One Year of Circle of Friends

1st September 2026 marks one year since Circle of Friends became a Community Interest Company, and what a first year it has been.

When we officially became Circle of Friends CIC in September 2025, our aim was simple, to make sure older people in Maidstone and the surrounding villages have regular opportunities to get together, enjoy a cuppa and a laugh, and most importantly, have friendship in their lives.

One year on, we have seen just how much that matters.

Our first anniversary was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, bringing together more than 90 people for an evening at Frédéric Bistro in Maidstone. It was a room full of the people who make Circle of Friends what it is, our lovely oldies, supporters, volunteers, businesses, organisations, friends and family.

It was also a chance to recognise the incredible support we have received from across our community during our first year.

Local businesses have supported us in so many different ways, from providing venues and sponsorship to helping us promote what we do. Charitable trusts and community organisations have provided vital funding, while volunteers and individuals have given their time, skills and encouragement.

That support has helped us keep our programme of regular activities going and, just as importantly, has helped us make sure that lack of money or transport does not prevent our older members from joining in.

At our anniversary evening, we were delighted to receive a £600 grant from the Barchester Charitable Trust towards transport costs. This will help members who might otherwise struggle to get to our events because they have no access to transport.

Fundraising on the evening itself also gave us something to celebrate. Our guests helped us raise £2,201.50 through the evening's fundraising, which was then generously increased to £2,500 thanks to an additional donation thanks to Nick from the Kentish Lady.

Every pound raised will go towards helping us continue what we do.

And that is really what our first year has been about.

Keeping something in the diary every week.

Giving older people somewhere to go, people to meet and friendships to enjoy.

For some, it might be a monthly Friendship Café, a coffee morning, a trip out on the Friendship Bus, a cinema visit or simply sitting down together over a cup of tea. For others, it can be the difference between having something to look forward to and spending another day alone at home.

We know that loneliness does not always look the same. Some people have lost a partner, some have become less confident after illness or a change in circumstances, and some simply find that their social circle has become smaller as they get older.

That is why Circle of Friends exists.

Our first year has shown us that there is a real need for what we do, but it has also shown us that there are so many people and organisations willing to help make it possible.

From the businesses who open their doors to us, to the trusts and organisations that provide funding, the volunteers who give their time, and the many people who simply tell others about Circle of Friends, every bit of support makes a difference.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us reach our first anniversary.

One year as a CIC.

Hundreds of cups of tea, plenty of laughter, lots of friendships and, most importantly, our lovely oldies with something in the diary to look forward to.