Issue 8

December March 2014

This Edition:

Maidstone Big Switch Kent Savers Sport Relief Mile

Literacy events Cards for good causes Health Advice Community links

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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

Abacus is part of West Kent Extra, a registered charity, recycling good quality unwanted, pre-used furniture and household items, preventing them from going into landfill and selling them on at low cost to families and people in need. Our aim is to help everyone to furnish their homes without incurring debt. The store is open to all members of the public, however if you are in receipt of housing benefit you can receive an extra 25% off certain items. Ask a member of staff about Starter Packs which are designed to help people moving into their own home and include essential items such as: microwaves, toasters, cleaning products, pots, pans, cups, plates, cutlery and plenty more! All our soft furnishings comply with current fire regulations and all our electrical goods are safety tested. We are located on the Park Wood Parade. Our opening hours are Monday Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Contact us on 01622 620464 or Email: abacusfp@hotmail.com

The Live It Well website for Kent and Medway has been launched, promoting the Six Ways to Wellbeing - connect, give, take notice, keep learning, be active and grow your world which can lift your mood and help you to cope when life gets stressful. The website has been developed to support the five year Live It Well Strategy for Kent and Medway and has been designed to help you maintain your wellbeing and link you in to what is available to support you locally. As well as ideas that can help everyone stay well, it has information for people who use mental health services, carers and mental health professionals. Visit the website today and pick up some tips to help you survive the festive season and maintain your wellbeing. For example, Prepare! Leaving all your preparations for Christmas until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress, but planning ahead can save you time and money.

Website: www.liveitwell.org.uk

Our Community Development Team offer FREE Health Checks please call 01622 602222 for more information Sexual Health and Contraception
Kent Sexual Health provides free, confidential NHS services in your area, including;

Safe sex advice & free condoms Contraception & emergency contraception Testing & treatment for sexually transmitted infections Pregnancy testing, advice & referrals for termination Kent C Card scheme Young peoples outreach services Specialist outreach services Sexual therapy HIV testing, specialist HIV treatment & ongoing care Specialist services for chronic genital conditions LGBT specialist services

NHS Health Trainers Do you want to make some changes in your life? Were ready when you are! The NHS Health Trainers, are here to support you and your family to have a happy, healthy lifestyle. We can support you with: Healthy eating Exercise Quitting smoking Alcohol or drug issues Sexual health Stress and emotional wellbeing Advice on using local health and social care services We know that small changes can make a big difference and we will help you to make the changes that will work for you. So whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight or just generally feel better about life, we can help.

Find your local clinic by visiting www.kentsexualhealth.nhs.uk or call us on 0300 790 0245

Smoking While Pregnant If you or your partner are expecting a baby, youve probably been told that you need to stop smoking. This might be a scary thought but dont worry! Weve got an experienced NHS team who are dedicated to helping pregnant women and their families to go smokefree. No lectures, just straight-forward, honest help, when you need it most. We can prescribe free patches or gum to help you through the difficult days - these are perfectly safe to use throughout your pregnancy. Talk to your midwife or give us a call and well let you know about all the support on offer in your area. Call us now on 0800 849 4444 or text quit to 87023 www.kenthealthandwellbeing.nhs.uk Kent NHS Stop Smoking
We know its tough to quit smoking, but you dont have to go it alone. The Kent NHS Stop Smoking Service can help. No lectures, just professional support and advice when you need it most. We also offer specialist support to patients in hospital, free advice to businesses, and deliver quit clubs within your organisation if you want to help your colleagues to go smokefree. We offer: Quit Clubs

Nicotine replacement therapy Specialist pregnancy service Drop-in groups Telephone support One-to-one advice

For free advice and support call us now on 0800 849 4444 or text quit to 87023 Follow us on Twitter @KentQuit Find us on Facebook /KentQuit

5 The Community Investment Account from Kent Savers Credit Union

Do you have spare funds? Would you like to make an investment that will benefit members of your local community? Our loans Kent Savers provides loans from 300 up to 10,000 to people in Kent, Medway and Bexley. Some of our members use Kent Savers for ethical reasons, some because were good value, but many other members choose us because were the only alternative to pay day and doorstep lenders. Our Community Investment account The funds for our loans come from our savers, who can invest a maximum of 15,000 with Kent Savers. An investment of 5,000 in our community investment account will allow us to issue up to 10 loans of 500 and above to those in need, and could save borrowers switching from high cost credit many thousands of pounds in interest each year. As the loans are repaid the money will be relent many times over. Your investment, and the savings made by borrowers, will directly benefit your local community. You will receive a return on your investment in the form of an annual dividend; a share of our profits. You may withdraw your funds at any time. For more details on Kent Savers and for terms and conditions of our community investment account, visit our website. Call us on 0333 321 9050 www.kentsavers.co.uk.

Kent Savers

Can the Big Maidstone Switch help you?

