The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Janet Evans, has lived in the borough for nearly 40 years, where she has raised her family and built a business. Cllr Evans is deeply rooted in the local community and passionate about making a difference.  

“I am delighted to be partnering with the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation, a local charity working across the entire borough to support vital services that improve the lives and livelihoods of our most vulnerable residents. The Foundation plays a crucial role, bringing people and communities together to strengthen local connections, positively impacting the lives of over 18,000 residents a year. I look forward to raising further awareness of their exceptional work, which supports projects and services that provide a lifeline to those in crisis.”

Last year, The K+C Foundation supported 18,400 residents all across the borough, through 106 different projects.  Helping young people to reach their potential through tutoring and mentoring projects; reducing loneliness and isolation in older residents through social activities and connection; and improving the skills and confidence of residents looking for work.  

By supporting the Mayor’s Appeal this year, you will help us deliver a wide range of projects and services for residents in need.  Your support could help us reach residents like Daniella who, after struggling with learning difficulties and acute mental health challenges, was able to build resilience, confidence and new opportunities thanks to the support of a local community group.

Daniella’s Story

Daniella’s learning difficulties and mental health struggles had made it challenging for her to find employment and left her very socially isolated.  After a period of in-patient mental health treatment, she returned to the community with very low self-esteem and social anxiety, but keen to build new connections.

Daniella joined a women’s football team run by a local community group, Minds United Sports Club CIC, which helps residents recover from mental ill health through sport.  By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, they made Daniella feel welcome and at ease.  The regular physical activity and social connections with teammates enabled her to alleviate her anxiety and depression, express herself, and develop a new sense of energy and motivation.  She was able to build meaningful friendships with other team members and felt a sense of belonging.

A real turning point, was when Daniella began to take on more leadership roles in the sessions, encouraging other women to join in.  This led to being offered a volunteering role at the clubhouse, at which she excelled, and she has now secured paid, part-time employment.

Mental health support is just one of our core priorities – your support could also help residents improve their skills and accessing meaningful employment; improve their grades and behaviour at school; or keep their homes warm throughout winter.

If you’d like to make a difference to a neighbour, please donate to the Mayor’s Appeal today.

£50 could help a resident to recover from poor mental health through creative arts, gardening and cooking therapies

£85 could provide six weeks of intensive tutoring to 2 disadvantaged young people ensuring they reach their full potential

£100 could provide a local family in financial crisis with immediate funds for essential items

£500 could pay the fuel bill of an older resident in need, ensuring they don’t have to turn the heating off this winter