Supporting Sheffield: Kentish House in action

Kentish House, located just off the Main Street in Sheffield, supports the locals in many ways. They work closely with community members and service providers to deliver tailored programs that support the needs of the community including playgroup sessions, parenting programs and workshops, emergency relief and youth activities.

Kentish House employs one full-time coordinator, two part-time staff members and four volunteers to provide these valuable support services alongside a food relief program.

NWTD provided funding to Kentish House to help create a more welcoming, supportive space for the community. Our support has enabled them to:

• purchase toys and furniture items for sensory/messy-based play
• develop an edible garden to support healthy food cooking classes
• install a garden shed to store garden equipment and outdoor toys. In true community style, the local Men’s Shed assisted by putting up the shed.

Leesa Butler from the NWTD team visited the House recently and was thrilled to see a group of toddlers playing with the new toys while their carers enjoyed a cuppa and a chat.

Kentish House Coordinator Cassandra and Access 2 Health Services Project Officer Ruby explained the positive impact that the new toys have had for the group in a space that is a safe and enjoyable for the group to meet every week. Small things have made a big difference here, like Lyle the Crocodile, a weighted soft toy that assists in calming and providing emotional support to children and adults alike.

NWTD also co-funds an Access 2 Health Services initiative - a monthly schedule of health and community services published in the Kentish Voice newspaper – a centralised location where locals look for information.

TasNetworks proudly supports the vital role that Kentish House plays in this community, and we thank them for the valuable services they provide.