Maidstone Borough Council

Update
Borough
South, September 2013

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Free bulky rubbish service

Most Saturdays, Maidstone council refuse lorries collect bulky household rubbish from locations in your area. Take your refuse to the Saturday Freighter Service at the times shown:

New collections

Maidstones rubbish and recycling service now includes separate collections of textiles and small electrical items from home (though we would ask that any good quality clothing is donated to your local charity shop).

Threads looking bare?

1. Put your clothes and shoes into a standard sized carrier bag. 2. Tie up the bag. 3. Place the bag next to your green recycling bin or black box on your recycling collection day.

Saturday 19 October 07:45 - 08:30 Staplehurst. Poyntell Road by pond 08:40 - 09:25 Staplehurst. Church Green 09:35 - 10:15 Staplehurst. Northdown - junc Marden Road 10:30 - 11:00 Marden. Stilebridge Lane 12:00 - 12:40 Marden. Stanley Road 12:50 - 13:30 Marden. Chantry Road 13:40 - 14:20 Linton. Wheelers Lane Saturday 26 October 07:45 - 08:30 Teston. Livesley Street 08:40 - 09:30 Nettlestead. Bishops Close 09:45 - 10:25 Yalding. Village Green 10:35 - 11:15 Yalding. Lyngs Close 12:15 - 12:45 Laddingford. Cleavesland 12:55 - 13:30 Collier Street. Church Farm 13:40 - 14:10 Hunton. Village Hall 14:20 - 15:05 West Farleigh. The Green 15:15 - 15:45 East Farleigh. Adbert Drive Saturday 9 November 10:05 - 11:00 Headcorn. Thatch Barn Road 12:00 - 12:30 Headcorn. Oak Lane 12:40 - 13:30 Sutton Valence. South Lane 13:40 - 14:30 Kingswood. Village Hall Car Park 14:45 - 15:45 Langley. Shepherds Drive Saturday 16 November 12:40 - 13:25 Coxheath. Huntingdon Road 13:35 - 14:20 Boughton Monchelsea. Gandys Lane 14:30 - 15:00 Chart Sutton. Amber Lane 15:15 - 15:45 East Sutton. Court Broomes We cannot accept garden waste, very large bulky items and electrical or hazardous items. You can dispose of these items through our paid for bulky collection service or at the household waste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, Maidstone. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4.30pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. For more information about our bulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep collections, visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline on 01622 602600.

Electrics lost their spark?

1. Ensure your item(s) will fit inside a standard sized carrier bag. Place these items inside the carrier bag. 2. Tie up the bag. 3. Place the bag next to your grey wheeled bin or sacks on your rubbish collection day.

Maidstone Borough Borough Council

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Maidstone Borough Council

Thank you for recycling

Maidstone is recycling more rubbish than ever before and the council would like to say a big thank you to all residents for their patience during the introduction of the new waste contract this summer. Some residents had to wait longer than usual for their collection during the first fortnight of the new service but collections soon returned to their regular frequency. Prior to the introduction of the new service, Maidstone residents were recycling more than 45% of the boroughs rubbish. As part of the new contract, recycling is being sent to a different sorting facility with technology that can automatically separate the different materials collected

Maidstones recycling team, including Marion Ring, Cabinet Member for the Environment (second left) took to the road to promote the recent changes to rubbish and recycling collections. in the recycling. This means that glass bottles and jars, plastic meat trays and ready meal trays, food and drink cartons, and plastic fruit and vegetable punnets can now be placed in green recycling bins and black boxes. These changes make it even easier to recycle from home and the council is confident that we will be recycling more than 50% of the boroughs rubbish by 2014. For more information on the new service visit www.recyclingtogether.co.uk.

Maidstone remembers
Maidstone will remember those who have been killed in conflict fighting for their country on Remembrance Day, Sunday 10 November. The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Clive English, will join military and civic dignitaries and councillors, at this years parade. It will be led by the Band of the Salvation Army with contingents from 36 Engineer Regiment (Search), Royal Army Medical Corp Association, the Maidstone Branch of the Royal British Legion, the British Army Association, St John Ambulance, and Sea and Army Cadets. More than 500 people will take part. The parade will step off at 10.30am from Week Street and march along the High Street, past the Town Hall, across the Bridge Gyratory and to the Memorial on The Broadway for the Service of Remembrance. The Service will include the national two minute silence at 11am and the laying of wreaths in memory of those lost in wars both past and present. The Mayor will lay the first wreath on behalf of the council and the people of Maidstone. After the Service, the parade will march back into Maidstone where the Mayor will take the salute outside the Town Hall at 11.25am.

