Our Story:

Cherish was born out of a deep concern for the challenges families face today—challenges I saw every day as a GP in the NHS.

Financial pressures, family breakdown, rising expectations of success, and increasing social isolation have created a perfect storm, leaving many people struggling without the support they need. The statistics on family and young people’s well-being in the UK make for sobering reading.

The NHS does its best, but I saw firsthand that medical and social care services alone can never be the whole solution. While working to establish a new social prescribing service for children and young people, I recognized its value—but I also saw its limits. Just as paying for a therapist doesn’t replace genuine friendship, professional interventions can’t fully meet the deeper need for real, human connection.

At the same time, I knew from my own life where that kind of support could be found. I help lead a local church, and I’ve experienced firsthand the power of community—people stepping in, not because they have to, but because they care. When my child was sick and my wife and I were stuck at work, it was a member of my church family who picked him up and looked after him. When my car broke down, they offered to lend me theirs. When I was struggling with stress, they checked in on me, got me out exercising, and stood by me. It made me wonder—how do people manage without this kind of support?

I also understand how churches work. They want to help, but often don’t know how to do so in a way that feels natural and welcome.

They don’t want to be seen as preachy or intrusive; they just want to love and serve others because that’s what they believe they’re called to do. In the days of the Roman Empire, Emperor Hadrian once asked his advisor, “Who exactly are these Christians?” His response was simple:

“They love one another. They never fail to help widows. They save orphans from those who would hurt them. If they have something, they give freely to those who have nothing. If they see a stranger, they take him home and treat him as family.”

What church leader wouldn’t want their church to be known for that?

Cherish is about bringing these worlds together.

It’s about creating practical, real-life support networks that help families thrive—not just through professional services, but through the kind of everyday kindness that transforms lives. We’re starting in Faversham, with initial funding already in place, and our vision is to grow—helping more people and enabling churches to love their communities well.

Because no one should have to struggle alone.