We are thrilled to announce that Open Road has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards in recognition of our tireless work supporting individuals and communities affected by addiction, health inequalities, and social disadvantage.
Firstly, Open Road has been nominated in the ‘Care Charity of the Year’ category at the Kent Charity Awards 2025. This nomination recognises our vital work in Medway, where we deliver person-centred recovery services as part of the RIVER – Medway Treatment and Recovery Service. Our team supports over 650 people each year through recovery groups, mentoring, and community-based activities that promote resilience, connection, and long-term wellbeing. The heart of our Medway centre – a community kitchen named in honour of a beloved client, Stella – symbolises our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people can rebuild their lives. This nomination celebrates the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and clients, whose efforts have transformed our Medway hub into a beacon of hope and recovery.
We are also proud to share that our SOS Community Health Bus (SCHB) has been nominated for the ‘Preventing Ill-health, Inequalities, and Injustice Award’ at the Suffolk and North-East Essex ICS ‘Can Do’ Health and Care Awards 2025. The SCHB is a mobile community welfare project that brings vital healthcare services directly into underserved neighbourhoods across North-Essex. In just six months, the SCHB team has delivered over 1,200 health interventions across 89 visits, with many people receiving urgent referrals and life-saving support. From cancer screenings and podiatry to addiction advice and sexual health checks, the SCHB breaks down barriers to care and ensures everyone has access to the help they need, regardless of location or circumstance.
One participant summed up the impact simply: “You saved my life.”
These nominations are a testament to the passion, compassion, and innovation of the Open Road team — from frontline staff to volunteers and peer mentors with lived experience. Every day, they help people take courageous steps toward recovery, health, and a more hopeful future.
Being recognised for both the Kent Charity Awards and the Can-Do Health and Care Awards not only honours our work but amplifies our message: recovery is possible, and no one should be left behind.
We are immensely proud of our teams in Medway and on the SOS Community Health Bus, and we look forward to the award ceremonies later this year. Thank you to our partners, funders, supporters, and, above all, our clients — this recognition belongs to all of you.
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https://www.sneeics.org.uk/involving-everyone/can-do-health-and-care-awards-2025/
