ABOUT BLACKTHORN TRUST

Blackthorn Trust is a Maidstone-based Health and Community Hub where people can recover, grow and develop.

Founded over 35 years ago, local GP Dr David McGavin and art therapist Hazel Adams recognised the important part that community and tranquil surroundings play in an individual’s recovery process. While we continue to develop and evolve, our primary aim is to support local people with physical and mental health conditions.

We offer workshop activities and specialist therapies at our unique site which includes a large biodynamic garden, craft & woodwork studios, training kitchen and therapy rooms. Our work is based on the belief that more than medication is required to affect positive change.

Each year we support around 300 local people who have mental health or long term physical conditions to gain practical, life and social skills. Our six-month programme combines workshops, which teach a range of skills and help to reduce social isolation, with 1-2-1 support from a staff mentor to help individuals set their own goals, develop self-care strategies and improve their wellbeing.

To find out about our programmes and how to access them, click here.

Blackthorn Trust also has a café, charity shop and plant nursery that are open to the public 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.