Social enterprise firm We’ve Got Your Back (WGYB Support CIC) is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation based in Gravesham, dedicated to supporting families, children and individuals facing hardship.
Formed by director Stuart Jenkins in 2022, it offers a clothing bank for adults and children. Items are donated by the community and carefully sorted by volunteers to ensure families can access clothing in a welcoming, respectful environment with no judgement.
One significant challenge WGYB has faced is meeting the growing demand for support with limited resources. As community needs increased, it became essential to find innovative ways to expand its reach while maintaining quality and impact. This was found through sourcing local partnerships.
Asked what sets WGYB Support CIC apart, Stuart Jenkins said: “We aim to be practical, flexible, recognising that people facing hardship do not always fit neatly into one category and may need several forms of support at the same time.
“For example, our food bank offers evening and weekend appointments so that working individuals and families can access support outside traditional office hours.
“We do not require a food bank voucher, thus helping to remove barriers for people who may be struggling, but do not meet the criteria for other services.”
The organisation’s greatest achievement has been developing WGYB Support CIC from a small, predominantly volunteer-led community organisation into a growing service that responds to both immediate hardship and longer-term needs.
A particularly significant milestone has been launching a supported accommodation provision for people leaving prison and others at risk of homelessness. This has involved securing suitable accommodation, developing robust referral and assessment processes, building relationships with prisons, probation services, local authorities and community organisations and creating a structured support model to help residents sustain their accommodation and rebuild their independence.