Local plan consultation

Maidstone has a growing population and we need to plan to provide enough suitable homes for a range of population types and communities. The council has been gathering population and economic data, undertaking habitats and woodlands surveys, and assessing land availability to help us realistically plan what jobs, housing and transport infrastructure we need for the next two decades, and where in the borough they could be developed. With this information, we are compiling a Local Plan, which will include a range of policies to protect our countryside and control the type and design of developments as well as outline the sites earmarked for potential development. Implementing a Local Plan will help prevent uncontrolled development in Maidstone, giving the council the power to fight developments that are not suitable for our communities. The council has not made any decisions about the sites that will be allocated for development. In the winter a six-week public consultation will take place to give residents the opportunity to get involved and submit their views on the Local Plan, helping to shape Maidstone for the next 20 years. During the first half of 2014, responses to the local plan will be reviewed and the Local Plan could be amended as a result, with sites taken out or new ones added. A further consultation will take place in the summer next year giving residents a final chance to comment on the boroughs plans. The Local Plan will then be submitted to government for approval and will also require independent examination before finally being adopted in 2015. For more information on the public consultation visit the Local Plan Progress page at www.maidstone.gov.uk/localplan

Do it online
Visit www.maidstone.gov.uk to report a missed bin or fly tipping and other problems.

Maidstone Borough Council

ready for universal credit News in brief Get Universal credit is the new benefit system replacing benefits such as
Switch-on Fungi foray
Make a date Maidstones Christmas lights will be switched on, on Thursday 21 November. Search for wild fungi, find out their names and if they are edible. Free event at Cobtree Manor Park, 10-11am, Sunday 27 October. Book on 01622 683695. The next SNAP discos for 11-17 year olds will be held at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Friday 15 November and Friday 13 December, both from 7-11pm. SNAP discos feature live music and a DJ. Tickets are 5 each and can be bought at the Leisure Centre or on the door. The event is run in collaboration with Kent Police and Crimestoppers as part of a say no to drugs campaign. Find out about bushcraft and what makes Mote Park special. Subject to weather conditions activities will include tree ID, wildlife tracking, mallet making, foraging and cooking over an open fire. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 35, 9.30am -3.30pm, Monday 28 October. Book via the Hazlitt Theatre - 01622 758611. Sign up to quit with the NHS Stop Smoking Service, and when you go smokefree you will receive a voucher up to the value of 40 to use at Maidstone Leisure Centre! Call 0800 849 4444 or text Quit to 87023 to find out more, or go online at www.smokefreekent.co.uk. z It doesnt affect pensioners. z It is being introduced gradually across the country and will be used everywhere by December 2017. z It will be a single monthly payment - paid into a bank account. z Most people will make and manage their claim online. z There will be a live link to tax office data so it will be updated automatically as peoples pay changes. z New claimants have to commit to finding work. Their job is finding a job.

housing benefit and income support and job seekers allowance. Heres what you need to know:

SNAP discos

Bushcraft workshop

If you claim benefits, you might need to: 3. Get advice about paying outstanding 1. Get a bank account bills or debts 2. Start planning your spending 4. Get an email address monthly For free, independent money advice visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Quit to be fit

Why change the system?

Universal Credit aims to ensure claimants will be better off in work and makes it easier for them to start a new job or work more hours. As their take home pay increases, Universal Credit will reduce gradually so they usually wont lose all their benefits at once. There are no fixed hours thresholds, such as the 16 hours a week rule. Even working just a few hours a week will make a difference, as they move towards financial independence.

Benefits
The following benefits will stop.
z Income-related Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance z Income Support z Child Tax Credits z Housing Benefit

z Working Tax Credits

These benefits will continue:

Small mammal survey

z Disability Living Allowance (will be replaced by Personal Independence Payment in 2013) z Contributory Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance z Child Benefit z Pension Credit

The Kent mammal group is running a course at Mote Park teaching how to survey our smallest mammals using live traps. It includes handling and identification. 30, adults only, 9.30am 4pm, Saturday 2 November. Book via the Hazlitt Theatre - 01622 758611.

