A charity supporting children who have experienced trauma, bereavement and abuse has opened a third branch in response to a surge in demand.

Dandelion Time, which has bases in West Farleigh and Ashford, says it has 50 children on its waiting lists – up from about 35 since the start of 2019.

As a result, it has set up a new branch in Shorne, near Gravesend, where it runs weekly programmes for children and their families to take part in nature and craft activities while receiving one-on-one emotional support from therapeutic staff.

CEO Graham Carpenter said: “More than 58,000 children in Kent are living in households suffering from abuse or mental health problems and the need for Dandelion Time’s nature-based therapy sessions is greater than ever.

"We hope that our new centre based in rural Shorne will allow Dandelion Time to deliver our vital therapeutic programme to families living in Gravesend, Medway, Dartford and the surrounding area, who would benefit from our support.”

The charity offers help to children with challenging emotional issues which often result from trauma, violence or serious health issues in the family.

It was founded in 2003 and has grown to fill a gap in local services but has been facing a rising demand.

Many children referred to the charity either do not meet the high threshold for interventions from local services or have not responded well to them.

By 2024, the board of trustees at Dandelion Time aims to offer an accessible, Kent-wide service so every child in the county who could benefit from its programme will be able to attend one of its centres.

Its bosses particularly want to increase the number of children and families supported by the charity by at least 70% by opening additional centres in the north and east of Kent, as well as in coastal areas.

Barbara Wallace, a referrer for the charity, said: "I have referred children and families to Dandelion Time and watched them become stronger together, learning to love and be loved.

"The impact of Dandelion Time's work is powerful and long lasting.”

The Children's Commissioner government office estimates 2.3 million children in England are at risk of being excluded from school, family breakdown or mental health challenges – and 70% of them lack access to help.

It also estimates 1.6 million children in the UK are in families with complex needs which do not have a national, established, recognised form of support, and 829,000 of these children are not receiving any support.

Of all the Local Authorities in England, Kent has the highest number of children and the most school exclusions.

Dandelion Time is holding an open morning at its new branch in Shorne for teachers, families, healthcare professionals and social workers to visit and find out more about the charity.

It will take place on Friday, March 24 from 9am until noon at Shorne Scout Hut in Mill Hill Lane, Shorne.

The newest branch, near Shorne Woods Country Park, has already welcomed more than 20 families this year, taking part in activities such as woodworking, fire building, toasting marshmallows and making soap.