Thanet along the Kent coast is a very interesting place. It has a dedicated, proactive work force leading some innovative work across the social sector. It is culturally and ethnically very diverse and has a thriving arts sector.

However, Thanet faces challenges. One neighbourhood is the fourth most deprived of 33,000 in England; and a further 18 have the highest IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) level. Within Margate child poverty rates are as high as 53%.

While the area is culturally very diverse - along the Northdown Road there are 42 languages spoken – it has historically faced far right tensions. Nigel Farage was the UKIP candidate for South Thanet in 2015.

Thanet has the lowest life expectancy of all Kent’s districts, however life chances within the district remain hugely polarised. Children growing up in Margate Central have a life expectancy 17 years lower than those growing up three miles down the road in Kingsgate.

I have recently become involved with Beyond The Page led by Dr Sheila Macdonald, supporting migrant women to contribute to healthier, happier communities and become fully-engaged citizens.

Beyond The Page offers creative and flexible solutions to meet the English language learning needs of marginalised adults who face difficulty accessing services. They ensure service providers are engaged and active participants in the programme by developing cross-disciplinary methodologies which engage and stimulate participants.

I'll be running the Athens Marathon on 11th November as well as the Reigate Half Marathon and Great South Run to raise funds for Beyond The Page.  I would be very grateful if you might be kind enough to donate to this great work so that we can support migrant women to support community integration into the future.

Thanks very much,

Jamie