Issue 6

May 2013

This Edition:

Latest News Community Safety Youth Activities Health Advice

Community Wardens Diary Dates Army Services Community Links

2
The community development team is at the heart of the councils aim to enable a vibrant and economically stable community. Engaging local people on a range of issues, so that they can influence the decisions affecting their local area, and the development of services to meet the local needs will be at the heart of our approach. This team encourages strong partnerships amongst the council, the police, partner agencies and residents. The team works across a range of areas; Arts, Community Safety, Health, Neighbourhoods, Play, Sport, Youth and 0-5 years and Families

Introducing The Team

Council Staff Volunteer

Maidstone Borough Council has pledged to allow each member of staff to have up to two days a year to take part in community volunteering. The Community Development Team has kick started this initiative by volunteering at Maidstone Day Centre, cleaning store rooms, packing meals for Maidstones street population, and helping in the store rooms for the Food for Thought emergency food bank. Two staff members will be volunteering each month to support the work at the day centre. Staff will also be volunteering alongside Park Woods community group, Parents is the Word, to develop a community garden at Heather House. If you have any volunteering projects that MBC staff can help support, please get in touch with the Community Development Team. Keep up the good work!

Army Service Leavers Fair

The Community Partnership and Development Team are working alongside 36 Engineer Regiment at Maidstone Invicta Army Barracks to organise a Resettlement Fair on 20 June 2013. Job Centre Plus, Kent County Council, Voluntary Action Maidstone, Citizen Advice Bureau, Sure Start Childrens Centre, and Mid Kent College amongst other agencies will be offering information and advice on Housing, Revenue and Benefits, Employment and Volunteering, Education and Money Management. The aim of the event is to inform Service Personnel of the services available to them within the Maidstone Borough and create contact links for them to pursue on leaving the service.

3 Boost to High Street Ward with Community First Funding

Five community projects were awarded a total of 9,508 on Tuesday 16 April to help deliver projects to benefit residents in High Street Ward. The successful projects include a plan to repaint the Gala Bingo Hall and a group for the elderly Nepalese Community to educate and help people learn about living in the UK and Maidstone in particular. Projects were shortlisted by the Community First High Street Panel, which was made up of representatives of Maidstone Borough Council, local High Street Ward residents and businesses, before being displayed in Maidstone Gateway for residents to vote for their favourite projects. The successful applicants were invited to a presentation event at Marsham Street Community Support Centre where the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Rodd Nelson-Gracie, presented them with their cheques. The funding came from the 80 million government-funded initiative Community First which aims to help communities come together to plan for their future and become more resilient. Penny Reed, a High Street resident and Panel Member, said Were so pleased to see so many people taking part and deciding how the money should be spent in their community. It was a pleasure to meet everyone and celebrate their success. The successful projects and the amount of money awarded to each is as follows:

Maidstone Sea Cadets - 2,000

Maidstone Nepalese Community 1,000

Replenish equipment for further training, education and skills.

Funding to support the elderly community to educate and help people learn about living in the UK and Maidstone.

Stepping Stones1,508

Repaint the wall of the Gala Bingo, with young people over a series of workshops.

Maidstone Baptist Church2,500

Christian based summer holiday activity programme for young people who are in Year 6-Year 11 who live or come into the High Street ward in Maidstone.

Maidstone YMCA - 2,500

Family First Fitness project to increase community participation with fun mini flash style wellbeing workshops.

4
Maidstone Borough Council is delighted to have secured sponsorship funding from SafetyMARK to continue Safety in Action 2013. The team at SafetyMARK recognises that Safety in Action provides an invaluable practical learning experience for pupils. Safety in Action is an annual, two-week programme taking place from Monday 3 June to Friday 14 June. The programme helps year 6 students to develop their competence and confidence in responsible citizenship and safety skills and prepare for their transition from primary to secondary school. Through carefully staged scenarios the students learn to deal with potentially life-threatening situations. Scenarios for 2013 include: beach & water safety, fire safety, road safety, bus safety, first aid, personal safety, electrical safety, railway safety, drug & alcohol awareness and environmental awareness This year we have 41 out of 45 Junior Schools attending the programme, which constitutes over 1200 students.

Safety In Action

Maidstones Youth Action Partnership have secured an impressive 22,000 from the Kent Police and Crime Commissioners Safer Communities Fund, Golding Homes and Maidstone Borough Council to deliver a borough wide programme of community sporting activities, this includes the continuation of the community football sessions delivered by Kick Kent and the Community Boxing Sessions in partnership with local clubs and Kent Sport.