Struggling to pay your electricity or gas bills? You may be able to save money by switching your electricity and gas supplier or by getting a better tariff. Maidstone council is working with iChoosr to run a group switching service. The next steps:

Residents register their interest iChoosr finds low prices iChoosr contacts residents with an offer showing whether they would save and how much they would save - if they switched to the new offer. Residents tell iChoosr whether they want to switch iChoosr manage the switch

Residents do not have to accept the switch offered so the scheme really is no hassle, no cost and no obligation. It is just an easy way to find out whether you could save money. It is open to everyone whether you own or rent your home and pay your bills by direct debit, cash or pre-payment meter. To find out whether you could save on your energy bills register online at www.maidstone.gov.uk/ bigmaidstoneswitch or if you do not have access to the internet you can call the council on 01622 602750 or visit the Gateway to use our computers. You will need information on your electricity and gas bills to register so have them handy. You can register between 17 December, 2013 and 17 February, 2014 and would receive your offer beginning of March.

Sport Relief Mile

Volunteer to help at the Sport Relief Mile with the Kent Event Team

The Maidstone Mile will be held at Mote Park on Sunday 23 March 2014. Whether youre a serious runner donning some lycra or maybe you fancy skipping along in fancy dress, be sure to do your Mile in style! By fundraising or getting sponsored, you'll help people living unimaginably tough lives in the UK and around the world. Choose to do a 1, 3 or 6 mile race and for a limited time there's a half-price place with your name on, so grab it while you can! Book your place today, please visit; www.sportrelief.com/enter-now

Directing entrants Marking the route General info points Distributing entrants goody bags Helping clear up after the event

Volunteers will be needed from 8.30am to 2.30pm Email: kenteventteam@live.com or Call: 01622 674252

Maidstone Community Wardens

Winter is upon us again and with rising fuel prices there is a real danger of elderly vulnerable adults suffering from seasonal illnesses aggravated by the cold. Kent County Council Community Wardens are once again launching their Winter Warm campaign.

Adam Mackinley Community Warden for Bearsted with just a few of the blankets knitted by residents of Maidstone.

We are visiting different areas with partner agencies giving out advice and distributing hot water bottles, scarves, hats and gloves and bright colourful blankets kindly knitted and donated by numerous Maidstone residents. We are appealing to everyone to be a good neighbour, if you know of an elderly neighbour that you have concerns about please make contact with your local community warden or if you are unsure who that is please contact the Maidstone District Warden Supervisor Janet Greenroyd on 07773 397131. Last year the Maidstone Team had a reduced number of seasonal related deaths and with your help we can continue to bring the numbers down.

7 Safe and Sensible Street Lighting

Kent County Councils Safe and Sensible Street Lighting approach to reduce energy bills by using part-night lighting which will involve 70,000 lights have been backed by 75% of residents who took part in a summer-long consultation. The move to stop lighting around 60% of Kents 120,000 lights between midnight and 5.30am will save council taxpayers 1million a year, cut carbon emissions by 5,000 tonnes annually and also reduce light pollution. The county council will not switch off any street lights in town centres, areas with CCTV, antisocial behaviour areas, at busy road junctions, roundabouts or sites with road safety issues. Lighting engineers will now work across the county on a district by district basis over the next six months. Check your area by visiting www.kent.gov.uk/streetlights If there are any reports during the trial that safety or crime levels have been adversely affected, then sites can immediately be restored.

Heating your home are you putting yourself at risk of fire?

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is warning residents of potential fire hazards as households feel the pinch of fuel costs and switch to alternative ways of keeping warm as the weather gets colder. Research shows that those most at risk are people who live alone and on a low income, with older people or single-parent families even more vulnerable. Follow this advice to avoid cost-cutting risks that could take your life:

Make sure chimney and flues are checked and swept before use. Burning wood or other fossil fuels in open fires and stoves that have a build up of soot or in a poor state of repair can cause a chimney fire. Ensure any electric or gas heater is fully inspected and fit for use and never use them to dry washing. Using old and potentially faulty portable heaters and oil or paraffin stoves are particularly hazardous in the home, especially if positioned close to furniture or upholstery. Check electric blankets are in good working order before use. Never use an electric blanket that is over 10-years-old and always ensure you follow the manufactures instructions. Avoid using candles and paraffin lamps for lighting instead of switching on the lights - never leave naked flames unattended and exercise extreme caution if burning other fuels. Only use cooking appliances intended for use indoors. Never use Calor gas stoves or barbecues indoors to cook with these items should never be used indoors as they are a serious fire hazard and create deadly toxic fumes. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to help prevent to you and your loved-ones from the risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

If you have concerns about keeping yourself, a friend or relative safe from fire or would like more information about the free advice and services available from KFRS call 0800 923 7000 or visit www.saferwinter.info

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St Johns Ambulance
Learn how to save a life You never know when you or those around you might need first aid; it could be at home, at work or just out and about. If it came to it, would you know what to do to save someones life? At St John Ambulance we believe that no one should die because they needed first aid and didnt get it. We run community training courses so that you can learn how to be the difference between life and death. Including hands-on demonstrations of how to deal with a range of emergency situations, such as choking, severe bleeding and chest pains, you will also follow step by step instructions on resuscitating someone who has stopped breathing. To book a course contact; Email: south-east-training@sja.org.uk Tel: 0303 003 0101 (press option 1 followed by option 2)

