Tag: charity

Activities, Community News, Events, Female Focus

Medway Women’s History Month at The Net Community Hub

The Net Community Hub

This March, we’re proud to return in partnership with the Rochester LitFest for Medway Women’s History Month 2026, a bold, brilliant and unapologetically powerful celebration of women’s voices, stories and achievements.

Four powerhouse events. Two inspiring Saturdays. One unstoppable celebration of women.

Across two inspiring Saturdays, 28 February and 28 March, we bring together trailblazers, creatives, campaigners, business leaders and storytellers for four extraordinary events designed to inform, ignite and empower.

From fearless conversations and cultural commentary to business leadership and literary brilliance, this is Women’s History Month done properly: big ideas, brave voices and women lifting up women.

Why Women’s History Month matters

Women’s History Month is more than a celebration, it is a call to remember, recognise and reclaim the stories that history too often sidelines. It shines a spotlight on the women who changed the world, the women changing it now, and the women who will shape its future.

Storytelling is power. When women share their experiences, challenge injustice, lead with courage and create with brilliance, they don’t just inspire, they change culture.

Medway Women’s History Month 2026 is a space for connection, conversation and community. A place to be energised, empowered and reminded of just how extraordinary women truly are.

Because women’s stories deserve centre stage.
Because representation matters.
Because the future is being written right now.

EVENT 1

Medway Women’s History Month 2026 Launch

Saturday 28 February 2026, 12:00pm

The Net and Rochester Literature Festival proudly presents the opening event of Medway Women’s History Month 2026, a powerful, joyful and inspiring celebration of women who lead, create and change the world.

This is Women’s History Month done properly. Big ideas, brave stories and fearless creativity, brought together in one energising lunchtime event.

Join us as we launch a month of celebration with three extraordinary women whose journeys span leadership, entrepreneurship and the arts. Expect insight, inspiration, laughter and a room full of women lifting up women.

Our speakers

Ann West MBE JP DL
Former Chair of the North Kent Magistrates Bench, Kent Ambassador, Chatham Historic Dockyard Ambassador and Patron and Trustee of multiple local charities, including our selves at the hub. Ann is a lifelong leader and champion for community, service and opportunity. Her story is one of dedication, impact and purpose.

Mary Eniolu
Founder of Can-Do Academy, Mary empowers individuals and organisations to enhance performance, productivity and profitability without compromising wellbeing. She is passionate about helping people unlock their potential and create lives and businesses that truly thrive.

Bev Bunn
Creative force, storyteller and stand-up comedian. Bev made her Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2025 and is already booked for the Comedy Store in 2026. She will share her creative journey and finish the event with a comedy set guaranteed to lift the room and leave you smiling.

This is a celebration of women who dare, do and deliver.
Come for the stories. Leave inspired. Get your tickets here.

EVENT 2

The Commodification of Women’s Bodies

Saturday 28 February 2026, 2:00pm

A fearless and necessary conversation about one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time.

Pornography, prostitution and surrogacy are often presented as empowering choices. The reality for most women is very different. Coercion, trafficking, poverty and desperation shape these industries far more than freedom or consent.

This hard-hitting panel discussion explores the truths behind the headlines and the real-world impact on women’s lives.

Join journalist and co-author of Pornocracy Jo Bartosch in conversation with Amanda Quick of Nordic Model Now and Annaig Birdy of Not All Gays.

Together they will examine how women’s bodies are bought, sold and commodified, and why this matters for women’s rights, safety and dignity.

This is a space for honest discussion, respectful debate and courageous conversation.

This event is for women who care about justice, equality and human rights, and for allies who want to understand the realities behind the rhetoric.

Expect insight, compassion, clarity and challenge.

This is not always an easy conversation, but it is a vital one.

Get your tickets here.

EVENT 3

Celebrating Kent and Medway Women in Business

Saturday 28 March 2026, 10:30am

Has the glass ceiling finally been shattered, or are women still climbing an uneven ladder?

Join an inspiring panel of Kent and Medway business leaders for an honest, empowering and practical conversation about ambition, leadership, resilience and success.

This is a morning for women who run businesses, lead teams, dream big, take risks and want to learn from others who have walked the path before them.

With networking before and after, this is a chance to connect with like-minded women, share stories, swap ideas and build powerful professional relationships.

Hosted by Sian Murphy, Women in Business Big Show and Radio Show

Panellists:

Deborah Turner, Breakthrough Women
Michele Yianni, Future Insight
Adelle Martin, Stronger Together Through Cancer
Grace Kelly, North Kent and Medway Women in Business

These are women who are building businesses, breaking barriers and rewriting the rules.

