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It’s not everyday you get to sit down and have a cup of tea and a chat with the Prime Minister and his wife.
But that’s exactly what happened to one woman who helps resolve conflicts between neighbours and families.
Kay Underdown, who runs Swale Mediation Service, was taken to the Community Heroes reception at 10 Downing Street after she was put forward for the event by Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt who was impressed with her work.
Mr Wyatt said: “I had no hesitation in nominating Kay. She is truly a community hero.
"She works so hard to make Swale Mediation Service invaluable to the community.
"They help avoid or resolve disputes between neighbours, which means a happier community all round.”
Kay said: “It was a wonderful occasion for me, but I was there representing Swale Mediation Service, as I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without the great team of staff and volunteers.
"I was speechless when Derek nominated me I really don’t think I am a hero.
“In No 10, it was wonderful walking in and going up the staircase, seeing all the photos of every Prime Minister there has been.
"We had a tour of the dining rooms and then enjoyed a reception when Derek introduced me to other MPs and people from their communities.
"Then we briefly met Gordon and Sarah Brown and had our photo taken with them.
“It was very interesting and certainly a memorable occasion and I would like to thank Derek for giving me this opportunity.”
Derek Wyatt adopted Swale Mediation Service as his charity of the year in 2007, and has given them more than £2,000 from polling, media and speaker fees.
Swale Mediation Service has recently launched Friends of Swale Mediation Service.
This means anyone interested in its work can register to receive a quarterly newsletter and keep informed of opportunities to attend events, training sessions, networking, etc.
The service is also currently recruiting volunteers.
