7 Fantastic Charities, Which Will You Choose?

Now is your chance to decide which charity receives a donation from the school! We have seven fantastic charities nominated, some local, and some working across the country.

All you have to do is add your name (purely for admin purposes, not visible to anyone else) and choose your charity using this doodle poll. The charities up for your vote are:

The Canterbury Open Centre

  • a homeless centre in Canterbury, run by Catching Lives

“We can end harm to those most vulnerable in these challenging circumstances.” – Ria Shah

Mind

  •  a mental health charity providing services and campaigning across the country

“The ongoing pandemic has seen a second public health crisis, with a significant toll being taken on many people’s mental health. I know through my role as a student rep there has been an impact on the mental health of Kent students. This is consistent with a recent report from the Office for National Statistics which has recorded a ‘slump’ in student mental health. I have no doubt this will have also impacted other members of the Kent psychology community, including staff. Therefore, I think a charity which supports mental health would be an appropriate charity to donate to given the current circumstances.” – Penelope Agranov

Viva

  • the UK’s leading vegan campaign charity

“It is a cause that is close to my heart as they work towards creating a kinder environment for both animals and humans. By specialising in undercover investigations and launching a number of high-profile animal campaigns to expose the atrocious treatment of animals, they aim to end this suffering. This is something I feel passionately about, which is why I feel like it is a worthwhile charity to receive a donation.” – Lucia Bowden

ADHD Foundation: The Neurodiversity Charity

  • working to empower and enable the neurodiverse population to achieve their potential

“This charity means a lot to me personally as I only recently found out that I too fall under the neurodivergent umbrella” – Katy Laver

Hestia

  • helping people find a life beyond crisis

The Umbrella Centre

  • a community centre providing support particularly to those with mental health problems

“The Umbrella Centre is a crucial part of the community in Canterbury and offers a wealth of wellbeing activities, a social kitchen and therapeutic access for those in the community, particularly those with mental health problems. They also help support/fund Millennials Breaking Barriers, which is a student-led society at Kent that focuses on breaking mental health stigma. I have had the pleasure of working with people at the Umbrella Centre and have been on the committee for Millennials Breaking Barriers for three years, so this charity has a special place in my heart!” – Chantel Smith

Young Minds

  • a charity providing mental health services for young people and campaigning across the country

“A mental health charity supporting young people such as students across all ages. Their mission is to get young people the mental health support they need when they need it. Their vision is a world where no young person is alone in their fight against mental health. They have three main programmes as part of their strategy to help young people – ‘Never Alone’, ‘Someone to Turn To’ and ‘Powerful Young Voices’. They can provide urgent help as well as ongoing support and education. Helping not only the young people but their families and parents to learn and understand.” – Lauren Hughes

Watch our short video for information on all the charities above!

Thank you to everyone who nominated a charity! Make sure you vote using this doodle poll and if you haven’t already you can still complete your NSS!