Summer of Sports

Further to this, Maidstone School Sport Partnerships has been successfully commissioned to deliver a borough wide multi-sports programme over the summer months, taking part in community settings in both urban and rural areas of the borough. Young people will be taking a lead in choosing which sports will be offered and will have the opportunity to achieve sports coaching awards and become leaders in their local communities. The programme will deliver on key health targets for young people and will work to build safer communities by developing relationships between young people and community partners. Also awarded funding were The Maidstone and Malling Netball League towards its mentoring programme. The programme is designed to support members of the Netball League to become Beginner Award Umpires and help develop their skills. The project will also work with Maidstone schools to assist with community sporting events and help encourage the children and young people to get into a sport club. Visit the website for more information and how to get involved www.mmnl.info

5 Access For All

Golding Homes held its 2nd successful Access for All Event at Lockmeadow market. The event was attended by over 400 people with guest appearances by Andy Lapthorne (silver medal wheelchair tennis) and Steve Brown (GB Wheelchair rugby team captain). The aim of the event was to highlight services available to the people of Maidstone and to complete an Access to Healthcare survey. Golding Homes are planning to hold this event next year if your organisation would like to be present or you would like to be on the planning group for this event, please contact Suzanne Stone 01622 212549.

Back To Netball Festival

Kent will be hosting a Back to Netball festival at Rainham Netball Centre, Rainham on 7 July 2013 from 10.00am 2.00pm. The festival is intended to be a fun and social opportunity for ladies that want to get back to netball to meet and enjoy a game of netball with each other, share your netballing experiences and generally just have a great day. If you need any more detail please do not hesitate to contact : Natalie Beckett Netball Development Officer natalieb2@englandnetball.co.uk 07786 191562

KIXX Martial Arts

KIXX Martial Arts Gym located in Granville Road, Maidstone is going from strength to strength. The standards at KIXX Martial Arts have grown significantly over the years. Come and try the Chinese Martial Arts and Martial related Fitness classes. The club also offers personal tuition and training outside of the normal class hours. Visit the website for full timetable. Contact 07941 340284 Website www.kixxmartialarts.co.uk

Staplehurst UpRockin
Staplehurst Parish Council in conjunction with local businesses will be running Staplehurst Uprockin on Saturday 20 July 2013.The event will feature BMX; Scooter and Skateboarding sessions open to all alongside a bootfair and other stalls from the local community. For more information please call 01580 891761.

6 Sky Ride
Kent is a great place to cycle, and now there are even more opportunities to get out and about on your bike in the area. Maidstone Rides Sunday 16 June 10am Mote Park Main Gates, ME15 7SX Sunday 23 June 10am Fusion Healthy Living , ME15 9HL Sunday 14 July 2pm Marden Station, TN12 9HS Sunday 18 August 2pm Marden Station, TN12 9HS Rides range from 2-21 miles. For more information on other local rides visit www.goskyride.com

SNAP Disco
The popular SNAP disco is back on Friday 28 June 2013 at Maidstone Leisure Centre. The event starts at 7pm and includes live music and a DJ until 11pm. SNAP is suitable for those aged 11 to 17 years, and is run in collaboration with Kent Police and Crimestoppers as part of a say no to drugs campaign. Tickets are 5 each and can be brought at Maidstone Leisure Centre or on the door. Safer School Officer, PC Paul Richardson, who organises the events, said: This should be a great event and we are, once again, very fortunate to have more live performances to look forward to. As usual we would advise that anyone wishing to come along to the SNAP event gets their tickets as early as possible.

Weight Management Programmes Maidstone Borough Council runs a range of weight loss courses to help you to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health. Go For It: Free family and childrens weight management programme, to ensure a healthier lifestyle aimed at 517 year olds and families . Sessions held at Zeroth Active Zone. Weight For Life: Free 10 week holistic lifestyle programme, including nutrition advice and low cost exercise for just 1 per visit. Sessions held at Zeroth Active Zone, ME15 7EB.

Adult Weight Management Programme: A 12 week programme consisting of weekly diet and nutrition seminars, and you can take advantage of the low cost gym, swim and exercise classes for just 1 per visit. Sessions held at Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN. Weight For It Free 10 week weight loss programme for adults - fun & friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice, delivered across the Maidstone borough. Various sessions throughout the year. Book now to attend one of the following groups, starting week commencing 24 June. Monday 24 June 16.30-17.30, East Farleigh Old School Village Hall Thursday 27 June 13.30-14.30, Greenfields Children Centre, Shepway Thursday 27 June 17.00-18.00, Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall For more information on any of the programmes email healthy.living@maidstone.gov.uk or call 01622 602222.

7 NHS Quit Club

The Kent Stop Smoking service has already helped more than 44,000 people to quit. Are you ready to quit?

