Age UK Kent Rivers faces liquidation due to escalating financial challenges

Trustees of a charity have confirmed it is “likely to enter” insolvency following “escalating financial challenges.”

The future of Age UK Kent Rivers, which offers a variety of activities for older people and adults with learning disabilities, is in doubt.

The charity covers Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Faversham and Sittingbourne.

It has been operating from its head office at The Mackenney Centre in Woodlands Road, Gillingham, since the 1970s.

The site offered a supportive environment for people over 50 living in Medway, providing social interaction and low-level personal care.

A statement from the board of trustees said: “We confirm that the charity has been experiencing significant cash flow challenges and is as such likely to enter into an insolvency process. This has been an extremely difficult decision.

“Over recent months, we have worked diligently to address significant and escalating financial challenges.

“Despite these efforts, the position has become unsustainable, and we are no longer able to continue operating in our current form.

“We recognise this news will come as a shock and will be deeply upsetting to many, particularly our clients, staff, volunteers and partners.

“We share that sense of sadness and concern. Our immediate priority is to ensure that those who rely on our services are supported as effectively as possible during this transition.”

Sally, who works at The Mackenney Centre as a hairdresser, told KentOnline that staff were informed yesterday (March 26).

She said: “Nobody knew this was coming. Lots of people have been crying after hearing the news.

“We are mostly worried about our clients. We see them everyday and they are like family to us.

“What will happen to them and the services they rely on?”

It is understood that around a dozen jobs at the centre are affected.

Today, the employees have planned a bittersweet goodbye party together for "one last hurrah".

The charity also offers Meals on Wheels, providing a freshly cooked and nutritious dinner delivered straight to the client’s home.

It is understood that this service is also coming to an end.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are working with Age UK Kent Rivers to ensure residents who are known to our adult social care team continue to receive the support they rely on.

“Our social care team will work closely with the residents, their families and carers to ensure appropriate care packages are put in place as soon as possible.”

In April last year, the charity confirmed that it would be shutting the Meadowside Day Centre in Dartford.

A letter sent out to its customers by the group chief executive, John Norley, stated the “difficult decision” was made by the charity’s trustee board.

At the time, he said the charity plans to move the service and its staff to its day centre at The Clarendon Royal Community in Gravesend, and will provide a transport service between the new and old sites.