Affordable lending, safe saving

The Kent Savers credit union has an ethical approach to saving and borrowing money - member-owned and membercontrolled. Financial services to its members include affordable loans, ethical savings and services for those who might have difficulty accessing normal financial services. For more information, call 0333 321 9050 or visit www.kentsavers.co.uk

z Carers Allowance

z Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

z Council Tax Benefit (will be replaced by a system of localised support)

News from the MUSEUM

Turner Award winners retrospective exhibition

Maidstone Museum will feature the work of internationally acclaimed Maidstone artist Mike Chaplin at a new exhibition starting on 9 November. Mike is a painter, etcher, writer, teacher and television personality. In March 2011, he was awarded the Prestigious Turner Watercolour Award given annually during the Royal Watercolour Society Spring Exhibition. Mikes work, both in painting and printmaking, has made him one of Britains most well known painters, and he is represented in many public and private collections worldwide, including those of HM The Queen, HM The Queen Mother, ex-King Constantine of the Hellenes, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, The Ashmolean Museum Oxford, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and the Daily Express (mural for the Boardroom). He was resident art expert on the hit Channel 4 programme Watercolour Challenge with Hannah Gordon. In 2007 Mike was given the enormous privilege of using J M W Turner's pigments to be ground by him into watercolour. The paint was subsequently used by him for filming Turner's watercolour techniques for a permanent exhibition at Tate Britain in London. The Maidstone exhibition features a selection of the museums watercolours, chosen by Mike Chaplin which will hang alongside his work. Mike Chaplin Retrospective should not be missed and will be on display until 3 January. For information visit www.mikechaplin.com

Worn to be Wild

This vibrant exhibition of fashion through the ages and inspired by the wildlife of Britain runs until 2 November. 'Worn to be Wild' is a touring exhibition of fascinating theatrical costumes, headdresses and

accessories designed and created by designer Kate Plumtree. The collection is inspired by British birds and mammals combined with the evolution of period dress from medieval times to the present. From a medieval deer to contemporary hedgehog, each

costume represents a different species and a specific era of fashion. Discover fashion through the ages and try on some fabulous outfits in the dressing up area. Admission 3 per person, children under 16 free. Special offer admission 2 for 5.

Halloween Egyptian Sleepover

Kids love sleepovers and Maidstone Museum is going to have one of the best ever! So if you have ever wondered if Ta-kesh the mummy comes to life when the lights go out or the dinosaurs roar at sunrise you can find out on the spookiest night of the year. The museums Halloween sleepover for children will have lots of Egyptian-themed spooky fun including crafts, costumes and creepy stories. Evening snacks and breakfast included.

Thursday 31 October, booking essential, 30 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of three children per adult, minimum age 8).

Treasures from Hirado

Marking the 400th anniversary of the opening of trade and cultural ties between Britain and Japan, this exhibition features artefacts never before seen outside of Japan. The free exhibition, which runs until 2 November, focuses on William Adams, from Gillingham, Kent, who was the first Englishman to reach Japan. Adams became a confidant of Japan's ruler and was buried in Hirado.

Childrens Craft Activities

Sessions at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 13.30 & 14.30 Book in person on the day, maximum 15 children per session. Suitable for age 4+. 30 October Marvellous 4.50 per child. Mummies Take a trip back to Ancient Egypt 28 October Batty Bat Wings and learn about life and death in Inspired by our natural history the time of the pharaohs. Youll collection, well be learning also mummify your own orange! about different spooky animals, 31 October Witches and Wizards then youll be making your very Hats own set of batty bat wings to Find out where the tradition of wear. witches and wizards comes from, and then make a hat to help you 29 October Paper Pumpkins cast your own spells. Find out why pumpkins are so popular at Halloween, and then 1 November Fabulous Fireworks make your own paper pumpkin Well be going back in time and to get your house ready for the finding out about Guy Fawkes, then creating your own fireworks. spooky night.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings via 01622 602838.

