270 per year.
- £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy employers recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 (available from October 2026).
- 100% apprenticeship training cost funding for SMEs recruiting apprentices aged 16 to 24.
As a result, small and medium-sized enterprises could receive up to £6,000 when recruiting a 16 to 18-year-old apprentice, or up to £5,000 when hiring someone aged 19 or over.
Levy-paying employers may also benefit, with funding worth up to £4,000 available for young recruits under the Youth Guarantee, alongside fully funded apprenticeship training.
The webinars aim to give employers a clear understanding of the financial and operational benefits available, while highlighting the role businesses can play in creating opportunities for young people across Kent.
By engaging with the Youth Guarantee, employers can strengthen their talent pipelines, develop future skills within their organisations and access substantial recruitment incentives at a time when many sectors continue to face workforce challenges.
EKC Group’s Chief Communications Officer, Jamie Weir, said: “The Youth Guarantee is a great opportunity for employers across Kent to invest in the next generation of talent while accessing valuable financial support.
“Through these live webinars, we want to help businesses understand the full range of opportunities available and demonstrate how working with young people can not only address skills shortages but also bring fresh perspectives and long-term benefits to their organisations.
“By connecting employers with the right information and support, we’re hoping to create more pathways into employment for young people across our region.”
Businesses interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of EKC Group’s employer webinars.
For further information, visit ekcgroup.ac.uk
Angels 4 Dogs
A Thanet dog rescue is appealing to the community to become one of its 100 Angels 4 Dogs by pledging £20 a month to help provide a reliable future for vulnerable rescue dogs.
Angels 4 Dogs, a volunteer-run charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs, has launched the campaign in the hope of finding 100 compassionate supporters willing to make a monthly donation that will directly help cover the charity’s ever-growing kennel and care costs.
The rescue says one of its biggest ongoing expenses is providing safe kennel accommodation for dogs waiting for their forever homes. Each dog costs £13 per day during the summer, increasing to £16 per day during the colder months when heating is required. With many dogs in their care at any one time, these essential costs quickly amount to thousands of pounds every month.
By reaching their goal of 100 supporters donating £20 a month, the charity will have a dependable source of income to help cover kennel fees, allowing them to plan ahead, continue rescuing dogs in desperate need and ensure every animal receives the warmth, safety and care it deserves.
As a thank you, every supporter who joins the scheme will become one of the charity’s 100 Angels and receive exclusive benefits including:
Access to the private 100 Angels 4 Dogs Facebook community.
At least one exclusive update every week from the rescue.
Behind-the-scenes photos, videos and stories about the dogs they are helping.
The opportunity to chat with other supporters and follow each dog’s rescue journey.
A spokesperson for Angels 4 Dogs said: “Every dog deserves a second chance, but providing that chance comes at a significant cost. Our kennel bills alone run into thousands of pounds every month before we even consider veterinary treatment, food and rehabilitation. By finding 100 people willing to donate just £20 a month, we can create a stable foundation that allows us to continue saying ‘yes’ to dogs who have nowhere else to turn. We hope our local community will join us and become part of something truly special.”
People can support the campaign by setting up either a monthly direct debit or a standing order.
Supporters who already donate £20 or more each month are also invited to join the 100 Angels 4 Dogs community by contacting the charity through its Facebook page.
The charity hopes the campaign will not only provide financial stability but also create a close-knit community of supporters who can see the direct impact of their generosity through regular updates from the rescue.
Together, 100 people giving just £20 each month could help provide safe kennels, food, veterinary care and second chances for countless dogs in need.
For more information or to become one of the 100 Angels 4 Dogs, visit the Angels 4 Dogs Facebook page or contact the charity directly.
Places for People
Places for People’s Paul Stapley has been recognised for his dedication to raising standards in housebuilding after winning the NHBC Pride in the Job Award for the South East.
Paul beat the competition to take home the prestigious title for his work on our direct delivery site, Hartsdown Gardens in Margate.
Organised by the National House Building Council (NHBC), the awards – now in their 45th year and widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry – set the benchmark for exceptional site managers. Judges assess people across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.
Speaking on his award, Paul said: “This award isn’t just about me; it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Having worked on this site from the start, seeing it develop from those early stages to what it is today has been incredibly rewarding.
“I’m honoured to receive this award and proud of what has been achieved. I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in making the project a success. It’s a real privilege to work alongside such a hardworking team.”
John Kerr, Places for People Regional Managing Director, South East, commented:
“Paul is a worthy award winner. What he has achieved at Hartsdown Gardens is nothing short of remarkable. He lives and breathes the PfP values and has created a team that not only delivers but goes above and beyond to ensure our Customers are supported. He should be incredibly proud of receiving this recognition, and I look forward to seeing how he progresses through the next stages.”
Paul is now shortlisted for the Regional Finals, which will take place in October 2026, where he will compete against other regional winners for his place at the National Finals and the title of Supreme Award Winner.
Don’t Miss Margate
Don’t Miss Margate, the weekly newsletter telling locals what’s on across the town, has been named Best Local and Community Newsletter at the Publisher Newsletter Awards 2026, seeing off competition from some of the biggest names in publishing.
The awards, held in London on 8 July, celebrate the best newsletters produced by publishers around the world. Don’t Miss Margate topped a shortlist that included The Times and Sunday Times, Reach plc (publisher of the Mirror and dozens of regional titles) and international publishers from the US and Ukraine.
The win comes in the same week as a second major moment for the company. Don’t Miss Media Group, the Margate based publisher behind the newsletter, has been shortlisted twice at the Future of Media Awards, run by Press Gazette, the leading trade title for the UK news industry. These are among the most senior awards in British journalism, and this year’s shortlists are dominated by national names including the Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times, Sky News and the BBC.
Don’t Miss Margate is shortlisted for Newsletter of the Year (Specialist/Regional), while Don’t Miss Media Group is shortlisted for Reader Revenue Strategy, where it is the only independent hyperlocal publisher on a shortlist alongside The Belfast Telegraph, The I Paper, The Irish News and The Kyiv Independent.
Don’t Miss Margate was founded by Margate resident Georgina Wilson-Powell, a journalist and editor with more than 20 years of experience, to champion the town’s independent businesses, events and community life. The company now also publishes Don’t Miss Ramsgate and Don’t Miss Broadstairs, reaching 6,000 readers across Thanet every week with open rates roughly double the industry average.
Georgina Wilson-Powell, founder of Don’t Miss Media Group, said: “This award belongs to Margate. Every week we shout about the independent shops, the gigs, the markets, the community groups and the people who make this town what it is, and to see that recognised above newsletters from The Times and international publishers is extraordinary. It proves that local doesn’t mean you need to have a small ambition. Towns like ours deserve multi-channel media that loves where it lives, and that’s exactly what we’re building.”
Don’t Miss Margate is free to subscribe or you can pay £4 / month to support their work.
Fantastic all needed i will be donating to the Angels for dogs and supporting the Broadstairs nursing home great jobs done to all positive news from Thanet a last