A project that has been changing lives in Swale for more than nine years was celebrated on Wednesday.

AmicusHorizon’s Doorstep Learning Programme, which has helped people into work, volunteering and further education, has been completed by more than 2,000 people since it launched in 2005.

It includes courses on running your own business and interview skills, to life skills and confidence building.

Free to people in Swale aged over 16, it promotes personal development by helping them build their skills and confidence and increases their support network in the local community.

To mark the achievements of this year’s participants, the mayor of Swale, Cllr George Bobbin, and mayoress Brenda Bobbin, presented certificates and gifts to 46 people during a ceremony at Teynham village hall in Belle Friday Close.

Previous participants and tutors also shared stories from their experiences with the scheme.

Since 2011, Sally Coe has completed a number of courses, including confidence building and an introduction to Excel.

She said: “I will be eternally grateful to Doorstep Learning for what it has done for me and, by ripple effect, for my family and friends too.

“Have you ever heard the expression ‘if I could bottle that and sell it, I’d make a fortune’?

“Well, if I could bottle what it has done for me, I wouldn’t sell it – I’d give it away, not just for Christmas, I’d deliver it to doorsteps every morning.”

Stephen Innis, the housing association’s head of community development for Kent, added: “We’re very proud of the impact this programme has made to so many people’s lives in Swale. The stories being shared on the day were very moving.

“Our funding comes to an end this year, but we’re looking for new funding streams so this fantastic project can help even more people in the future.”

AmicusHorizon has worked in partnership with Kent Adult Education, Swale CVS, Swale Heating, Jobcentre Plus and Blossoms Care Services.

The programme has been funded by The Big Lottery Fund.