The Hive Thanet CIC is a not-for-profit community interest company based in Thanet, East Kent. Our purpose is to create an inclusive, accessible hub where children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), older residents and those with complex lives can learn, socialise and thrive together.
We are rooted on a five-acre site that includes an accessible pavilion, horticulture areas, outdoor learning spaces, cycling track and activity zones. From this base we run a range of programmes that go beyond what statutory services can provide, focusing on wellbeing, skills, independence and community connection.
Our core activities include:
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A free 55+ programme for older adults and people with disabilities, offering social, physical and creative activities that tackle isolation, poor health and frailty.
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A Traineeship for 19–25-year-olds with SEND, building confidence, life skills and work readiness through real tasks in catering, hospitality, horticulture and customer service.
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Autistic and SEND-specific holiday provision, giving families safe, understanding spaces where their children can access activities that are paced and adapted to their needs.
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Community use of our outdoor spaces for horticulture, forest school, sport and environmental projects, many co-designed with local partners.
We work closely with local special schools, mainstream schools, social care, health professionals and voluntary sector partners across East Kent. Many of our participants are referred because they are isolated, anxious, struggling to access mainstream provision, or at risk of poor long-term health and life outcomes.
As a CIC, any surplus is reinvested back into the site and services. Our team brings together experienced education, SEND, health and youth practitioners alongside volunteers and family carers, all committed to trauma-informed, person-centred practice.
In short, The Hive Thanet exists to make sure that people who are often overlooked – particularly those with SEND and older residents in deprived parts of East Kent – have a place to belong, opportunities to grow, and real chances to improve their health, skills and quality of life.
