Feeling lonely or isolated?
We can help you connect with your community
Sometimes meeting others can make life a little easier. We can help you reconnect with people in your community.
We can help you build your confidence, regain your independence and become part of the community – whether that's by taking part in local activities, sports clubs, education programmes or just developing friendship groups.
Porchlight's helpline is also a gateway to other support with housing, mental health, wellbeing and employment. You choose what we help you with and what activities you would like to access locally.
How can I access support?
We support in a range of ways including: by phone, video call, in-person and through virtual community groups.
Our staff also work with women who are homelessness, or whose homes are at risk, and facing pressures such as difficult relationships, domestic abuse or violence.
Find out more about how we supportCoronavirus update: new information and resources
We understand coronavirus is a concern for everyone, so it’s important to know you can still turn to Porchlight for help during this time.
All our services are running and have been adapted to reflect the latest government coronavirus safety guidelines.
Our team has also shared a range of practical resources on housing, mental health and wellbeing, money, employment and more.
Find resources and information hereWe also offer a range of specialist services, including:
Live Well Kent can help you improve your wellbeing
Are your feelings or worries impacting on your relationships, work or life generally?
Live Well Kent is one of the services we offer to help you improve your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
It is a free service for anyone over 17 and is run by Kent County Council with Porchlight's help.
Aspirations
If you're not working and feel as though life is getting on top of you, or you are living with a mental health condition, Porchlight's free Aspirations service can help.
We can help you regain your confidence, find ways to manage your mental health and wellbeing, and support you to gain work, volunteering or education opportunities.
BeYou service for LGBT+ young people
Porchlight's BeYou project offers a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where young LGBT+ people who are 25 or under can meet to socialise, have fun and help each other.
This includes regular meet-ups across Kent as well as one-to-one support.
There is a dedicated BeYou website with lots of free resources and advice. Any questions, don't hesitate to call the free Porchlight number - 0800 567 7699 - for a chat. We're here 24/7.
Visit The BeYou Project websiteSupport for young people
We work with children and adolescents between 8-17 years with all kinds of needs.
They may be having difficulty managing their relationships, getting into trouble at school or having problems at home that are affecting their education.
Our team is here to make sure young people feel valued and listened to, so they can go on to do well at school and in life.
Call us free on 0800 567 7699 or click here to find out more.If you are in emotional distress
Life can get tough sometimes, but talking can help.
The Release the Pressure team in Kent is available 24/7. They provide urgent support with trained counsellors who will listen, no matter what you are going through. You can text the word KENT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160
You can also webchat with Mental Health Matters, an independent charity, who are available 24/7.