<div>Circle of Friends CIC brings older people in Maidstone together, so no one feels invisible or alone.
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<div>We keep things simple. We arrange regular events where people can meet, talk, laugh, and enjoy being part of something. For many who come along, this is the highlight of their week.
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<div>Most of our members live alone. Some have lost a partner. Others find getting out harder than it used to be because of health or mobility. Over time, their world can quietly shrink.
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<div>Loneliness does not always look obvious. Often it is long days without conversation, fewer reasons to leave the house, and a feeling of being forgotten. In Maidstone alone, around 35,000 people are aged 65 and over. As life changes, everyday contact can slowly fade away.
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<div>Circle of Friends exists to change that. Having friends to meet, time to chat and make memories, helps older people feel valued, connected, and part of their community again.
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<div>Following redundancy from our previous befriending roles in May 2025, we carried on supporting our members for six months without receiving any income. Some people asked why. The answer was simple. Stopping was never an option. The group mattered too much, and people were relying on us.
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<div>Thanks to our supporters, earlier fundraising helped us cover out-of-pocket costs during that time.
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<div>We are incredibly grateful to The Stones Community Trust and The Cobtree Trust whose recent funding has given us a vital boost at a critical time. Their support has helped us maintain the service and eased some of the immediate pressure, but it will not fully sustain Circle of Friends.
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<div>We need further support to ensure the service can continue and grow. Our goal with this GoFundMe is to build on the Stones Community Trust, funding through the generosity of our wider community, so Circle of Friends can have a more secure future for everyone who relies on it.
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<div>We are now aiming to initially raise £7,500 to give Circle of Friends CIC some stability it needs to continue.
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<div>If you are able to donate, whatever the amount, you will be helping to keep this lifeline in place.
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<div>We also welcome support from local businesses and organisations who would like to support older people in Maidstone.
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<div>Thank you for reading, and for being part of our Circle of Support.
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Karen Kennedy

Circle of Friends CIC…Creating Smiles through Friendship

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Circle of Friends CIC…Creating Smiles through Friendship

Still £7,410 to go. Help us build momentum.