About Us
About Us
Our Story
Living Well Trust has been serving the Thames community for more than 30 years. Throughout that time, the shape of our work has changed as the needs of our community have changed, but the heart behind it has remained the same — to love, serve and support people, particularly those experiencing hardship, isolation or significant life challenges.
Where It Began
Our story began in 1995 when a group of people from Thames Baptist Church recognised that there were people in the community who were struggling and falling through the gaps of existing services.
From that concern, Ebenezer Trust was established to enable and support practical community ministry. Over the years its work took many different forms, including work experience, social work, counselling, housing support, the Thames Community Foodbank, a community drop-in centre and community meals.
To many people in Thames, this work became better known simply as Thames Baptist Community Ministries.
A defining characteristic of the Trust has always been its willingness to change. Rather than duplicate services already being provided by larger organisations, the Trust has continually asked:
“Where are the gaps, and who is missing out?”
That question continues to shape Living Well Trust today.
A New Chapter
A second strand of our story began with Koinonia Trust, established in 2011 by Michael and Jovana Wilkes and others with a vision for intentional community, hospitality, outdoor experiences and supporting young people.
Michael subsequently developed Res-Kids, an adventure-based programme designed to help young people develop confidence, resilience and life skills.
After Michael and his family moved to Thames, this work developed further and, in 2016, Koinonia Trust was renamed Living Well Trust.
In 2019, conversations began between the two trusts about bringing their work together. Both organisations shared a strong desire to serve the community and help people thrive.
This resulted in Michael and the youth work joining Thames Baptist Community Ministries and, in 2020, Ebenezer Trust formally changed its name to Living Well Trust.
The following years saw significant growth in the Trust’s youth programmes alongside the continuation and development of its community support services.
Two Trusts – A Shared Heart for Our Community
In 2025 another important chapter began.
As the youth work had grown and developed into a substantial ministry in its own right, Michael Wilkes and his youth work team separated from Living Well Trust and established Thrive Trust.
Thrive Trust and Living Well Trust are now separate charitable trusts, with their own governance, leadership, programmes and responsibilities.
Thrive Trust carries forward the youth-focused work developed by Michael and his team, while Living Well Trust has returned its primary focus to community support and social enterprise in Thames.
Although the two trusts are now independent organisations, they share a common history and a desire to see people and communities thrive.
Living Well Trust Today
Today, Living Well Trust continues the community-focused work that began more than 30 years ago.
From our base at 305 – 307 Mary Street, Thames, we provide practical help, connection, belonging and opportunities for people who may otherwise find themselves on the margins of our community.
Our work includes the Thames Community Foodbank, 305 Open Door community, Tasty Tuesday community meals, Waymakers recovery support, Warm Currents women’s group, RePurpose Collective and Messy Church Bible study group.
RePurpose Collective is our social enterprise, that runs the RePurpose OpShop, turning donated goods into resources that help fund and strengthen our community work. It reflects something at the heart of Living Well Trust — that things can be restored, renewed and given new purpose, and that people deserve opportunities to rebuild, reconnect and flourish.
Our services continue to evolve because our community continues to change.
We still ask the same question that shaped the original Trust:
“Where are the gaps, and who is missing out?”
And wherever we can make a meaningful difference, that is where we want to be.
Got a Question?
We would love to hear from you. Flick us an email or give us a call.
WHY US
To work for justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
A supportive and compassionate community seeking to assist in creating better life outcomes for people experiencing significant life challenges.
We see every life as valuable. This is not a hollow statement but instead the very essence of Living Well Trust. Our initiatives are not Christian in content although the inspiration and the drive have been influenced and shaped by our worldview. The name Living Well Trust has a two fold meaning; one is that we will encourage and empower individuals and the communities we are involved with to ‘live well’, the second is the core of what drives us, a call to love and serve people which comes from Jesus “The Living Well” who says “I have come to give you life and life to the full”. We at Living Well want to see people thrive; living well and living life to the full. We are not here to preach, we are here to love, to serve and to do all we can to see our communities thriving. The initiatives we offer are all about the people. The story of Jesus has shaped our worldview and we do what we do because of Him.
Help Support Living Well Trust
If you would like to help through offering your time, resources or financially please let us know. A small contribution from many goes a long way.