A charity which works to help adults with an assortment of issues including debt, employment and parenting, is looking to branch out in Deal.

Bechange, formerly known as Aylesham Neighbourhood Project, was formed in 1997 and has since been helping adults to create lasting change in their lives.

The team which includes five support workers, five volunteers and four trustees, offers help, support and advice in three main areas; skills and employment, finance and housing; and families and relationships. They already have close links with other areas in the district but not many in Deal.

Acting chief executive Angela Doggett said: “We want to expand into more communities and look for businesses who can support us.

“There is a variety of ways a business can help, not just in funding but in work placement, for instance.”

Whether it be how to write a CV, apply for jobs digitally or general core skills, Bechange often hosts workshops and courses in conjunction with East Kent and Canterbury College.

The company which relies on grant funding would like to find some free space in Deal which will help make these courses more accessible to people in the town.

Mrs Doggett said: “We want to be in areas where people can reach us that is why we are looking for free places in Deal to help us build links.”

Service manager Cheryl Maley said: “We like to help people before they get to crisis point.”

A lot of their clients are referred to them from the job centre or foodbank but people can refer themselves.

“If people self refer we might not be able to help, but we will try to find them another agency which will,” she said.

To access support or to help, call Bechange on 01304 840134 or visit www.bechange.org.uk

Workshops to consider:

• Money Matters – 9.30am until 11.30am on Tuesday, September 22 at the Old Park Community Centre in Whitfield.
• Family Fun – summer sessions at the Old Park Community Centre in Whitfield from 10am until noon on Thursday, August 6, and Tuesday, August 25. Another session will be at Cartwright and Kelsey Primary in Ash on Tuesday, August 18. They are for families with children aged two to 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be an assortment of crafts with a seaside, bugs and garden theme, as well as refreshments. Support worker Nicky Cox said: “We can take referrals from anyone who comes to this. We will also have support leaflets.”
• Basic IT – IT course in partnership with Canterbury College at the Bechange office in Ackholt Road, Aylesham, from 9.30am until noon on Thursday, September 24.
• Working Progress – an employability course which runs for two hours over four weeks. This course looks at people’s personal plans and aspirations and also helps people discover the positives of being in employment and coming off benefits. Call Bechange to find out more.