Aylesham Community Trust and Bechange in Aylesham, two organisations, are working to support local people through challenging times and create opportunities for positive change. Aylesham Community Trust and Bechange Community Hub share a deep commitment to improving lives in our community, and their partnership over the years demonstrates what can be achieved when local organisations work together with a shared vision.
What is Bechange
Bechange is a grassroots charity that has been working with local people in Aylesham and surrounding villages to help them build skills, confidence, healthy relationships, and good mental and physical health.
Operating from their community hub on the Aylesham Community Trust site, Bechange is one of the focal points for community activities that ACT supports, bringing residents together and making Aylesham an even more vibrant place to live. Their vision is simple but powerful: a thriving community where everyone matters. Their mission is to serve the needs of local people, supporting individuals and groups to achieve positive and lasting change.
Bechange offers a wide range of services and activities, including:
– Training and workshops to build skills
– One-to-one support with skills, learning, and employability
– Help with money management and benefit entitlements
– Family support services
– Healthy lifestyle programmes
– Community groups and social activities
– A community garden for growing fresh produce
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Aylesham Community Trust is a community anchor organisation, and our partnership with Bechange is built on shared values and a common commitment to serving the people of Aylesham and the surrounding rural area.
Both organisations:
- Put community first: Every decision we make is guided by what will benefit local people
- Support empowerment: We believe in helping people help themselves, providing tools and support rather than creating dependency
- Foster inclusion: Our services are open to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance
- Build resilience: We work to strengthen our community so it can face future challenges together.
Aylesham Community Trust is proud to host Bechange on our site at a reduced rent. This enables Bechange to invest more of its resources directly into supporting local people rather than paying commercial rents, making a bigger difference in our community.
The Aylesham and Rural Local Pantry
One of the most visible and impactful results of our partnership is the Aylesham and Rural Local Pantry. Launched in May 2022, the Pantry was set up jointly by Bechange and Aylesham Community Trust to help people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Find out more about the Pantry HERE.