Maidstone Borough Council

GREAT PLACE
Maidstone is a great place to live, and Maidstone council is working hard to make it better all the time. We have invested millions of pounds in public realm improvements to make the borough a great place to live, work and visit.

Mote Park
Mote Park is one of the boroughs best loved treasures and is once again looking its very best following a 2.5 million restoration project last year. Improvements have included new paths, restoration of parkland, 100 new trees, car park improvements, new bridges, restoring the 1840s waterfall, visitor hubs at Willington Street and School Lane with car parks and play areas, and restoring the neoclassical Volunteers Pavilion dating from the 1800s. The project was part funded by a 1.8 million grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) under their Parks for People scheme.

Maidstone Museum East Wing

The East Wing extension provides a firstrate experience for visitors and attracts the very best touring exhibitions. It has created more space for collections and improved the facilities for schools and community groups. It opened in March 2012, and was largely funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of 2 million, with fundraising events and donations boosting the fund to 3.7 million. In this year's Architects Journal awards it won Best Cultural Project, Best Heritage Project and Best Retrofit Project of the Year.

High Street Regeneration

3.7 million has been invested in Maidstones High Street since 2012, with the entire area being paved in granite and new street furniture and lighting installed. The introduction of Jubilee Square outside the Town Hall has been a fantastic success, with the town centre regularly treated to dancing, music and community events. The completed scheme is expected to generate 4.5 million of additional visitor expenditure in the town and create nearly 100 new jobs in both the day and night-time economy.

Whats Coming Up?

King Street Multi-Storey Car Park is being demolished and replaced with a ground level, landscaped car park. Mote Park will be improved even further were considering adventure golf, ice skating and a new caf. The improvements would take up approximately 1% of the park space. We are looking to extend the improvements in the High Street out to Earl Street, Week Street and Gabriels Hill. Artists impressions of the pedestrianisation of Earl Street, turning it into the key restaurant destination in Maidstone, will be produced later this year. All of these improvements aim to increase visitor numbers and enhance the businesses in the area. We are supporting businesses in the rural areas to boost tourism, bringing income into the area, whilst preserving the beautiful countryside that the borough is so proud of.

Maidstone Borough Council

Save energy, save money

A new warm homes scheme will provide eligible households with energy saving improvements at no cost to the resident. Enterprise is working with Maidstone Borough Council as part of the Kent and Medway Green Deal Partnership, to offer residents a free home energy assessment. Improvements could include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draught proofing or solid wall insulation. These will help to keep homes warmer and could save money on energy bills. If you are in receipt of particular benefits you could also qualify for funding for heating improvements. It is worth taking advantage of the FREE home assessment as the assessor can check your eligibility for home improvements. If your home was assessed under a previous scheme and you were advised insulation work could not be carried out, the warm home scheme may now be able to help with your cavity or loft insulation. Households in Parkwood, Shepway North, Shepway South and High Street wards will be visited by representatives of Enterprise during the autumn to begin the process before the scheme is rolled out across the borough. For more information or to request a free home energy assessment, visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/warmhomes or call Enterprise on 0800 521 660.

Customer service improvements

Last year more than 500 people responded to a consultation about their experience of contacting the council. Here are some of the things we found out and how we are responding:

You said
You didnt like the councils website.

We did
A new website was designed with customers and launched in May 2013. We are increasing the number of transactions that people can do on our website so that customers can do business with us at times and places that suit them. We will reduce the amount of post we send out and that we ask you to send us. Later this year we will launch a version of the website for smart phones and tablets. We will review all our services and will ask customers for their opinions. We have already consulted customers about residents parking permits. We are working with partners to help local people build their internet skills and to increase availability of public computers. We will look at each council service to improve the way we deal with information and will cut red tape wherever possible.

You do not want to have to contact the council by post. 4 out of 10 people said they had smart phones. You wanted to be more involved when Maidstone Borough Council makes changes to services. Not everyone can afford their own computer or smart phone to go online. Sometimes there was too much red tape and lack of communication between council departments.