Expect real talk, real insight and real inspiration.

Come for the conversation. Leave with confidence.

Get your tickets here.

EVENT 4

Lissa Evans in Conversation

Saturday 28 March 2026, 2:30pm

Spend an inspiring afternoon in the company of one of Britain’s most loved storytellers.

Rochester Literature Festival is delighted to welcome bestselling author, screenwriter and comedy producer Lissa Evans for a warm, witty and fascinating conversation about writing, creativity and storytelling.

Lissa is the author of seven acclaimed novels including Their Finest Hour and a Half, which was adapted into the film Their Finest, and the much-loved trilogy Crooked Heart, Old Baggage and V for Victory. Her most recent novel, Small Bomb at Dimperley, is set in a large country house just after the Second World War.

She is also the author of award-nominated children’s books Small Change for Stuart and Wed Wabbit, and the memoir Picnic on Craggy Island about her time producing the iconic sitcom Father Ted.

With a background in television comedy and a gift for storytelling, Lissa brings warmth, humour and insight to everything she does.

Expect laughter, literary magic and stories you will be thinking about long after you leave.

Get your tickets here.

Event Information for all events

Venue
The Net Community Hub
70 Silverweed Road
Walderslade
ME5 0QX

Tickets include tea and coffee.

If you require a wheelchair space, or face financial or physical barriers to attending an event, please email: community@waldersladehub.org

Activities, Community News, Events, Health and Wellbeing

Reiki Workshops at the Hub

The Net Community Hub

The brilliant Sian Murphy – host of the Women in Business Radio Show, Cafe in the Calm and so, so much more, is bringing Reiki Workshops to the hub.

Session 1 is on Sunday March 1st with the follow up session on Sunday, April 19th. Both sessions will from from 10am – 4pm.

See below for full details:

Activities, charity, Community News, Events

Medway Women’s History Month Event: Finale Day at the Net Community Hub

The Net Community Hub

Last chance to celebrate Medway Women’s History Month!

Saturday 29th March from 12 noon. Doors open 11am for refreshments. All three events have their own separate tickets below the information.

The first event of the day, and we’re talking to fearless females who founded their own companies which culturally enrich their communities. From 12noon-1pm, meet Medway’s Creative Women.

The conversation will be chaired by our Project Manager, Jaye Nolan, who also founded the Rochester Literature Festival, our partner in these events. Festival Director Jaye has been a member of Medway’s cultural and creative community since 2010. A freelance writer since 2007, Jaye founded the festival in 2011, as a website resource to collate writing opportunities, but this quickly turned into live events – and here we are, 14 years later!

Lynne Parker decided twenty years ago that women were funny, after taking exception to a man telling her they weren’t. She promptly founded Funny Women CIC and set out to prove it. It’s just entering its twenty second year, with community projects, business training and awards among its many strands dedicated to empowering women in comedy and life in general.

Sue Davis, a freelance web content trainer also joins the panel. There is a major digital divide between the sexes when it comes to Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) around the world. Sue will share how she overcame the obstacles to create her own niche.

Reserve your space here

At 2pm, the Medway Women’s History Month team, led by Georgia Read-Cutting will host an interactive session to celebrate incredible women that no-one has heard of – prepare to be shocked! Bring along the name of the woman who most inspired you to share with the group, and we’ll see what else Alexa can find out about her – she might even make it into Georgia’s ‘Notable Women’ book, currently being written 🙂

Reserve your space here

Then from 4pm, join us for music, poetry and comedy, with a set from one of Medway’s most talented songstresses, Didi Bergman, who appeared at the launch of the Rochester Literature Festival, our Garden Party in Eastgate House Gardens nearly thirteen years ago!

Didi started working in several bands in 1993 as a bass player and backing vocalist, for about ten years. After that, she sang main vocals in a duo called Bergman Sigh. Her partner bought her a guitar and she started making up chord shapes and songs, and was invited out to play by some of her younger musician friends. She ended up playing small festivals and local pubs, once supporting Hazel O Connor. She has also been on bills with Martin Carthy, Nick Harper, and Judy Dyble. We can’t wait to hear her again 🙂

We’re also delighted that another long time friend of the RLF, the lovely Tender Eye, will share some poetry with us, along with comedy and poetry from some of the creative members of the MWHM team. And then, we party (BYOB!).

Reserve your space here.

The events are free, although there is a donation ticket, and tea and coffee will be available for a suggested £1 donation. If you have difficulty due to mobility or finance issues attending the hub, please contact Jaye at: community@waldersladehub.org as there is a travel bursary available to people living in Medway.

For the full programme, visit here.