Free 7 week quit club starting: Tuesday 4 June (1-2pm) Salvation Army Centre, 74 Union Street, ME14 1ED Saturday 22 June (10.30-11:30am) Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, ME15 7RN Call on 0300 123 1968 to book Text QUIT to 87023 Twitter @KentQuit

Get AdviceTackle Your Debt!!!

Some people believe turning to loan sharks or getting a payday loan is a quick fix when struggling with bills and debts. This will often lead to a long-term debt with sky-high interest rates that soon get out of control. Are you struggling to tackle you debts? Contact; The Citizens Advice Bureau Who offer free confidential advice and information and are able to help with money, legal and other problems. The trained advisers can help with letters, phone calls, to help negotiate solutions. The nearest office is: 2 Bower Terrace, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RY 01622 752420 / 01622 757882 (Office hours Monday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm ) Other agencies who can help include: The Money Advice Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk / 0300 500 5000 StepChange Debt Charity www.stepchange.org / 0800 138 1111 The Money Advice Trust www.moneyadvicetrust.org Kent Savers www.kentsavers.co.uk / 0333 321 9050

8 Heather House Community Garden

Maidstone Borough Council in partnership with Parents Is The Word, NG Bailey, Vinci Construction, Gallagher and Fleurs de Filles are developing the community garden attached to Heather House, Park Wood. The work is taking place the week commencing 3 June. If you want to get involved by volunteering or have any donations contact: Parents Is The Word parentsistheword@gmail.com

The Progress Programme

Progress is a programme to inspire and coach you to make positive changes and tackle changes which will benefit you and your family. All courses are free of charge and aim to support and lead you closer to employment. Sessions include: House & Home Using A Computer Health and Well-being Employment Skills Contact: Progress in Maidstone Sophie Wardle and Husna Khanam Telephone: 01634 580266 www.progressprogramme.com

Learn Skills, Connect with People at The U!

The U has come to Maidstone this spring to share valuable life skills within the community and we're only here for another 4 weeks until the end of June! The U believes that you can learn a lot in 90 minutes, and that theres nothing wrong with having some fun while you do it. Sessions are all about bringing people together to learn from one another, and helping individuals to feel more confident and connected whilst learning something new. Youll have access to bite-sized learning sessions in useful subjects such as first aid and defusing everyday conflict. Sessions are run by local people, who will guide you through a series of social and interactive activities to get you laughing and thinking. Free Sessions are held everyday in the shop at Fremlin Walk at 12 noon and last just 90 minutes. There are other sessions going on in and around Maidstone at different times and venues. Check the blackboard at Fremlin Walk or website for this week's sessions or call Chris on 07849 524820 to find out what's on when! www.the-u.org.uk We look forward to sharing the fun and learning with you! Don't delay, remember we're only here until the end of June!

Community Safety Update

Meet the Maidstone KCC Community Wardens

The Kent County Council Community Warden Scheme is to enable the people of Kent to live safely and independently in their neighbourhoods and communities. Community Wardens work flexible hours between 7.30am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday, enabling them to address local problems as and when they occur within the community in which they work. Any member of the community can contact their warden by mobile phone.

Supervisor Janet Greenroyd 07773 397131

District Support Warden Dawn Riach Brown 07773 397125

Bearsted Adam Mackinley 07813 712105

Coxheath Jo Jewiss 07811 271021

Loose Chart Sutton Liz Lovatt 07813 712107

Headcorn Stuart Ellesmere 07969 583923 New Website Neighbourhood Watch has a new website for Maidstone & surrounding areas. Visit; maidstonenhw.co.uk

Harrietsham & Lenham Martin Sherwood 07977 981993

Staplehurst & Marden Mira Martin 07969 584179

exhibition of contemporary artwork produced by the young people at HMYOI Cookham Wood, which was held at the Graham Clarke Gallery, Hazlitt Arts Centre, Maidstone. Many of the young people involved had no previous art experience upon joining the Artist in Residence's workshop. They were shown techniques and styles and encouraged to experiment in a safe supportive environment. The workshop develop the young peoples confidence and help make positive changes to behaviour. It is hoped that the HMYOI Cookham Wood exhibition will become a regular event. All artwork is for sale, with proceed to be donated to Barnado's Children's Charity.

Cookham WoodInside Out! Cookham Wood have produced a new

10 KCAP LAUNCH
Kent County Councils Community Wardens in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council, Trading Standards, Kent Police, the parish councils of Staplehurst, Marden and Headcorn, Community Alcohol Partners and the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group launched the Kent Community Alcohol Project covering the 3 rural villages of Staplehurst, Marden and Headcorn at Headcorn Village Hall on April 12th KCAP helps local communities to tackle alcohol related issues by supporting retailers to reduce sales and supply of alcohol to young people informing and advising young people on sensible drinking and promoting responsible socialising by providing diversionary activities. The highlight of the launch was the STATUS disco where young people from all 3 villages enjoyed a fun evening of dancing including a live act and were able to engage with various different educational agencies such as Kenward Trust, NHS Sexual Health worker, Kent Fire and Rescue, Maidstone Association of Youth, KCA and Headcorn Youth Forum. A bus shuttle service was provided between the villages and there were refreshments on the night. PCSOs, Special Police and KCC Community Wardens ensured the evening ran safely and smoothly. We are looking to hold another event in one of the 3 villages in July .