Keep the noise down

Maidstone councils enforcement team is working with pub landlords to reduce complaints about antisocial noise. A new noise management scheme, CARES (Community Aware Responsible Establishment Scheme) is helping landlords of clubs, pubs and bars who find it difficult to control noise. CARES is a voluntary scheme for licensees to positively enhance their presence within the community. Each establishment will receive a management toolkit comprising of a noise management plan and guidance on reducing the risk of

complaints. The aim of CARES is to provide establishments with the means to regulate themselves, to avoid any unnecessary visits from the local authority and to manage their establishments in a responsible way. Councillor Marion Ring, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: Most establishments are not causing noise related problems but we want every one to sign up and display a CARES window sticker to show their commitment to the scheme and to reassure patrons and neighbours that the establishment is not just thinking

about their business but also their community. If you would like to sign up to CARES or would like more information call 01622 602202 or email enforcementoperations@maidstone .gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Flooding Are You Prepared?

More than 5 million people in England and Wales live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Flooding is very distressing but there are simple steps that you can take to prepare yourself and limit any damage to your property.

Prepare
Visit environment-agency.gov.uk to check whether youre in a flood risk area and to sign up for flood warnings. You can also sign up for warnings by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188. If you are in a flood risk area, prepare a flood grab bag. It should be small enough for anyone in the household to carry, and kept in an easily accessible safe place that anybody can find. Have enough supplies in your home for three days in case you are unable to evacuate. For flood information & to sign up for flood Responding during a flood warnings, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 Tune in to your local radio station or call For more information on preparing for Floodline to get the latest information. emergencies, visit kentprepared.org.uk. If safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and For more information on flooding, please visit water supplies before a flood. environment-agency.gov.uk/flood Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape remember Never drive through flood water 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles. to take your emergency grab bag with you. In the event of an evacuation, police or other uniformed officials will try to visit all affected properties to let them know. You will hear about your evacuation point and location of transport to a reception centre through Warm clothes local radio, television, verbally or by leaflet. Torch (check batteries), radio (wind up or Recovering from a flood battery powered) and spare batteries Find out if it is safe to return to your property by monitoring the media and Food and water maidstone.gov.uk. Toiletries Contact your insurance company as soon Mobile phone and charger as possible and follow their advice. Contact list To protect against contamination, always Prescription medicines/details of any wear waterproof outerwear, Wellingtons medicines you take and gloves. Identity documents, insurance details Get your local electricity supply and gas or First aid kit oil central heating checked by a qualified Remember, this bag should be waterproof! person before switching back on.

Information

Emergency Grab Bag

If you are proud of your school and Love Where you Learn you can make a real difference by winning funding of up to 2,000 for your secondary school. Littering, flytipping and graffiti are key manifestations of anti social behaviour but your school can help stamp out these issues by entering Maidstone Borough Councils 2013 Love Where You Learn competition. The council is offering grants of up to 2,000 to local secondary schools that want to make a difference by launching their own anti littering initiatives. Schools are being invited to submit proposals for anti littering projects: we want to see a creative, innovative approach to cleaning up your school and instilling pride in your environment. Several winners, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be awarded a grant to turn the proposal into a reality. The deadline for applications is 22 November with funding awarded in December. Multiple applications are welcomed from each school. The project links to the curriculum in a number of ways and encourages sustained cultural and behavioural change, teamwork and problem solving as well as recognition for students. For further details including application criteria and an information pack, please call 01622 602115 or email lovewhereyoulearn@maidstone.gov.uk

Win money to clean up your school

Autumn Treats at the Hazlitt Arts Centre

UNMYTHABLE by Temple Theatre
Saturday 19 October 7pm Hazlitt Theatre 12 Concessions 10

One show. Three actors. All the Greek myths.

Heroes, monsters and randy gods go head-to-head in a hilarious and unforgettable journey through the greatest stories ever told. An anarchic blend of comedy, crossdressing, stories and songs, UNMYTHABLE returns to the UK after a sell-out European tour and an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Are you ready to be a legend? Winner - Three Weeks Editors Award - Edinburgh Fringe 2012 www.unmythable.co.uk

Lee Hurst Things That Make You Go Aaarggh!!!

