The Deputy Lieutenants have been making visits to Kent charities to thank them for all they do.

Kate Fenwick visited Abigail’s Footsteps at Medway Hospital which is a national charity focused on Stillbirth Bereavement. This incredible charity was founded by David and Jo Ward in 2010 after they tragically lost their daughter Abigail who was still born. Abagail’s Footsteps is a truly inspirational charity providing positive support for so many from the introduction of the cold cots and counselling services to the wonderful safe and bereavement suites for those having to cope with the huge and often inexplicable loss of a precious baby. Abigail’s Place was opened in 2016 and was recently cited in a report into Medway NHS Foundation Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as ‘the gold standard in the provision of care for parents and families who experience a stillbirth’ and said that it ‘provided privacy and compassionate support and was seen as outstanding practice’.

Melissa Murdoch visited Lily’s Social Kitchen in Canterbury. Lily’s Kitchen offers employment and work experience to people from all walks of life, some with mental disabilities and others who may have just left prison and need to gain work experience to get back in to the work force. Their goal is to help vulnerable people become more self sufficient and give them the skills to help them achieve this.