We’re thrilled to announce that Rachel Haden, Chief Operating Officer at The Sports Trust, has been named the winner of the Youth Project Award at the 2025 Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards. This recognition celebrates Rachel’s outstanding work in supporting young people through sport and community engagement.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, 24th October at the Ashford International Hotel, honouring individuals and organisations across Kent and Medway who are making a real difference to mental health and wellbeing, with Rachel Haden taking the youth project award.

Championing Youth Project Engagement Through Sport

Rachel’s award highlights her dedication to youth project engagement and her impact on young people’s lives. Through inclusive and accessible projects, she creates opportunities for young people to get active, develop confidence, and build connections within their community.

Her nomination described her as an unsung hero whose energy, empathy, and leadership continue to transform lives and strengthen the local community.

Reflecting on the evening, Rachel said it was a wonderful experience to see so many initiatives and colleagues in the sector recognised for their hard work. She found the speakers inspiring and was proud to be part of such a positive celebration.

About the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards

The Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, hosted by Mind in Bexley and East Kent, celebrate the people, projects, and organisations driving mental health improvements in local communities. The 2025 ceremony was hosted by Simon Dolby and Nicola Everett from kmfm, with keynote contributions from Dr Kush Kanodia, Cllr. Teresa Murray and Alice Scutchey of Baton of Hope.

Dr David Palmer, CEO of Mind in Bexley and East Kent, said the awards celebrate remarkable individuals whose dedication and creativity inspire hope, strengthen communities, and show that accessible, local mental health support is essential.

A Proud Moment for The Sports Trust

Rachel’s achievement reflects The Sports Trust’s mission to use sport and physical activity as a force for good. By providing inclusive programmes, we help young people feel included, connected, and inspired, while promoting mental wellbeing across Folkestone and the surrounding areas.

We are incredibly proud of Rachel and all she continues to do for our community.

About The Sports Trust

The Sports Trust is a charity based in Folkestone dedicated to empowering communities through sport, physical activity, and wellbeing initiatives. From grassroots projects to youth project engagement and inclusive community programmes, we break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone to get active, connect, and thrive.

Learn more about our work and upcoming projects at www.thesportstrust.org.

Learn More

To find out more about the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards and the incredible work being recognised across the region, visit the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards page.

The awards are hosted by Mind in Bexley and East Kent, a charity dedicated to supporting mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Learn more about their work and how you can get involved at Mind in Bexley and East Kent and Mind UK.