Our History

2024

Suicide prevention project started

2023

Achieved the gold standard in Medway’s workplace wellbeing standard

2023

Given £50K from The people’s postcode lottery

2023

Stakeholder evaluation

We raised funds to be able to procure an external evaluation of our service from our stakeholders so we could make use of their feedback to develop the service and ensure we are continuing to make a difference in Medway

2023

Wifi installed in all of the Resident houses

2023

Lift installed in 411

This made our space accessible for our Residents, Staff and the community.

2023

First Management development programme for staff

In order to become more robust in terms of our succession planning, We created a Management development programme for staff interested in progressing inside AMAT or those who might be taking their experience and training out into the community.

2022

Achieved the quality mark from the Charity excellence framework

2022

First Friends and family day for staff

We wanted to create an inclusive & alcohol free staff event to host our annual Staff Awards. Holding this family friendly event with refreshments provided by a fish and chip van and an ice cream van and activities like face painting, an inflatable slide, cornhole, jumbo Jenga, tin can ally, hook the duck, a raffle, lucky dip and music provided by a DJ. Almost 100 people attended and it was very well received by the staff.

2022

AMAT was awarded the contract to provide floating support in Medway

2022

AMAT turned 25

A programme of events was carried out to celebrate

2021

Better Medway award for outstanding contribution to mental health

This was specific recognition for the work that the 411 HUB was able to continue throughout the various lockdowns to support people’s mental health through our creative and supportive approach, and having a mental health worker working out of the space.

2021

Board Appoints Resident Representative

AMAT UK appoints our first resident representation on the Board

2020

Alive & Singing Choir Writes & Records First Album

AMAT UK’s choir completes “A Place To Call My Own”, an originals album funded by the Arts Council and individual donations, written by professional song-writing partnership Matthew Crozer and Cat Smithurst in collaboration with residents & staff and performed by choir members.

The album captures the issues that many members of the homeless community face daily; the pain of losing loved ones, substance misuse, domestic violence, addiction, and difficulties with mental health. The album also captures the moments of kindness shown to AMAT Residents, as well as documenting that when they had very little, the humour and tenacity that all of these individuals possess is what empowered them to rebuild their lives with the help of the amazing AMAT and 411 HUB staff

2020

Garden Allotment Project Begins

AMAT UK secures a plot in the allotments at Fort Amhurst thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund. Residents can join the gardening club and learn how to grow produce

2020

Management Team Restructure

AMAT UK restructures the Management; creating our first CEO position and three senior manager positions

2020

Appointment of a Resettlement Officer

AMAT UK receives funding from Nationwide for a Resettlement Officer; dedicated support for homeless adults in finding independent accommodation, running courses about living independently and providing floating support for 12 weeks after they leave AMAT accommodation

2019

Peer-led Activities Begin

AMAT UK begins peer led activities including Film club, Fishing club and Darts club – run out of the 411 HUB and in the local area

2019

First Fundraising Public Performance by Alive & Singing Choir

AMAT UK holds the choir’s first ticketed public performance in December, at the Pantry Cafe in Fort Amherst, with all proceeds going towards supporting the continuation of our residents’ activities

2019

Training Kitchen Opens

AMAT UK converts an empty flat into a training kitchen where cooking courses in healthy eating are run for residents. This fantastic redevelopment was thanks to funding from Edward Gostlin, Clothworkers and the People’s Postcode Lottery

2018

411 High Street

AMAT UK purchases 411 High Street; enabling us to deliver our ‘one stop shop’ 411 HUB service to the homeless community from the heart of Medway

2017

The AMAT UK "Alive and Singing" Choir formed

AMAT’s ALIVE AND SINGING Choir begins as a 6-week project for residents and staff, aimed at boosting confidence and improving personal and social skills whilst having fun in a safe environment

2017

Funding Secured to Develop the 411 HUB

AMAT UK is awarded a National Lottery Community Fund grant to develop the 411 HUB and improve access to services for people experiencing homelessness

2017

The Workplace Wellbeing Charter

AMAT UK achieves a National Award signifying its ongoing commitment to the promotion of Healthy Workplaces

2017

Board Led Charity

AMAT UK, having developed its Board of Trustees, says thank you to its last founder stepping down

2015

The National Lottery Community Fund and The Garfield Weston Foundation Grant to pilot the 411 Job Club

AMAT UK is awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund and The Garfield Weston Foundation to run a pilot for a Job Club and IT Suite

2014

AMAT opens its first high street Charity Shop

AMAT UK opened its first high street Charity Shop.

2013

AMAT Achieves Quality Standards

AMAT UK achieved its ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 quality standards.

AMAT UK achieved its NICEIC accredited status

2013

Maidstone Branch

AMAT UK branched into the Maidstone area.

2012

Paperless Office

AMAT UK moved to a paperless office and were the first service in Kent to utilise the Homeless Link – Salesforce – INFORM system

2008

Working Licence

AMAT UK introduced our Working Licence; enabling service users to remain accommodated with us whilst also obtaining employment.

2004

Awarded Charity Status

AMAT UK became a charity in 2004. AMAT has a solid history of offering employment and volunteering opportunities to service users.

1997

AMAT Established

AMAT UK was established in 1997