We do hope you can join us 🙂

Activities, charity, Community News, Events

Medway Women’s History Month Event – Overcoming Adversity: Medway’s female community doers

The Net Community Hub

Saturday 22nd March from 1pm-2pm (as part of Brainstormz!). Doors open 12.15pm. You can book tickets here.

The Net Community Hub plays host to three extraordinary women, who, in spite of the difficulties they face, make the lives of Medway residents so much richer.

Sue Bulpin, Sam Rapp and Kate Belmonte are in conversation on Saturday, March 22nd at the Net Community Hub from 1pm.

Sue lives with Functional Neurological Disorder and, as she put it “hit a wall” at weekends. Volunteering since she was forced to give up work due to her condition, Sue kept herself busy all week but found herself losing energy at the weekends.

Thus Brainstormz! was born. Beginning at the Hub on Saturday afternoons and now expanded to Rainham Healthy Living Centre on a Monday, Sue has engaged many people with neurological conditions, and was rewarded with being a Pride in Medway finalist in 2022, MVA’s Volunteer of the Year in 2023, and being chosen as one of only 500 Royal Voluntary Service’s Coronation Champions, also in 2023.

Sam Rapp, the Dyslexic Poet, is a lawyer by trade and if that wasn’t impressive enough in itself, she has been a stalwart of Medway’s creative writing scene for many years. She has performed as The Dyslexic Poet in the UK and internationally, and has won awards for her poetry and plays. She runs many creative writing workshops under the banner of Fun With Words Productions, dedicated to making writing fun for all abilities.

Sam is chair of Dyslexia House Association, Medway and Co-Chair of the disabled staff network for legal services in the public sector. She writes a regular blog for Dyslexia Scotland and has published her first book Rant Dyslexic Me.

Kate Belmonte co-founded and is the director of an award winning local non-profit social enterprise, the Mutual Aid Road Reps, which was created in 2020 to combat loneliness and isolation across the Medway Towns during the pandemic. It continues to expand, offering essential services such as befriending, shop and drops and taking people to appointments.

Self employed since 2007, Kate ran a sign company before specialising in graphic design and website building. She has worked with and for small businesses across the Medway. A keen environmentalist, she has campaigned to protect our green spaces and agricultural land in Rainham, Twydall and on the Hoo Peninsula, and stood as the Green Party candidate in Gillingham and Rainham at the last general election.

We’re honoured to host Sue, Sam and Kate. The event is free, and tea and coffee will be available for a suggested £1 donation. If you have difficulty due to mobility or finance issues attending the hub, please contact Jaye at: community@waldersladehub.org as there is a travel bursary available to people living in Medway.

For the full programme, visit here.

We look forward to seeing you.

charity, Community News

We’re hiring!

The Net Community Hub

Are you looking for a rewarding position in an organisation that makes a huge difference to local people?

We are seeking a customer-focused individual for a part-time Assistant Manager position. This role is crucial in providing a warm and welcoming space for our local residents to combat social isolation and loneliness. This is an extremely rewarding role for the right person, who will become part of a close knit community.

Key Details

  • Location: 70 Silverweed Road, Walderslade ME5 0QX
  • Hours: Average 10 hours per week (flexible, ranging from 7-16 hours per week)
  • Salary: £12 per hour
  • Holiday: 5 weeks paid holiday per annum
  • Start Date: December 2nd, 2024

Key Responsibilities

  1. Operational Management
    • Act as premises keyholder and ensure security
    • Manage room setup and maintenance
    • Oversee petty cash and invoicing
  2. Community Engagement
    • Run day-to-day sessions and activities
    • Develop new ideas for community engagement
    • Network with other third-sector organizations
  3. Administration
    • Handle emails and general administrative tasks
    • Maintain and update policies and schedules
    • Manage the charity’s website and social media presence
  4. Team Leadership
    • Manage volunteer keyholders and sessional volunteers
    • Coordinate with the board of Trustees and Project Manager
  5. Fundraising and Event Management
    • Assist with fundraising efforts
    • Participate in community events

Qualifications and Skills

Essential

  • Strong customer service background
  • Empathy and ability to work with vulnerable individuals
  • Initiative, organization, and efficiency
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Flexibility regarding work hours
  • Physical ability to handle furniture and setup tasks

Desirable

  • General administration skills
  • Familiarity with Google Drive, WordPress, X, WhatsApp, and Facebook (training provided).
  • Knowledge of Safeguarding, First Aid, and Health & Safety (training provided)

Working Hours and Conditions

  • Flexible hours, averaging 10 per week plus occasional overtime
  • May include evenings and weekends
  • Must be available for specific dates in 2025: 7-17 May and 2-16 July

Application Process

  1. Submit your application to: community@waldersladehub.org
  2. Application should include:
    • CV
    • Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Deadline for applications: 4th November Interviews: November

Equal Opportunities

The Net Community Hub is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

For any questions or further information, please contact Jaye at community@waldersladehub.org.

