Thanet groups have been awarded cash by Kent Police

Dee Murphy, Ian Heath, Paul Hill, Sharon Adley, John Litchfield, Maggie Gallant, Ian Carter-Chapman and Patricia Scutt.

Three more Thanet groups have been awarded cash from Kent Police’s unclaimed lost property fund.

As well as the Friends of Ellington Park, which received £500, the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, SpeakUpCIC and Thanet Colts Football Club also received cheques for the same amount.

The money is raised through the sale of lost property and unclaimed items seized during operations and then shared out each year to several worthwhile ventures all over the county following nominations by Kent Police employees.

The presentation was made at Margate Police Station on March 28.

Oasis

The Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in Margate works alongside Kent Police to provide temporary and safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse.

Dee Murphy, from the charity, said: “This money will help buy computers to support victims with children who stay here at our refuge. Many come here without their belongings so the computers will help the children continue their education during a time of change.”

SpeakUpCIC

 SpeakUpCIC in Margate supports people across East Kent who suffer from mental health conditions.

Maggie Gallant and Ian Carter-Chapman, from the charity, collected the cheque. Ian said: “This money will help us pay for mobile phones so that we can offer a buddy system where those suffering with mental health conditions can call another sufferer for support. This will be particularly helpful during times of need when people feel isolated.”

Thanet Colts

Thanet Colts Football Club also received a cheque and Chairman Ian Heath and Vice Chairman Paul Hill were delighted to pick it up.

Paul said: “We support more than 450 children at the club and rely on voluntary donations. There are currently more than 30 teams for men, women and children and whilst there are many things we need, a set of metal shutters are our priority due to some recent break-ins at the club.”

‘Delighted’

Chief Inspector Sharon Adley at Kent Police, who presented the cheques, said: “I am delighted to be able to offer donations to these worthwhile charities, which all do so much to help those living in our community and ultimately support the work we do.

“I’m really passionate about making the towns in Thanet great places to live and work and can see the benefits of supporting charities that make a real difference to the people living here.”