The Salvation Army hopes to get mobile in Ebbsfleet

published on 3 Feb 2025

The Salvation Army in Ebbsfleet has unveiled new plans to support local residents through fundraising for a bespoke mobile community space.

Leaders of the church and charity want the project to provide social opportunities and build local connections around Northfleet, Greenhithe and Swanscombe. The towns sit around Ebbsfleet Garden City, an area of redevelopment which will see 15,000 new homes built by 2035.

They hope the space, which will be on an adapted van, will break down barriers and reduce isolation as well as create a safe space for young people to engage, building on the work they have done since 2022.

As well as supporting the current activities of The Salvation Army including a wellbeing welcome space, health and wellbeing walk and talks, student mentoring and youth engagement pop-up events, the aim is for the community space to support collaborative working with other community organisations to meet the local need and become an asset at large community events.

PRComms Louise Finch
Louise Finch is Pioneer Leader of The Salvation Army in Ebbsfleet

Louise Finch, Pioneer Leader of The Salvation Army in Ebbsfleet, said: “We seek to provide opportunities and spaces for people to connect, to understand the difficulties and needs of the community, identify where there are gaps in services and provision, to help to build community through befriending and relationship building.

“Being mobile will allow us to reach out to the different villages and communities that make up our area.  Whether it’s a friendly chat or practical advice, the mobile community space will bring much-needed support directly to the heart of our community.”

Community leaders from across the area were invited to a presentation evening to hear more about the scheme.

Police Sergeant Rob Wilkinson of the Dartford Community Safety Unit said: “This is an excellent scheme that will give local people a focal point and somewhere to go for advice or just some friendly company. Our residents come from a variety of backgrounds and include families born and bred in Swanscombe, Greenhithe and Dartford, as well as newcomers to the area. This initiative offers the opportunity to bring these groups together and forge the links and relationships that will establish a cohesive and supportive community.”

PRComms Louise Finch Hannah Borrett
Louise Finch, Pioneer Leader, Ebbsfleet Garden City and Hannah Borrett, Dartford Salvation Army leader, both worked on the project

Andy Lloyd, the Mayor of Dartford Borough, was also at the presentation evening and lent his support.

He said: “Ebbsfleet is a developing community and needs things like The Salvation Army and all the help it can provide. The beauty is it’s not stuck in one place. People will get used to it being in one place at one time and it will then move somewhere else to serve another part of the same community.”

For more on this and how you can help, go to https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ebbsfleet-garden-city

A Salvation Army officer in a white shirt holds out a red collection tin.

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