If you were anywhere in Kent, Medway, or Bexley in 2025, you likely ran into Jennifer our Community Engagement Officer . From rainy summer fetes and Christmas markets to high-level strategic boards, we’ve made sure ethical banking had a seat at every table.
The one-year of funding for the Community Engagement role by Fair4All Finance has really helped us to reach some of our most vulnerable community members and make a difference in our communities. To put it simply: we haven’t just met the goals for this year; we’ve absolutely smashed them.
Why This Mattered
2025 was about more than just numbers; it was about being a trusted face in the community. Whether Jen was explaining how a credit union works or signposting someone to another community group over a digestive biscuit, the goal was always the same: making sure no one feels left behind.
By being invited into so many spaces—from education events to housing forums—we’ve proved that Wave Community Bank is an essential part of the support system in the communities we cover. We are incredibly proud of what this one year of funding has achieved; it’s been exhausting, but the impact has been greater than we ever imagined.
A Year of Unprecedented Outreach
The impact of this year-long funding is best seen through the sheer variety of spaces Jen occupied, ensuring that Wave Community Bank was accessible to everyone, from policymakers to schoolchildren:
- Championing the Sector: Attended 336 meetings and events, including Business Networking sessions where Jen championed the VCSE sector as a crucial pillar of the local economy.
- Strategic Integration: Represented WCB at Health Alliance and Housing Meetings, ensuring financial wellbeing was included in wider health and social care conversations.
- Creative Education: Delivered 112 stands and presentations, famously using biscuits to explain APR and credit scores. These sessions demystified how credit unions work while warning against the dangers of loan sharks.
- Community Roots: From schools and education events to summer fetes and Christmas markets, Jen accepted every invitation, providing tailored support to smaller community groups.
- A Holistic Hub: Beyond financial services, Jen acted as a critical community navigator, signposting vulnerable individuals to essential support agencies.
Lasting Social Value
This year of funding from Fair4All Finance has done more than just increase our numbers; it has humanised finance. Whether in a formal boardroom or a rainy community fete, Jen’s presence proved that ethical financial services is about people, not just profits. We concluded 2025 with a significantly heightened brand profile and a community that is better protected, better informed, and more financially secure.
We have smashed through the barriers of traditional outreach, proving that when community engagement is delivered with this level of energy and innovation, the impact is exponential. We have tested a new, significantly higher standard for what a funded engagement role can deliver for the community.
A Month-by-Month Journey of Impact- A Whirlwind of Activity
These are just the highlights of a non-stop year:
January & February: Setting the Pace We started the year by embedding ourselves in the heart of the community. In Broadstairs, we held talks at the Town Shed, while in Ashford, we became a fixture at the Eat Well Spend Less events. We prioritised vulnerable groups early on, attending South East Homelessness Forums and delivering a bespoke session for mothers under 25, as well as supporting community events in Paddock Wood.
March: A Whirlwind of Celebration & Connection March saw a massive push for visibility. We celebrated International Women’s Day at four different locations across the region and supported the Swale Roadshows. We began our integration with Kent Family Hubs, met with ex-serving members’ families in Swanscombe, and travelled to Leeds for the ABCUL conference to learn from other credit union professionals..
April: Strengthening the Foundations We officially signed up for the National Numeracy Campaign to bolster our educational offer. Our reach expanded to Bexley Voluntary Service Council meetings and housing events in Gravesham and Canterbury. We supported the Mayor of Swale’s charity events in Sheppey, attended energy poverty forums, and even taught financial literacy to Cubs in Ashford.
May: Safety, Education & Innovation In May, we joined Kent Police for a community day in Cranbrook, attended the Charing Fete, and recorded podcasts to reach a wider audience. We supported a Tenterden school session and met with community groups in Bromley. A highlight was sponsoring Hackabury at Canterbury Christ Church University, bridging the gap between ethical finance and tech innovation.
June: Community Roots We focused on grassroots connection, visiting Grafty Green Village Hall for a community tea and supporting a community hub in Tenterden. We stood with Kent Police in Sittingbourne, attended the Staple Country Fayre, and supported the Kent Housing Conference, all while maintaining our presence at Tunbridge Wells Age UK and events in Medway.
July: The Three-Day Marathon July was exceptionally high-energy, at one point visiting Gravesend, Ashford, and Swale in just three days. We presented to Girl Guides in North Kent, held an online session with Refer Kent, and joined the Riverside Festival with Gravesham Council. From the Pentagon Centre in Medway to Canterbury Rugby Club and the Lympne fete, we ensured Wave was everywhere.
August: Supporting the Workforce As summer peaked, we focused on the next generation of workers with presentations to apprentices and a KCC presentation. We attended a charity fun day in Rainham, a session in East Malling, and a family event in Gravesend. We even took our housing advocacy to Brighton before returning for events in Folkestone.
September: Networking & Narrowing the Gap September was about strategic partnerships, supporting Porchlight’s networking in Canterbury, Dartford Living networking, and a Pilgrims Hospice golf day. We did a radio interview for Cinque Ports Radio, attended the Baton of Hope in Sheppey, and held sessions at Riverside Country Park for Medway Council, while supporting NEETs in Ashford.
October: Equity & Essential Support We addressed the cost-of-living crisis at the National Energy Action forum in Tonbridge. October also focused on heritage and health, presenting to NHS staff across the region about Black History Month and credit unions. We also attended Careers Days in Medway and supported a new community interest company launch in Swanley.
November & December: The Festive Finale We rounded off the year with a heavy presence at Christmas Markets in Dover, Ashford, Medway, and Hawkinge. We continued our strategic work with the West Kent Health Alliance and the Allies Together conference in Tunbridge Wells. Final events in Dartford, and Gillingham ensured our brand profile remained high right until the end of the year.
Proving that when you meet people where they are—at a fete, a school, or a shopping centre—you build a more resilient, financially secure community.