Saturday 9 November 8pm Hazlitt Theatre 16 Concessions 14
In his new tour, stand up comic Lee Hurst is travelling throughout Britain to find out what really winds you up. Mostly people get on with living their lives, but everyone has at least one thing that pushes their button and sends them over the edge. What's yours? Come along for a night of laughter and letting off some steam. Lee is known throughout the comedy business as someone who can pull laughs out of thin air with his razor sharp ability to improvise and ad lib comedy on the spot. Lee doesn't just perform a stand up show; it's an event that changes night to night. Book now, you will not be disappointed! 16+

Jeremy Hardy Tuesday 22 October 7.30pm Hazlitt Theatre 14 (Unwaged 5 - proof required at time of purchase)
Jeremy Hardy has been a stand-up comic since 1984 and will be one until he dies or wins the lottery. Jeremy is best known for his work on Radio 4, notably on News Quiz, Im Sorry I Havent a Clue and Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation. In 2010, he published a book, My Family and Other Strangers, chronicling his desperate search for interesting ancestors. In an ideal world, Jeremy Hardy would be extremely famous, but an ideal world would leave him without most of his best material. The Guardian. A comic genius. Sandi Toksvig

Paul Foot Wednesday 16 October 7.30pm Hazlitt Theatre 12.50

Paul Foots recent shows and tours have garnered a string of 5 star reviews and successive Barry Nominations at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Described by Chortle as inspired, surreal and incomprehensibly funny, he is a true original, challenging comedic convention at every turn and delighting his connoisseurs. A BBC New Comedy Award and Daily Telegraph Open Mic winner, most recent UK TV credits include 8 Out 10 Cats on Channel 4, Never Mind The Buzzcocks on BBC2, The Alternative Comedy Experience on Comedy Central and Russell Howards Good News on BBC3. www.paulfoot.tv

Comedy Nights
Comedy Nights 8pm Exchange Studio 10 Join us for an evening of comedy class!

Comedy Nights to come

Wednesday 6 November Rob Deering & Joe Lycett Wednesday 4 December Damo Clark & Michael Fabbri

For full details visit www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

Book in advance and get a FREE promotional drink on the night!
(Conditions apply)

To book tickets go online at www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or ring the Box Office 01622 758611

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Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Councils Community Development Team and partners are talking to residents in Shepway to find out what they think about the area and why, and what they would like to change.

Shepway Neighbourhood Action Planning

Following the consultation, a community action plan will be developed with the help of the local residents. Residents will be offered the opportunity to take part in further education and training which will help their chances of employment. Shepway residents who would like to take part in the consultation and/or help deliver the community action plan should contact the community development team on 01622 602222 or email communitydevelopment@maidstone.gov.uk. Alternatively go online to complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/shepwaynap

Give boxing a try

Olympia Boxing runs community amateur boxing sessions for young people with events in Maidstone, including Shepway and Headcorn. Amateur Boxing Association coaches deliver weekly structured programmes in 6-8 week blocks. All participants have the opportunity to gain certificates and prizes in learning the basics of Olympic style boxing. Olympia Boxing provides a great platform for young people who would like to give boxing a try. Coaches will then encourage and signpost participants to their local ABA clubs where they can advance their skills and have the chance to compete. For more information contact Lee Owen by email, lee@olympiaboxing.co.uk, or phone, 07854 949370
T Stoptober pack full of information and resources to help you quit. T A 28-day mobile phone app and a text message service that both provide motivational pick-me-ups. T Detailed tools and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people going through the same thing via social media.

Quit smoking this

Stoptober, the 28-day national stop smoking challenge, has returned. Join any time during October. Stopping smoking for 28 days means you are five times more likely to stop for good - last year more than 160,000 people successfully quit in the nations biggest mass participation stop smoking challenge ever. Why not add to that number this Stoptober?

We will support you all the way

As soon as you join Stoptober, you will start receiving as much (or as little) support as you want to keep you on track. All Stoptober support is free and includes:

How to take part

Lots of smokers are making October their Stoptober. For more information and to get your support materials visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober and get ready for the 28-day smokefree challenge.

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 5 17 year olds. Held at Zeroth Active Zone, Boughton Lane, Maidstone.

Adult Weight Management Programme:

A 12 week programme 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. Held at Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park.

Weight For Life:

Free 10 week holistic lifestyle programme, including nutrition advice and low cost exercise regime for just 1 per visit. Held at Zeroth Active Zone, Boughton Lane.

Weight For It:

Free 10 week weight loss programme for adults - fun & friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice, delivered across Maidstone borough.

