A charity has put out a DIY SOS-style appeal to build a therapy unit.

The Blackthorn Trust in St Andrew’s Road, Maidstone, is calling on local businesses to donate funds, time or skills towards its aim of the room in its grounds.

It will be used to help people with long term physical and mental health conditions rebuild their lives.

It has already raised almost half the £75,000 needed to create the project.

Donations totalling £35,000 have come from Maidstone council and the Cobtree Foundation, while members of 36 Engineers and Futures for Heroes, a charity supporting ex-servicemen, recently provided the manpower to demolish the dilapidated building being replaced.

The previous therapy room could only fit five patients at a time, while its replacement, which will have stained glass, will have space for 20.

Emma Halpin, Blackthorn community fundraiser, said: “It is one of our most important rooms as it is seated, calm and quiet. For many patients it provides and environment to gently recover from trauma and learn skills to produce items that are sold to raise money for Blackthorn’s social enterprise.

“The charity supports local people with conditions such as pain and depression gain control of their illness and take hold of their life again."

An order has already been placed for the steel frame for the new unit.

Jan Prior, Blackthorn chief executive said: “This new building will enable us to support more local people, including ex-servicemen to recover and return to work.

“We’re now looking for the support of local experts to help us turn our plans into reality.”
If you can help, contact Emma Halpin on 01622 7222219 or emma@blackthorn.org.uk.