Our History

Where It All Began

King’s Reach started in 1985 when Dave and Janice King decided to make a difference in their local community in Shepway, Maidstone. Dave left his job, driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith, to help people who were struggling. One of the first people he supported was Chris, a man dying of cancer. Dave visited him every day, showing care and kindness, just as he believed Jesus had shown him. That experience changed Dave’s life and planted the seed for what would become King’s Reach.

From there, Dave set up a café, an advice centre, and a furniture recycling project, all aimed at giving people practical help and a sense of connection. His work as a school governor opened his eyes to the challenges faced by young people who didn’t fit into the system, and it shaped his vision for helping those most in need.

 

The Next Chapter

In 1999, Dave’s son Stewart joined him, passionate about supporting young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour, especially those who had been let down or left behind. In 2003, King’s Reach was officially founded to provide intensive, one-to-one support for young people who had nowhere else to turn.

The first young person they helped was Lee. Stewart built a personalised programme to help Lee rebuild his confidence, improve his behaviour, and re-engage with learning. That one-to-one approach became the foundation of King’s Reach: helping one young person at a time, with patience, care, and tailored support.

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Today and Beyond

Today, King’s Reach continues to grow, but the heart of the work remains the same, giving young people the time, trust, and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive. It’s about meeting each young person where they are, and walking with them toward a better future.​