For more information on any of the programmes email healthy.living@maidstone.gov.uk

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE
make it prosperous
Maidstone Borough Council is working to fight the effects of the recession and bring prosperity to the borough. We help residents with housing and council tax benefits, heating and insulation grants, home improvement grants, and by support for organisations which offer money advice.

USEFUL NUMBERS
Citizens Advice Bureau 01622 752420 or 01622 757882 Council tax advice 01622 602003

Maidstones town team

The town team was created in summer 2012 as a result of the Portas Review, a government initiative set up to help improve the life of our High Street community. Written by Mary Portas, Queen of Shops, the review made recommendations about revitalising British High Streets and turn them into vibrant and bustling centres. Maidstone capitalised on an already active town centre

Housing benefit and general housing advice 01622 602557 Heating and insulation grants - 01622 602470 Energy Saving Trust 0800 512 012 Jobcentre Plus 01622 702700

National debtline freephone 0808 808 4000 First time buyers grants 01622 602470

Inspiring the future

Maidstone council has teamed up with Inspiring the Future which is a free service which sees people from all sectors and professions volunteering to go into state schools and colleges to help young people understand the working world and the jobs it has to offer. From Apprentices to CEOs, whatever your job, an hour of your time, talking about the job you do and the route you took into it, can make a lifetimes difference to a young person. Inspiring the Future is a simple, quick and free way for volunteers to

community, and the Town Team was born to develop a bid for funding from the High Street Innovation Fund part of the governments response to the Portas Review. The team includes Maidstone Borough Council, Town Centre Management, businesses, organisations, shop keepers, community groups and residents. Although unsuccessful in its bid, the team has gone on to co-ordinate and promote town centre regeneration initiatives and cultural events. Summer 2013 saw a series of events in Jubilee Square organised by the Town Team as part of the first ever Maidstone Arts Festival, including Jubilee Jazz, Our Big Gig and Dancing in the Streets. The Town Team focuses its work on arts and culture, regeneration, events and marketing. It is open to anyone who wishes to volunteer their time and skills. If youd like to get involved, please email work with schools. Demand from hello@maidstonetownteam.co.uk or visit www.maidstonetownteam.co.uk teachers is huge. Young people want to hear from you. Volunteers and schools/colleges are connected securely online and volunteering can take place near home or work as you choose the locations that suit you.

Maidstone is running a campaign for 100 people to sign up in 100 days. Everyone from architects to zoologists can volunteer for Inspiring the Future. Register to take part in our free service and help young people in your community: www.inspiringthefuture.org

Do it online
Visit www.maidstone.gov.uk for information and services for Maidstone businesses.

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Maidstone Borough Council

Michael Mckeen is a programme support officer for Maidstone Families Matter, part of the national Troubled Families project.

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Changing lives
Michael is part of a small team that also provides support to young people not in employment, education or training (NEETS) as well as the families identified under the Maidstone Families Matter project. The focus of the Maidstone Families Matter project is to encourage change and help families. Current team projects include: - Supporting the most resource intensive families in Maidstone with help from partners including housing providers, schools, Jobcentre plus, voluntary organisations and local agencies - Encouraging local businesses to give careers advice in schools - Working with frontline services to provide better value for money and better customer focus. - Offering work experience and mentoring placements to improve the employment opportunities of young people in Maidstone and encouraging other organisations to do the same.

Michaels job includes

My role involves a lot of partnership working which sees me liaising with a wide number of voluntary and private sector organisations as well as the local statutory agencies. I research, negotiate and coordinate the work of the organisations to improve the services we offer to Maidstone people. What attracted you to the job? I have been a voluntary youth worker for two years and have a degree in psychology and crime, which I find interesting and enjoy. My work allows me to use the skills I have learnt. The Maidstone Families Matter project will improve the life opportunities of 189 families in Maidstone and alter the way agencies operate to ensure they work together. What do you like most about your job? As my position and the Maidstone Families Matter programme are relatively new I experience a good level of flexibility within my role which I really enjoy alongside the opportunity to help improve the life chances of families in Maidstone, which is a challenge I thrive on. What does customer services mean to you? This has probably been said a million times before but I believe its about going the extra mile and tailoring your approach to meet the needs of the customer.

Borough Update
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