Fifty charities across Kent and Medway have received a badge of honour at an awards ceremony staged by the KM Charity Team.

The good causes were awarded the KM Charity Mark in recognition of their work in the community. Representatives from the winning organisations were invited to the annual KM Charity Forum to collect the accolade and encouraged to apply for KM Charity of the Year 2018 before the October 27 deadline.

Charity of the Year status is open to applications from voluntary groups and charities of all sizes. To make a submission, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk or click this link HERE.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team advised forum delegates that causes selected to be charity of the year would have no better champion than their local KM editor. “They will receive 12 months of support in print as well as coverage on KentOnline and kmfm radio plus fundraising opportunities through our collaborative events,” he said.

Forum delegates included Vanessa Johnson from the Guide Dogs charity, a former KM Charity of the Year winner. She said: “I’d really encourage any charity to take part in all the events and take full advantage of what is on offer from the KM Charity Team.”

The KM Charity Forum included a series of workshops on fundraising, grant applications, and accountancy and insurance issues affecting the third sector. Expert speakers included representatives from Kreston Reeves, headline partner of the event, and Jelf.

Susan Robinson from Kreston Reeves said: “We’re really pleased to be here again and delighted to present the Charity Mark to 50 of Kent’s most hardworking charities.”

Good causes collecting the Charity Mark award included Porchlight, Beanstalk, Kent Association for the Blind, Medical Detection Dogs, SNAAP, North Kent Disabled Foundation, Hypo Hounds, Slide Away, and Deal Breastfeeding Support Group.

The KM Charity Forum was staged at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel with technical support provided by Independent Music Productions.

To apply for KM Charity of the Year 2018 before October 27, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk or click this link HERE.