We’re delighted to announce that CXK has once again been shortlisted as a finalist in the Kent Charity Awards, in the prestigious ‘Large Charity of the Year’ category. CXK is one of only four finalists shortlisted for this award, with the winner to be revealed at the ceremony on Thursday 11th September 2025.
The shortlist follows a competitive and rigorous judging process, involving a comprehensive written submission and an in-depth meeting with the judging panel to share how CXK has made an outstanding impact over the past year.
At the heart of our entry was the story of our targeted support programmes; designed to reach those most at risk of being left behind. These programmes respond directly to the challenges faced by individuals who are long-term unemployed, experiencing poor mental health, or facing complex barriers to education and employment.
Faced with increasing need and shrinking public funding, CXK made the strategic decision to invest our own charitable reserves, plugging gaps where commissioned services couldn’t stretch, and ensuring nobody fell through the cracks. This investment enabled us to:
In total, we supported more than 248,000 individuals over the past year, helping them build confidence, gain skills, and take positive steps into work, education or training.
Pauline Smith, CEO, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised once again by the Kent Charity Awards. This shortlist is a reflection of the extraordinary passion, resilience, and creativity demonstrated by our team over the past year.
“Amidst ongoing challenges in funding and rising needs within our communities, we made a bold decision: to invest in people. We used our reserves to plug gaps in public funding, pilot innovative programmes, and deliver support where it was needed most. This nomination is not just recognition of what we’ve achieved – it’s a celebration of the lives changed, hope restored, and futures made brighter.”
To find out more about the Kent Charity Awards, visit kentcharityawards.com.