About us

The Net Community Hub (Charity number 1167351) is a small community space in Weedswood, offering a range of sessions, support groups and access to local agencies. Our aim is to benefit vulnerable Walderslade residents, with a particular emphasis on the lonely and isolated of all ages, by providing inclusive recreational opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Activities, fundraising

The KM Charity – Buster’s Firewalk!

The Net Community Hub

KM FireWalk

Are you brave enough for the latest challenge?

If you are, come along and join our Manager, Jaye, in walking across hot coals for The Net in Buster’s Firewalk, another KM Charity event.

It takes place at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Maidstone, on Sunday, September 29 at 7pm, with a briefing at 6pm designed to equip you with the tools for making it through unharmed.

Please note that this is a FUNDRAISING EVENT and adult participants are asked to aim for £100 in sponsorship. Any fundraiser who individually raises over £200 will be entered into a draw to win a luxury spa day for two people, including massage treatments or an afternoon tea. Participants must be 18+. No alcohol allowed!

To book your place – with a £5 discount using code: KMVIP – click here.

If you can’t take part for us yourself, please support Jaye by sponsoring her – click here for the fundraising page.  Just so you know – this will be Jaye’s second firewalk this year so it’s definitely going to happen! Thanks for your support 🙂

Activities, fundraising

The KM Charity Walk

The Net Community Hub

KM Charity Walk

The KM Charity walk will take place in Maidstone Sunday 23rd June, with the start and conclusion at the beautiful grade 2 listed mansion, Mote House.

The main 10-mile route leads walkers through beautiful Kent countryside, with those wishing to take on a shorter distance opting for a five-mile route.

New for 2019 is a summer scarecrow competition with Kent schools, clubs and charities, who will be able to enter their scarecrow creation and have the chance of winning a prize.

There will be goody bags and medals for walkers on their return, as well as a barbecue.

By teaming up with the KM Charity you can help raise money for us here at the Net Community Hub. Sponsorship raised will be divided so that 70 per cent goes to your charity, The Net Community Hub and 30 per cent will go to our important literacy work with primary school children.

Click on this link for more information and to book. Don’t forget to use Discount Code ‘KMVIP’ – thank you!

Activities, fundraising

Take the plunge to support The Net Community Hub

The Net Community Hub

KM Challenge_ABSEIL LOGO

Adrenaline seekers are invited to take part in a thrilling abseil challenge in Kent being staged to support us here at the Net Community Hub. This will be the only multi-charity abseil in Kent next year so do not miss out!

The abseil is being organised by the KM Charity Team and will be held on Sunday, March 17th, at Thomas Place in Maidstone.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team urged people to take the challenge to support their local charity (that would be us !) and says: “This is a great opportunity for people to test their sense of adventure while raising money for this excellent cause.”

Specialists will erect two abseil ropes from the roof of the building to the ground, enabling brave participants to abseil down under the watchful instruction of the professionals whilst being cheered on by well-wishers and friends.

Participants should aim to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. 70%t of sponsorship raised goes to The Net and 30% will go to the children’s road safety department at the KM Charity Team.

Click here to book your place. Use Discount Code MAID19 to get £5 off and choose The Net Community Hub on the supported charity box to ensure your support for us, and contact us at community@waldersladehub.org so we can send you a sponsorship form. Thank you!

Funding, fundraising

We’re a recipient of the Co-op Local Community Fund for 2019!

The Net Community Hub

web-banner coop

We received the most fantastic piece of news recently – the Cooperative has chosen us as one of the causes it will support in Medway in 2019!

The Co-op Local Community Fund helps to support local projects that its members care about. Since its launch in 2017, Co-op members have raised £39 million pounds for over 12,000 local causes. We’re delighted that we will now be able to access this funding opportunity, which will help keep our weekly cafe open for local residents to continue to meet their friends.

As a member, every time you shop at the Co-op, 1% of what you spend on Co-op branded products and services helps fund community projects. You can shop at any Co-op Group stores across the UK to raise money for our cause.

Please choose us by signing into your membership account or by calling the membership helpline on 0800 023 4708. We’ll be available for you to select until November 2019. If you don’t yet have a membership card, simply ask for one the next time you’re in your local store, and register to support us.

You can view our profile page here – considering we haven’t told anyone yet, it’s pleasing to see funds are already coming through!

I suspect we’ll be down at the Walderslade store in due course, helping you pack – make sure you come and say hello!