£13,000 Helps Kent Carers Step Out into Nature

Leading grant makers Kent Community Foundation has awarded two grants totalling £13,000 to Stepping Out with Carers CIC, a Dover-based charity that offers accessible walks and social activities across Kent to support unpaid carers and those they care for.

Founded to combat isolation and promote wellbeing, Stepping Out with Carers CIC provides inclusive, welcoming outdoor experiences designed to give carers much-needed respite while fostering social connection and physical activity.

The Stepping Out with Carers CIC application to Kent Community Foundation outlined their aims to offer accessible walks, to foster friendships, build community bonds, and promote a love of nature and the outdoors for carers. Their work seeks to embed the joy of outdoor exercise, especially for those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or mental health challenges. It also aims to reduce loneliness, create a sense of belonging, and reach isolated individuals in deprived areas through a cost-free offer, including transport and refreshments.

Kent Community Foundation supported the application with £13,000 funding from two philanthropic funds they manage. CJW Community First awarded the CIC £4,000 and the Port of Dover Community Fund awarded £9,000 to help the organisation continue to deliver free, supported walks and nature-based activities.

On 28 June 2025, Stepping Out with Carers CIC, will be hosting The Big Step Out at Mote Park, Maidstone as part of the National Community Walking Festival to celebrate unpaid carers and the people they care for throughout the UK.

Catherine Glover, Chief Executive at Kent Community Foundation, said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, and we are delighted to support Stepping Out with Carers CIC in their work to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness. Their inclusive approach ensures that both carers and those they care for can enjoy safe, supportive time outdoors.”

Sue Mott, Chief Executive, Stepping Out with Carers CIC, added: ““This funding from Kent Community Foundation has turbocharged our ability to reach such a challenged and often isolated community and we all really appreciate it. Their grants allow us to continue creating days of joy, activity, respite and connection for the estimated 170,000 unpaid carers across Kent. The walks can be short, but the impact is lasting.”

To contact leading grant maker Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups with an annual income under £3m, or to discuss setting up a fund please email admin@kentcf.org.uk or visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding

About Stepping Out with Carers CIC

Stepping Out with Carers is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which aims to foster the health and happiness of unpaid carers and the people they care for including those living with disabilities, long term health conditions, mental health conditions and loneliness.

www.carerssteppingout.co.uk

About Kent Community Foundation

Leading grant-maker Kent Community Foundation has been finding, funding, and supporting some of the smallest voluntary groups in the county for twenty four years. In this time, it has distributed £60 million to support thousands of small charities and deserving causes where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.

Kent Community Foundation is part of a UK wide accredited network of forty-seven Community Foundations who are committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged.

Responsible for more than one hundred philanthropic funds, Kent Community Foundation is unrivalled in its knowledge of local causes and assists individuals, families, and businesses who want to help, to establish and administer their own charitable funds.

Kent Community Foundation has five funding priorities

  1. Children, Young People & Families
    Supporting disadvantaged children and young people’s physical and mental health, encouraging positive choices and staying safe.
  2. Vulnerable Adults
    Helping those who may need extra care dealing with challenging issues or those at risk of social exclusion or discrimination.
    3. Elderly and Isolated
    Enabling elderly adults to stay well, healthy, independent and free from social isolation.
    4. Employability, Skills & Enterprise
    Creating opportunities to develop skills and confidence and have a positive impact in areas and groups of people with high unemployment.
    5. Environment
    Encouraging community action to improve and protect local spaces with support sustainable ways of living.

www.kentcf.org.uk