About Us
Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre began operating in April 2012.
To read more about the advice we give and the value we generate for our clients, please read our recent Stakeholders Letter and our 2025 Annual Report You can also visit our News page for recent Newsletters and interesting articles.
We are:
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a Registered Charity (1147816)
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a Company Limited by Guarantee (08006468)
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Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 618816)
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a member of Advice UK, the UK’s largest support network for free, independent advice centres
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registered with the Money Advice Trust, rightsnet and National Homelessness Advice Service.
Previous Stakeholder letters are available to read here: November 2025 July 2024 November 2023,
Our Trustees
Martin Pengelley (Chair)
Martin was born in Tunbridge Wells and has lived near to Paddock Wood for 40 years. He is a chartered accountant and has recently retired after a career in finance. Martin was a trustee of a local school for 15 years.
Alison Cain (Deputy Chair)
Alison was born and grew-up in Kent, and presently lives close to Paddock Wood with her family. She is a chartered accountant by training and has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, including 7 years overseas.
David Ritchie (Treasurer)
David has been a Trustee since 2015. He has lived with his family in Hunton, near Paddock Wood, for the last 23 years. David is a chartered accountant and has enjoyed a long career in housing development, including being CEO of Bovis Homes (now Vistry Group) and now Chairman of WElink Homes. David is also a founding shareholder and Chairman of Aspire, a fast growing business delivering much needed new care home developments across the south of England.
Sarah Hamilton
Sarah was born in Tunbridge Wells and lives in Paddock Wood. She is a former Town Council Chairman, Borough Councillor and County Councillor for Tunbridge Wells Rural division. Sarah served as Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at KCC and was also a former School Governor. She is retired from a career in Higher Education & Health and is a passionate supporter of animal welfare.
Robert Machell
Robert has lived close to Paddock Wood for over 20 years. He is a practising barrister, a third career after serving in the army and then working in finance. Having previously volunteered as an adviser at PWCAC, Robert became a trustee in 2023.
WHAT DO PROFESSIONALS SAY ABOUT US?
Mike Martin, MP
"PWCAC is a vital community resource for Paddock Wood, and I appreciate that its work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of many."
Beat Officer, Paddock Wood
"Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre provide a fantastic service for the people of Paddock Wood. Not only are they always there to support people in the community, but they show genuine care for the people they come into contact with. I've seen first hand the help they provide, and look forwards to working with them in the future"
Sandra, Tonbridge Job Centre
"Situated at the heart of the community, you have developed strong local connections and earned the trust of those you support. Your team is approachable, calm, knowledgeable, and has a comprehensive understanding of policies and guidance enabling you to guide people effectively through often complex processes, particularly when they are experiencing crisis or significant hardship."
Julie,
Hospice in the Weald
"The support we get from you is amazing. Very quick to contact our patients and families. The feedback I get from them is how informative you are & you take the pressure off of them when they are going through such a bad time with their health"