Let’s work together to improve life on Sheppey.

That’s the simple idea behind ME12 Linked, a fledgling project which aims to create a network between all of the Island’s charitable and voluntary organisations.

Founder Mat Jeffery, of Oak Lane, Minster, wants to set up a way of managing and coordinating their efforts.

The plan is to form working groups which will focus separately on projects like fundraising, promoting a positive image of the Island and supporting local charities.

Another aspect is a shared service scheme where groups could pool resources such as transport and facilities to save money and use the best of what is available to them.

Mr Jeffery is keen to use his experience as a project manager at a lift installation company in the voluntary sector.

He is also looking to use skills he is learning through a diploma at the Coaching Academy, where he was given a scholarship on the basis of his ME12 Linked idea.

The 41-year-old said he is not interested in putting pressure on people to sign up to his vision.

He said: “My theory is people work best through desire.

“It’s about trying to get people to not feel obliged but to actually have something they are passionate and that way they are more willing to offer their time.”

Andrew Deeley, of RECRE8, and Dan Pyke, of Restoration Youth, have already been in discussions about signing up.

Father-of-two Mr Jeffery has so far helped to get a group together on Sundays to try to install fencing, windows and a new driveway at the 12th Sheppey Scouts’ hall in Imperial Avenue, Minster.

He was inspired to do something after going on a Scouts’ trip with his 10-year-old son Sam and seeing the good it did for the children’s confidence

The eventual aim is to raise enough money to complete an extension which would also be made available for other clubs to use. An early estimate for the cost is £50,000.

A craft fair will be held at the scouts hall, Imperial Avenue, Minster, on December 6, from 6pm until 9pm to raise funds.