Compaid to Close Transport and Training Services After 40 Years

Compaid, a Paddock Wood-based charity that has spent 40 years helping older, disabled and vulnerable people across Kent stay connected and independent, has announced it will close its accessible transport and digital skills training services by Wednesday 17 December, citing financial pressures.

The charity runs two main services from its base in Paddock Wood: a door-to-door accessible transport service that helps people reliably reach medical appointments and local services, and digital skills training that helps people navigate the internet and use their devices safely and confidently. The training is delivered both one-to-one at Compaid's Paddock Wood centre and through an Outreach programme that partners with other charities, trusts and local authorities to take the same support out into communities across the county. Compaid Trust has charity number 1064160 and has been registered for over 25 years, though the organisation itself traces its roots back 40 years.

On its own fundraising pages, Compaid has said it needs to raise around £300,000 a year to keep its services running for clients across Kent - underlining the scale of the funding gap behind the decision to close. The charity has said it will continue working with clients and their families over the coming months as the services wind down, rather than stopping abruptly.

In its own announcement, Compaid said: "Compaid's services will cease by 17 December 2026, with the formal process of closing the charity continuing after that date." The charity's Facebook page is now marked "Closing soon", and it continues to list its usual contact details - 01892 834539 and enquiries@compaid.org.uk, at Unit 1 Eastlands, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood - for anyone affected by the closure, including existing clients, families and the charities and local authorities it has partnered with on outreach work.

Sources: Compaid (Facebook), Compaid, Charity Commission, charity no. 1064160