A social inclusion charity is to close amid financial pressures after supporting disabled and older people to be independent for the last 40 years.

Compaid, which runs transport and digital inclusion initiatives for people in Kent, is to cease operating by mid-December when it will begin the formal process of closing the charity.

In a statement the charity said the decision has been taken “following a sustained period of significant financial pressure”.

It added that “the charity has faced a perfect storm of rising costs, the wider economic downturn and broader global economic pressures, alongside increasing pressure on the financial viability of its services”.

“This is an incredibly sad decision for everyone connected with Compaid,” said the charity’s chief executive Michelle Ford.

“For 40 years, the charity has been part of people’s lives across Kent, and I know just how much it means to our clients, families, volunteers and staff.”

She added: “Our focus now is on managing the closure with care and respect. We have time between now and December to support the people who use our services and, wherever we can, help them prepare for what comes next.

“I also want to recognise and thank everyone who has been part of Compaid over the last 40 years – our clients and families, staff and volunteers, Trustees, funders, partners and supporters.

“Together, they have created something very special and made a real difference to people’s lives.”

According to the Charities Register Compaid’s spending of £1.68m in the 12 months to the end of March 2025 outstripped its £1.58m income over the same period.

This is the second year in a row when its spending has exceeded its income.

According to the Register the charity has 59 members of staff and is supported by nine trustees and 44 volunteers.

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