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Compaid helps disabled, older and other vulnerable people to overcome the barriers of social, digital and economic exclusion
About us
Compaid helps disabled, older and other vulnerable people to overcome the barriers of social and digital exclusion, and to live their lives to the full.
Each year, thousands of people use our digital skills training and accessible transport services in and around the South East of England.
Working in partnership with local authorities, housing associations, job centres and other charities, our staff and volunteers change lives for the better every day.
Discover CompaidHow we help
Digital Skills Training
We provide one to one support to learn how to safely use the internet, social media, and apps such as Microsoft Office and Corel Draw. Training is offered at our own Training Centre, or remotely in people’s own homes.
Accessible Transport
We provide door to door transport for disabled and older people to access local shops, day services, medical appointments and outings with family and friends. We offer a choice of wheelchair accessible vehicles, from minibuses for large groups to smaller adapted cars.
What people have said about us
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“A massive thank you for giving me the confidence to explore computers. This has been absolutely invaluable to me in starting my new career path after a long break.”
Tracey, disabled job seeker in Maidstone
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“After a traffic accident, I wanted to put my computer experience to good use, helping others to gain digital skills. Volunteering at Compaid helped me with my own speech and increased my confidence and independence.”
Dave, Compaid volunteer
News
Compaid Kent Karrier Available in Dover & Canterbury
We are pleased to announce that Compaid are now delivering Kent Karrier accessible transport in Dover & Canterbury. Kent Karrier is a membership-based transport scheme funded by Kent County Council, providing door-to-door journeys around Canterbury and Dover. Our friendly drivers will help passengers with mobility needs on and off the buses, if required, they will also assist carrying your shopping on and off the vehicle and to your front door. All our buses are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible. This service is accessible to residents of Canterbury and Dover who meet one of the following criteria: they live over 500 meters from public transport stops, have a disability that prevents them from using other public transport options, or are 85 years of age or older. To apply for a Kent Karrier membership, please visit www.kent.gov.uk/kentkarrier. For bookings, please call our Transport team on 01892 832447. Two accessible buses will be available 5 days a week between 10am and 1pm. The fare for the journey, whether single or return, is £5. We are so happy to announce that our Kent Karrier accessible transport is now available in Dover & Canterbury!
Where To Watch: Team GB in the Paralympic Games
The 2024 Paralympic Games are being held in Paris, France from Wednesday 28th August until Sunday 8th September. You can find the full schedule of events here: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/paralympic-games/schedule/para-athletics We are greatly looking forward to cheering on Team GB as they compete and demonstrate the sheer strength of their athletic abilities, and are even more delighted that our charity ambassador, Zak Skinner, has been selected as part of Team GB's Official Paralympic Team. Zak Skinner in the new official Team GB Paralympic sports gear This year, broadcast of the full Paralympic Games, from the first moment of the opening ceremony to the last sparks of fireworks at the closing, will be streamed live on Channel 4, More4, Channel 4 Streaming, and on the Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube channel. Channel 4 have reported that “Paris 2024 is set to be Channel 4’s most accessible Games to date” with all broadcasting including subtitles, live sports streaming will have closed captioning, and live sport on More4 and Channel 4 Streaming on weekday afternoons will include BSL live sign language. Zak Skinner, will be competing for Team GB in the T-13 Final of the Men's 100m on Sunday 1st September at 6:47pm and in the T-13 Final of the Men’s Long Jump on Saturday 7th September at 10am. We are already cheering him on all the way!
The Impact of Accessible Learning: Paul's Story
There are countless stories in our digital skills training centre of people whose lives have been transformed by the welcoming environment, encouraging trainers, and access to learning and friendship with others. This is one such story. Meet Paul, a man in his 50s who started at Compaid to learn to read and write, skills which he never had the opportunity to gain when he was younger. Living with both a learning and physical disability, Paul has spent most of his time at home, not socialising with anyone outside his family, and watching TV all day for entertainment. His sister-in-law says, “It is difficult to overstate the positive effect that Compaid has had on Paul’s life – in his confidence, his happiness, his living life in general.” Eighteen months ago, encouraged by his brother and sister-in-law, Paul began searching for new activities to enrich his daily life. He discovered exactly what he needed at Compaid’s digital skills centre. Paul, a man brimming with creativity, curiosity, and talent, has made remarkable progress with the wide range of opportunities provided by our friendly trainers. Socially, Paul has grown since joining Compaid, enjoying conversations with trainers and other clients. In terms of personal development, Paul has focused on learning to read and write for the first time. He now keeps a blog, explores digital painting, becomes more active by participating in SEN tennis with other clients, moves around the centre independently, traces his family tree, and notably, learns programming. Each week, Paul participates in sessions based on the 'Hour of Code' website, completing simple coding tasks that require reading and basic numeracy skills. This challenge has spurred him to learn more and apply his skills creatively, resulting in a wonderful robotic device for our digital skills training centre. Using a BBC micro, Paul built a small robot that beeps at intervals to remind people to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of computer use, look away for 20 seconds at something at least 20 feet away. Paul said, “My activities at Compaid have given me a great sense of achievement. I feel that I am now spending my time meaningfully.” Paul's story is just one of many inspiring journeys from our center, and we are eager to share more of these with you!
Get involved
Donate
Help us to ensure that all those we work with can achieve their aspirations and play an equal part in society.
Volunteering
There have been volunteers at Compaid since the beginning, giving their essential support to staff & clients.