Community Group Spotlight: Crossroads Care

Crossroads promotes, offers, supports and delivers high quality services for Carers and people with care needs. They offer help and support to: Carers of all ages including: Young Carers of people with disabilities, Carers of the elderly, or frail Carers of people with terminal illness, Carers of children with disabilities. All carefully chosen Carer Support Workers learn most from the individual families with whom they work with in addition to their excellent basic training. In this way, the Carer Support Worker follows the normal routine of the Carer, helping Carers to feel relaxed during their free time. Contact details: Unit 1A Mereworth Business Centre, Danns Lane, Wateringbury, Kent ME18 5LW. Telephone: 01622 817114 Email: enquiries@crossroadswestkent.org.uk

SNAP DISCO
SNAP (Say No And Phone) disco is held for young people aged 11 to 16, in collaboration with Kent Police and Crimestoppers as part of a say no to drugs campaign. The discos have been running for over 15 years and have a trusted reputation with Police officers and partner agencies on hand throughout the event. At SNAP dance nights, security is a top priority, so you and all your friends can listen to live music and meet new people in a very safe environment. The up and coming SNAP Disco dates are; Friday 4 April, 2014 Tickets cost 5. If you would like more information or if you would like to buy tickets, please contact Maidstone Leisure Centre on 0845 155 22 77. If you are a parent looking for reassurance and peace of mind before sending your children to their first SNAP event then please contact PC Paul Hughes, Maidstones Safer Schools Officer on 01622 604144. Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/maidstonesnap

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Mid Kent College Within Public Services at Midkent College, Oakwood Park we have organised a range of activities that are of interest to the local community. Students on our level 3 program have participated within anti-terrorism training based in London; Gravesend; and Aldershot. Students took the role of members of the public to understand the threat of terrorism. Armed response units from around the country completed scenarios to assist with the students learning. Scenarios included: - On the Thames, boarding a passenger boat to respond to a call of terrorist activity - Within an enclosed car park - On a National rail service - Within an apartment building - On board a Boeing 737 aircraft This experience provided the students with first hand knowledge of how the police service are training to deal with the threat of terrorism in the UK. Within Public Services at Maidstone, we boast an excellent enrichment program for all learners across the academic levels. There is clear evidence that this enrichment provides clear examples and knowledge for use in their assignment production, as well as experiences to remember. For more information visit; www.midkent.ac.uk

Christmas and New Year Bin Collections Some Christmas and New Year collections will be different to usual so please check your collection days carefully. You will also need to be aware that some of the collections have been brought forward. Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!!

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11 Keep your valuables safe

Stay safe on nights out
Drink responsibly; look after

At home...

Close and lock all windows and doors before you go out or to bed Don't leave valuables, keys or Christmas presents near windows and doors Close the curtains when it gets dark so people can't see in Dispose of packaging carefully the wrapping and boxes you put outside your house on bin day advertise what's in your house. Put a radio and a light on a timer, to come on as it gets dark, so it seems like someone's home.

each other, stay in control. possible.

Leave valuables at home where Alcohol makes you vulnerable

and reduces your inhibitions, meaning you're more likely to do things you wouldn't normally. Walk away from confrontations. no safe limit.

Never drink and drive - there is Before you go on a night out,

get your lift home organised. Book a taxi or nominate someone to stay sober.

When youre out and about...

Don't leave valuables unattended or on display i.e. on top of a pram, trolley or table. Keep your bag zipped up and in front of your body - use a purse chain if you can. Make sure you're the one taking the Christmas shopping home - lock car doors, close windows and take all valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Don't tempt thieves. Be alert when using cash machines or at the tills cover your hand when typing in your pin and put your money/card away quickly.

Is your vehicle ready for winter?

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel. Make sure you have enough petrol for your journey and carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle. Be vigilant and make sure you can be seen by using lights and wearing high visibility clothing - poor weather means it can be harder for drivers to see you. Adapt your driving for different weather conditions - in the wet, fog and ice, keep well back from the car in front, slow down and use appropriate lights (know where your fog lights are!). Keep your vehicle in good working order - make sure brakes and lights work, fluid levels are topped up and your windscreen is clear before you set off. For more information please visit www.kent.police.uk/advice/ seasonal_advice/winter

Keep your mobile phones safe The number of incidents of phone theft increase by a third from 2009 to 2011.
Put a PIN lock on your phone Property mark it and record the IMEI

number of your phone that way we can trace it back to you if we find it.

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, Park Wood Field (11-16 years) FREE DMAX (Disability Sport to the Max) Mondays (Term Time) 5.156.45pm. Mote Park Leisure Centre. Older Persons Forum Friday 24 January 2014 , Exchange Studio Active Maidstone Awards Friday 24th January 2014, 7pm, Maidstone Leisure Centre SNAP (under 18s Dance Night) Friday 4 April, 2014 , 7pm Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park The Big Maidstone switch Monday 17 February 2014 last day to register for the Big Maidstone Switch at www.Maidstone.gov.uk/ bigmaidstoneswitch