Some of the ways that you can support Blackthorn Trust:

  • Visit our café, charity shop or plant nursery

Our café, charity shop and plant nursery are open to the public 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday.

All of our food is prepared on-site using as much produce from our garden as possible, lots of bargains can be found in our on-site charity shop and seasonal plants, grown in our plant nursery workshops, are available to buy all year round.

All proceeds go towards the running of Blackthorn – every pound you spend with us really makes a difference.

  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @blackthorntrust

We use social media to help spread the word of the work we do, as well as promote forthcoming events and public workshops. Please like, follow us and share our posts.

  • Become a Blackthorn volunteer

Blackthorn Trust couldn’t operate without our amazing volunteers who work in a variety of customer service and programme-support roles. Information about the skills required and details of our current volunteer opportunities can be found HERE.

Please be aware that we carry out a DBS check for all volunteers.

  • Make a donation

Much of our work is possible because of the support we receive from donations.

  • If you would like to donate by bank transfer, our bank account details are: Sort Code 40 52 40, Account Number 00019020
  • Please send donations by cheque to our Finance Officer, Blackthorn Trust, St Andrews Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9AN (cheques should be made payable to “The Blackthorn Trust”).
  • You can donate by card payment HERE using PayPal.
  • Call 01622 828381 or email info@blackthorn.org.uk if you would like a Gift Aid Form or to set up regular donations.

We are also part of Kent Charities Group – a small group of local charities who fund raise together by holding a fantastic Christmas Raffle each year. Find out more about Kent Charities Group HERE.

  • Become a ‘Friend of Blackthorn’

An annual membership costs £20. Benefits include:

  • 10% discount on food and drink in the Blackthorn Café.

  • A copy of our newsletter.

To join, please complete the ‘Friends of Blackthorn’ membership form and return it to info@blackthorn.org.uk or call 01622 828381 to request a membership form.

  • Get your workplace involved

We are always happy to talk to local businesses about our employee retention services, corporate sponsorship or other forms of support. Get in touch by emailing info@blackthorn.org.uk or call 01622 828381.

  • Leave a legacy

Using your Will to plan a future gift for Blackthorn Trust will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of people with mental health and long-term physical conditions. Legacies provide valued funds that help us sustain and develop our support programmes.

We understand that choosing to donate to Blackthorn Trust in this way is a very personal decision and may be a sensitive issue for individuals and their families. There are many ways to leave a gift in your Will and we recommend you begin the process by meeting with a solicitor who will be able to give you advice about which way of giving best suits your needs.

If you would like some more information about how to leave a gift to Blackthorn Trust in your Will, or let us know that you have already remembered Blackthorn Trust in your Will, please contact our Fundraising and Communications Officer by emailing louisa@blackthorn.org.uk or call 01622 828381.

  • Fundraise on our behalf

There are all kinds of fun ways to raise funds for charity. If you’d like to do something on our behalf give us a call on 01622 828381 or email info@blackthorn.org.uk to discuss your fundraising activity.