About Us

Making A Difference to Maidstone (MADM) is a Christian Charity and Outreach Centre, founded by Amanda Sidwell in 2015 to support the homeless, those in addiction, socially isolated, disadvantaged and in crisis in the Maidstone area.

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There are a large number of individuals in Maidstone who for various reasons have become homeless, socially isolated, vulnerable, have addiction issues, have suffered domestic abuse, underlying mental health problems and so much more. This can be very upsetting for them and to the general community in terms of presence on the streets, associated litter, untidiness and substance paraphernalia, which pose a significant health risk.

Reducing the number of affected individuals also benefits the Maidstone community. 

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​ Our clients are identified by referrals from probation, local authorities, social services, housing associations, support agencies, early help, family liaison, self-referrals, to name a few.​ The services we offer at MADM are diverse and are in response to the realities of life in the Maidstone community in which we serve. Some of the services MADM offers include guidance, sign posting to appropriate authorities, agencies and charities, assisting with benefits, collaboratively providing accommodation, emotional, spiritual and practical support including providing food, clothing, sleeping bags, furniture, linen, household items and much more. 

​The aim is to support and empower individuals so that they may re-integrate into society, explore their full potential to lead productive and positive lives and enhance the communities in which they live 

MADM Homelessness Campaign Video  (20/04/2017)

BUS STATION STORAGE AREA

FURNITURE AND ELCTRICAL CHARITY SHOP

At the beginning, MADM started by storing items in a bicycle shed, not too long after upgrading to garages, before sharing office space with two Christian charities 'Empower A Woman' and the 'Princess Project'. MADM went on to have two pop up shops, numerous stalls at the Maidstone Mall Shopping Centre

until opening its Church Street Charity Shop in April 2016.

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As MADM grew, temporary use of the old DVLA building was acquired, enabling furniture and electrical sales, an outreach area, food bank, prayer room and art and craft project.

Now, MADM has permanent premises, with their Furniture and Electrical Shop in The Mall, Offices/Outreach Centre at No. 48 Church street next to their main Charity Shop at No. 49, and further 2 storage areas, one being at the Bus Station Offices and another storage area at Demelza Distribution Centre.

NEW OFFICES/OUTREACH CENTER AT NO. 48 NEXT DOOR TO OUR CHARITY SHOP AT NO. 49