Welcome to our first 2026 Newsletter

My name is Hannah Jones, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Social Prescribing Development Officer. I took over from Emilie Nicholson a few months ago and have been settling into the role.

My background is in helping people from diverse communities access employment and education, as well as supporting people to build life and employability skills. This role feels like a natural fit as it builds on my passion for inclusive, person‑centred support and the power of community connection.

About Positive Wellbeing

Positive Wellbeing is delivered through our Community Warden Service and focuses on tackling loneliness and social isolation. Wardens provide a listening ear and signpost people to the support they need, making a real difference to residents across Kent.

By working closely with a variety of partners and supporting organisations, the Wardens take a hands‑on, proactive approach to reducing loneliness. This work plays an important role in preventing issues from escalating and helps reduce pressure on wider health and social care services.

Prevention starts with connection, and our Wardens bring this to life every day.
Here are some recent examples of their brilliant work (names have been changed).

United in Sound

The Dartford and Gravesham team created United in Sound – a safe, inclusive music session inspired by feedback from residents who felt anxious or intimidated due to their neurodiversity.

With Warden support, participants built confidence and found a sense of belonging. One attendee, Mike, had been isolated after being bullied and struggled with low self‑esteem. With encouragement from the Wardens, he took part in the sessions, made friends and saw his anxiety reduce over time.

Saving and changing lives

Our Dover team recently supported Mary, an elderly resident who faced severe isolation, limited mobility and feelings of hopelessness.

Through an agreement with Stagecoach, Wardens can travel free to assist residents. This meant the team could accompany Mary on a journey from her home to a local shopping centre, helping her use her bus pass confidently for the first time.

The day out – lunch, shopping, the seafront and reminiscing over local history – left Mary feeling “on top of the world”. She is now keen to keep building her confidence and hopes to make the journey independently in the future.

What our customers say

‘This has really helped me more than you know. X was amazing – he encouraged me to try different groups and supported me throughout.’

‘Our Community Warden is very supportive and always goes the extra mile. She is a well‑loved and respected member of our everyday lives. Thank you for your continued service.’

“It was good to have X visiting me. We worked on attending coffee mornings and the lunch club. I have now made quite a few friends there… I don’t feel so alone now and don’t worry so much.’

‘I am in a completely different place since meeting my local Warden… I felt hopeless before, but now I have something to look forward to.’

Get in touch

Positive Wellbeing is currently available only in areas supported by a Community Warden, but we are working to expand the service so more residents can benefit.

If you or your organisation would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.

Transport is an on-going barrier for many residents. If you, or anyone you know, are able to provide any service at all, we would love to hear from you.

To refer someone who could benefit, do so here.

We look forward to another year of making positive changes and building a stronger community, together.

The Positive Wellbeing Team