Dozens of people went along to help the Healthy Living Centre celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Staff at the building, off Royal Road, Sheerness, pulled out all the stops to mark the milestone on Thursday last week, exactly a decade since it opened.

The celebration was held towards the end of a week of activities at the centre to keep children busy during the half-term holidays.

Mayor of Swale Cllr Pat Sandle cut the cake and there was a speech and presentation given by Sheppey Matters manager Nigel Martin.

Guests were able to learn more about the projects which already run from there, such as the various clubs, Sheppey Wheels and the community allotments project, as well as learning about ones which are in the pipeline.

The food truck was also officially launched, with lunch served to the visitors by eight youngsters who are doing a course in partnership with Sheppey Matters and JobCentre Plus.

There was also a presentation about Sheppey Matters’ plan to open an office in Eastchurch Village Hall so it can offer some services to residents at the Island’s eastern end, such as computer and photography courses.

Sheppey Matters has been given £22,000 of funding by Kent County Council to launch what is known as a “house project” at the village hall, in Warden Road, Eastchurch.

A space at the hall will be turned into what looks like a normal home – with a lounge, seating area and kitchen – and young people will be able to go along there, anonymously, to get advice.

Professionals will be on hand to talk to visitors about their sexual, mental and physical health.

Mr Martin said: “It was a very nice day – we couldn’t have asked for more.
“Everyone joined in and wanted to be involved.

“Community chef Mike Spackman was absolutely over the moon with those who worked on the food truck.

“He said they are an excellent example of what can be achieved.”

• For more pictures, see this week's Sheerness Times Guardian.