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ReferKent - for organisations who support Kent residents

making referrals simple, easy and secure. Refer Kent, strengthening referrals.

ReferKent is an online directory of groups and services. It aims to strengthen referrals across Kent for adults and families, and:

  • allow users to refer to organisations directly
  • help those who are experiencing or are at risk of hardship.

The system is:

  • available on mobile and desktop devices
  • free for organisations who support Kent residents
  • quick, GDPR-compliant, and secure
  • supported by the Helping Hands Scheme.

It's easy to track and check referrals to make sure the residents are being helped by the right people.

Before the introduction of ReferKent, organisations sent residents from one to another. Residents were often left feeling deflated and falling further into hardship. We hope our system will bridge the gap between signposting and referring.

We encourage as many organisations as possible to sign up to our directory. Once signed up, you can start making and receiving referrals.

Watch our video explaining the ReferKent service and why you should register.

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Read the transcript of the ReferKent video.

Using the ReferKent system

  1. Apply to join ReferKent as an agency.
  2. We'll send you a service level agreement and data sharing agreement.
  3. Sign the documents and return them to us.
  4. We'll then invite you to an online training session.
  5. Once training is complete, we'll activate your account.
  6. You're ready to make referrals.

Making a referral is quick, easy, and secure. It's only for organisations and agencies to refer their clients, residents can't self-refer. Referrals are only available to adults.

Make a referral

Referrals only take a few minutes to complete, and you can track the progress of your referrals at any time. You can request reports on your referrals from us.

The system follows UK GDPR law and keeps individuals' information safe and secure. It only asks for essential information. Referrers can't attach clients' notes.

You should get a response to your referral in 3 working days.

You will get an email notification when you receive a referral. You then log into your ReferKent account to view the referral.

The system follows UK GDPR law. It keeps individuals’ information safe. You will only get essential information for the referral.

You should respond to the referral in 3 working days.

If you are getting more referrals than expected and can't help, please contact us. We will pause your account for an agreed period. This will let you catch up before taking more referrals.

When you become a ReferKent user, you will have access to helpful advice and information. This includes updates and networking opportunities.

Online help

Are you on LinkedIn? Follow us to see information on our projects and services that support residents. You'll also get updates on relevant events.

Or, why not check out our YouTube playlist, and watch training videos for using ReferKent. You'll find helpful tutorial videos, including how to make a referral and how to search for an organisation.

Meeting others

Attend one of our regular networking meetings where you will hear from other groups using ReferKent. You will also have the opportunity to ask others how to improve your referrals.

Newsletter updates

Interested in the latest support and information happening across Kent? We will keep you up to date with a regular newsletter.

Email referkent@kent.gov.uk if you have comments, suggestions, or issues you need support with.

Professional spotlight sessions

We hold monthly spotlight sessions to highlight ReferKent organisations.

The sessions help professionals to:

  • promote the help they offer to residents
  • learn about other organisations
  • ask questions about referrals.

All sessions are open to any professional interested in ReferKent. They are also open to those already using it.

To find out about upcoming Spotlight sessions, join our mailing list.

Organisations working with us

Here are some of the organisations we're working with:

If you are interested in working with ReferKent email referkent@kent.gov.uk for further information.

Funded by

ReferKent is funded by The Helping Hands Scheme.