Drinking and Driving Wrecks Lives KCC drink driving campaign, run
throughout the end of this year's football season has one sole aim to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Kent's roads due to drinking and driving. Whilst we understand that having a drink is a great way to enjoy the football and social occasions choosing to drive after can have catastrophic results for both you, and those that you might hurt or kill in the process. It's just not worth it.

11 Reporting Hate Crimes

What is Hate Crime and How to report it? Are you, or is someone you know, being bullied, harassed or verbally abused? Is this because of your race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity? If so, this is a hate incident and should be reported. To report a hate incident, call Kent Police on 101. You can call the Kent Hate Crime Reporting Line on 0800 138 1624 or the Kent Homophobic and Transphobic Incident Reporting Line on 0800 328 9162 (both open all day, every day.) Kent Police have specially trained officers who you can speak to in confidence. If life is in danger or the crime is in progress, call 999. Supported by the Safer Maidstone Partnership.

Firefighters Urge Stay Safe

Fire fighters across Kent are urging residents to listen to safety warnings to help prevent outdoor and rubbish fires. You can help by; Keeping matches and lighters out of the way of children and remind them that they are not toys If you are a parent, you are strongly advised to ensure young people are educated about the dangers of fire Not lighting fires in the countryside or drop litter which could be set alight Not accumulating rubbish which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire setters Reporting any information about illegal fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further fire safety advice visit www.kent.fire-uk.org or call 0800 923 7000.

Homeless Charity Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Week

This year the community wardens will be supporting Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults week from 10 June. Throughout the week they will be giving out advice leaflets and signposting to appropriate agencies. On13 June in partnership with Brighter Futures at Coxheath over 6Os club the wardens will be promoting a befriending service where we are looking for volunteers who are willing to offer a few hours of their week to befriend and help support someone in need in their area . For more information please contact our Coxheath Warden Jo Jewiss 07811271021 Kent homeless charity Porchlight has launched a new service in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council to help reduce problematic street based activities in the town. To report an issue / discuss your concerns call the 24-hour Helpline on 0800 567 76 99* *Calls are free from landlines but will cost from a mobile.

12 Dates For The Diary

Community Boxing Programme Monday 4.306.30pm, Headcorn scout Hut (all ages welcome) Tuesday 78pm at Howard de Walden (16-24 years) Community Football Wednesdays 5:307pm (11-16 years) FREE DMAX (Disability Sport to the Max) Mondays (Term Time) 5.156.45pm.(Mote Park Leisure Centre. Heather House Community Garden Launch Thursday 6 June 4pm, Heather House Park Wood Kent Back To Netball Sunday 7 July, 10am-2pm, Rainham Netball Centre Marden Community Day Tuesday 27 August, Marden, 11am2pm Maidstone MELA Sunday 8 September, Mote Park Park Wood Community Fun Day Saturday 22 June 11am-4pm, Park Wood Recreation Ground Sky Ride Sunday 16 Sunday 23 Sunday 14 Sunday 18 June 10amMote Park Main Gates, ME15 7SX June 10am Fusion Centre, ME15 9HL July 2pmMarden Station, TN12 9HS August 2pmMarden Station, TN12 9HS

Uprockin
Free BMX, Skate Boarding, Scooters & Inline skates competition featuring a live DJ. When: Saturday 6 July 2013 Time: 12:00 -18.00 Where: Skate and Bruises, South Park Come and join the fun with something for all from a graffiti project, face paint and bouncing castle! Visit Open 4 Community for funding opportunities in the Maidstone Borough. www.open4community.info/ maidstone

SNAP (under 18s Dance Night) Friday 28 June 7-11pm, Maidstone Leisure Centre Friday 20 September 7-11pm, Maidstone Leisure Centre Switch On The Music Saturday 7 September, Brenchley Gardens Staplehurst UpRockin Saturday 20 July , Staplehurst Skate park Stop Smoking Service Free 7 week quit club starting Tuesday 4 June 1-2pm Salvation Army Centre Saturday 22 June 10.30-11.30am Maidstone Leisure Centre Weight For It Monday 24 June 4.30-5.30pm, East Farleigh Old School Village Hall Thursday 27 June 1.30-2.30 pm, Greenfields Children Centre, Thursday 27 June 5 6pm Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall