The Kenward Trust has a new patron - TV star David Easter.

The charity based in Yalding supports those affected by addiction, homelessness and crime.

Mr Easter has in the past himself been affected by addiction and has received treatment at Kenward Trust, staying at its residential rehabilitation centre for three months earlier this year.

When asked about what the position meant to him, Mr Easter, best known for his roles in Family Affairs, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and The Bill, said: “This is the most incredible honour for me, thank you for giving me this opportunity.

"I am an ex-resident of the Kenward Trust. It is the most incredible place to help people with addiction.”

Describing himself as a "recovering alcoholic," he said the trust was a place that "embraced addiction and listened to us, listens to the traumas that we have in our lives that made us turn to chemicals - alcohol, drugs.

"But we are not bad people, we shouldn't be blamed for our addiction, and too many people do that.

"It's a new life for me and it's all because of Kenward Trust which actually saved my life, and that is the truth."

Mr Easter is currently receiving support from the trust’s Move On project, which due to a significant increase in demand, the trust is looking at expanding.

The Move On project provides long-term assistance to those who have been through residential treatment to more permanent accommodation, alongside signposting their residents to voluntary or paid work and encouraging further healthy behaviour that aligns with retaining their recovery.

The trust's chief executive Penny Williams said: “We are so pleased that David agreed to support us at Kenward Trust to help the work that we do.

"Funding for addiction treatment centres has been steadily declining since 2013 and with the additional pressures caused by the coronavirus, this has been a challenging year for us.

"Therefore we are delighted to have David’s support in making as many people aware of our services and how they can get involved as possible.”

To find out more about Kenward Trust or to donate, visit the Kenward Trust website.

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For information on and help with addiction click here.