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Compaid helps disabled, older and other vulnerable people to overcome the barriers of social, digital and economic exclusion

About us

Compaid helps disabled, older and other vulnerable people to overcome the barriers of social and digital exclusion, and to live their lives to the full.

Each year, thousands of people use our digital skills training and accessible transport services in and around the South East of England.

Working in partnership with local authorities, housing associations, job centres and other charities, our staff and volunteers change lives for the better every day.

More About Compaid

How we help

Digital Skills Training

We provide one to one support to learn how to safely use the internet, social media, and apps such as Microsoft Office and Corel Draw. Training is offered at our own Training Centre, or remotely in people’s own homes.

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Accessible Transport

We provide door to door transport for disabled and older people to access local shops, day services, medical appointments and outings with family and friends. We offer a choice of wheelchair accessible vehicles, from minibuses for large groups to smaller adapted cars.

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What people have said about us

  • “A massive thank you for giving me the confidence to explore computers. This has been absolutely invaluable to me in starting my new career path after a long break.”

    Tracey, disabled job seeker in Maidstone

  • “After a traffic accident, I wanted to put my computer experience to good use, helping others to gain digital skills. Volunteering at Compaid helped me with my own speech and increased my confidence and independence.”

    Dave, Compaid volunteer

News

Morrisons Foundation Music Project brings lively music to our training centre

Our Music therapy offers vulnerable people the opportunity to use music to express themselves & explore their creativity, boost their confidence & sense of self-worth. Music brings people together & fosters partnership/group working, and can have a powerful impact on emotions, promoting emotional well-being which can potentially serve as a therapeutic outlet for some.  Thanks to generous funding from the Morrisons Foundation, we were able to buy some specialised instruments and sound equipment. This will enable us to Provide a diverse range of musical activities to cater to different interests & abilities, by offering a variety of options, participants can find something that resonates with them and keeps them engaged.   to enable those with mobility/dexterity impairments, to play a variety of instruments and blend sounds seamlessly to create beautiful compositions.  The impact our sessions have had for some of our clients....  Before his brain injury, Barry was an active member of a band, indulging in a passion that brought him immense joy. Determined to reignite that flame, he's been committed to attending sessions despite the challenges. Through his determination, he's gradually reclaiming his musical skill, mastering chords and blending them with backing sounds to create astonishing sounds.  Zara loves to sing and through our music therapy, we discovered that she has the voice of an angel. With the help of Jonathan, our Centre Co-ordinator, she recorded herself singing while he accompanied her on the piano. Zara has rediscovered a passion that she never thought she would enjoy again.  Despite facing blindness and limited hand function, Samson has adeptly mastered bass guitar and some percussion instruments. With our trainers' support, he has blended these sounds using specialised equipment, resulting in an amazing musical composition.  A few examples of how our sessions have inspired individuals to relive and enjoy their passion.  Samson is blind and only has use of one hand, but with the guidance and help of our trainers, he has learned to play bass guitar and percussion instruments using an electric music board. He was delighted with the amazing piece of music he was able to create with our support.  Stories of progress, discovery, and creativity such as these are shared every day in our Paddock Wood centre, and to our outreach team, who bring digital skills learning to people in the community who are unable to attend the centre. We are here to help people in Kent learn and thrive, and we can help you too.   Click here to find out more about our digital skill service: https://www.compaid.org.uk/digital-skills/  

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Steve Sherry CMG OBE appointed as next Compaid CEO

Compaid's Board of Trustees have appointed Steve Sherry CMG OBE as Compaid's next Chief Executive. Steve joins Compaid after some 13 years in the charity sector in Kent working with veterans and supporting people with disabilities and health conditions.  He is passionate about enabling individuals and communities to improve their lives. His earlier career was in the Army with considerable international experience.  Now, firmly Kent-based, Steve is excited about continuing Compaid's mission of supporting disabled, older and other disadvantaged people to realise their potential through helping them to overcome the barriers of social, digital and economic exclusion. His appointment at Compaid follows the decision of current Chief Executive, Stephen Elsden, to retire from the role after 15 years. Steve Sherry will join the charity in early March to allow for a short handover period.  

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New Year Honour for Compaid Chief Executive

Compaid's Chief Executive, Stephen Elsden, was awarded a Medal of the British Empire in His Majesty The King's New Year Honours List. The award of the BEM was given for services to charity and to disabled people. Stephen said: "I am humbled to be named in His Majesty The King's New Year Honours List. My award of a BEM is in large part due to the work of everyone who has served at Compaid in my 15 years at the helm. Nobody can lead alone." The Medal will be presented to Stephen by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent at an event later in the year.

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Get involved

Donate

Help us to ensure that all those we work with can achieve their aspirations and play an equal part in society.

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Volunteering

There have been volunteers at Compaid since the beginning, giving their essential support to staff & clients.

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