Aylesham Community Trust (ACT)
Aylesham Community Trust (ACT) is your local charity at the heart of the rapidly growing village of Aylesham in Kent’s historic coalfields. Since 1995, we’ve been here for our community, providing training opportunities, employment support and essential community services.
About us
As a registered charity, we reinvest all income from our facility rentals directly back into supporting local people and community groups across Aylesham and the wider Kent Coalfields area. Everything we do is about making life better for the people who live here.
In 2023, our Trustees agreed on an ambitious programme of growth and change. Working with trusted partners, our plans will help unlock new types of support and opportunities for the people of Aylesham, the surrounding areas and the wider Kent Coalfield.
What We're About
Supporting Our Mining Heritage Communities
We’re proud to serve Aylesham and the villages around Dover and Canterbury that have mining in their blood. These are our communities – some of the most challenged areas in Kent, but also some of the strongest.
We’re what’s called an umbrella organisation, which just means we’re here to help local clubs and groups do what they do best – bringing people together and making life better for everyone.
Our Community Impact
Supporting Former Mining Communities
We’re proud to serve the former mining villages around Dover and Canterbury. These areas have rich industrial heritage and strong communities, though they rank amongst Kent’s most challenged areas. As an umbrella organisation, we support local clubs, groups, and initiatives that bring people together and help our communities thrive.
The Old School Coffee Shop & Kitchen
The Old School Coffee Shop and Kitchen is a great social space to meet and share a drink or food during the week and a place that could offer families a meal at weekends without having to leave the village.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Friday: 9am – 2.30pm
A full Brunch menu is available including weekly and seasonal specials. - Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 12pm-2.30pm
A Sunday Carvery menu including a regular vegetarian special. Booking is recommended as space is limited and it may not be possible to seat walk-in customers
Training and Meeting Spaces
We have very competitive rates and can cater for a wide variety of uses including catered conferencing facilities, meeting room space and space for a community activity as well as larger spaces for events with or without catering.
Local Business Hub
Aylesham has a thriving business community! Our Business Parks and Offices are home to a range of local businesses and traders. Maybe the trade or service that you need is closer than you think!
Get in touch
Our friendly team is here Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm for enquiries about our services, facilities, and community support programmes. Give us a call or drop in – we’re always happy to chat about how we can help.