Issue 10 Sept 2014

This Edition:
Community First
Healthy Business Awards
Childrens University
Maidstone Mediation

Health & Wellbeing
Kent Fire and Rescue Service
FREE NHS Health Check
Money Advice for Marden Residents



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




Miss it, Miss Out!! Last chance to apply for
Funding in Maidstone High Street Ward
Community First High Street Panel is releasing
their last round of funding. 5,000 is left from
the 34,000 that has been allocated to
Maidstone High Street Ward from the 80m
government funded initiative.
The fourth round of funding was successfully
distributed in June 2014 with five lucky
community groups in Maidstone High Street
being funded to deliver projects. The projects
chosen were shortlisted by the panel and were
voted for by members of the public in Maidstone
Gateway.
Now the panel is looking for more applications
for the fifth and final wave of funding.
Are you community minded and know of a really
good project that can achieve benefits for local
people living in High Street Ward? Applications
are now being accepted. Contact Julia Fraser
for more details of how to apply on 01622
602413.
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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

Community First High Street
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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 & Advice
Kent C Card scheme
Young peoples outreach services
Specialist outreach services
Sexual therapy
HIV testing, specialist HIV treatment
& on going care
Specialist services for chronic
genital conditions
LGBT specialist services

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

Our Community Development Team offer FREE Health Checks
please call 01622 602222 for more information
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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.
NHS Quit Clubs offer:
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
Kent NHS Stop Smoking


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
Smoking While Pregnant
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Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is appealing to people to make sure their homes,
and those of loved-ones and people they care for or come into contact with, are
safeguarded from fire. Just three breaths of fire smoke can be life-threatening and
sadly, it is often older residents, or those with mobility problems, physical or mental
health issues or impaired sight or hearing, who are injured by fire. KFRS offers free
safety advice and a range of free services to ensure vulnerable members of the
community are protected from the risk of fire.
Where needed, KFRS community safety team can provide free home safety visits. These
take around 30 minutes and include advice on escape routes, night time safety routines
and fire hazards in the home and, if needed, the fitting of free smoke alarms. In
addition, KFRSs vulnerable persons team is able to provide specialist advice to help
people stay independent in their own homes for longer and equipment for more at risk
residents, including smoke alarms designed for visually and hearing impaired people.
Specialist help might include providing items such as fireproof bedding and fire
retardant materials for immobile smokers, and safety gadgets such as cooker switches
for dementia sufferers who have become forgetful about turning the cooker off.
Free advice is available to all residents in Kent and Medway. Eligibility for a home safety
visit is assessed on an individual basis and takes into consideration age, health,
mobility, lifestyle and other risks.
For more information please go to www.3breaths.info, call 0800 923 7000 (free of
charge from UK landlines) or email home@kent.fire-uk.org.
Be aware of the fire risks and follow our safety advice if you want to keep your home
fires burning safely:
Make sure the appliance gets enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly
Have your chimney swept at least once a year - more frequently if you burn wood
Burn only suitable fuels
Do not overload the grate/appliance
Maintain your appliance in accordance with manufacturers'
instructions
Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires
Always extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the
house
Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them
Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is
sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
Free help available from Kent Fire and Rescue Service
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It has been a busy summer for the wardens in the Maidstone
District, supporting many local events and Maidstone Council initiatives
such as Challenger Troop and outreach youth work in the rural
communities.
A new working relationship with Barclays Bank resulted in support warden Dawn Riach
Brown saving a resident thousands of pounds that he was being scammed out of in ruthless
lottery scams. Scams are becoming more professional every day by phone email or letter,
usually offering large sums of money that you have won or inherited. To receive this they
will want money up front or your bank details and will not stop until they have drained your
account. Once you have replied to one of these scams you are on a so-called suckers list
and thousands of letters will come through your letterbox each month. Remember if you
havent entered a lottery you cannot have won a prize, any legitimate organisation will not
ask for money up front or for your bank details If you are concerned about scams please
contact Janet Greenroyd 07773397131 who will put you in touch with your local warden.
K.C.C.COMMUNITY WARDENS MAIDSTONE DISTRICT




What can you do when neighbours are rude and
inconsiderate?
Maidstone Mediation has been helping people with
neighbour disputes since 1990. Over the years
they have helped some 5,000 households and
dealt with a multitude of different problems which
were causing misery to the community. e.g. noise,
parking, boundaries, pets, parties, abuse and anti
social behaviour.

Maidstone Mediation is committed to peace and
each year trains volunteers to be community
peacemakers. Over the years there have been
over 200 adult volunteers trained to mediate local
conflicts.
The next free training for volunteers starts in
November. For details of the training or to
access the Mediation Service please telephone
01622 692843 or email
maidstonemediation@gmail.co.uk
Details of Maidstone Mediation can
be found on our website
www.maidstonemediation.co.uk
Maidstone Mediation
According to research, UK employers
pay an annual bill of 9 billion for sick
pay and association costs. Workplace
health and wellbeing programmes can
increase employee job satisfaction and
turnover between 10 and 25%.
Businesses in Kent can register FREE for
the Kent Health Business Award scheme,
which aims to improve economic
performance through people and the
environment. The scheme gives you
access to a Kent Award linked to a
nationally recognised award scheme, a
local health at work advisor, expertise in
health and wellbeing programmes, and
free resources for a healthier business.
Themes covered by the scheme include
attendance management, mental health
and wellbeing, physical activity and
environment.
Show your commitment as a healthy
business employer by registering for the
Kent Health Business Award Scheme.
Search Kent Healthy Business Award
email kenthealthybusiness@kent.gov.uk
for more information.
Kent Healthy Business Awards
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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 Disco 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 31 October, 2014 (Halloween Special)

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
SNAP DISCO
Safety in Action 2015
Safety in Action is an annual, two-week
programme designed to help Year 6 pupils
develop their competence and confidence in
responsible citizenship and safety skills.
The programme is designed to help students
deal with potentially dangerous or
life-threatening situations and aid their
transition period from Primary to Secondary
School by making them more safety aware.
There are 10 scenarios that the students will
participate in some are listed below;
Environmental Hazards
Stranger Danger
Fire and Water Hazards
Road Safety
Drug and Alcohol Information
Railway Safety
All Schools within the Maidstone Borough
are invited to attend Safety in Action.

For more information please
contact Yasmin Gordine on
01622 602403
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Jubilee Square & Remembrance Square, Maidstone High Street
Two large, centrally located squares in Maidstone Town Centre that can provide an ideal
location to promote your organisation.

Its simple to book in 5 easy steps:
You fill in an Application Form/Event Management Plan
We pencil your proposed date in to our calendar
You send us a copy of your PL insurance certificate and a
completed risk assessment form
We put together your legal agreement and confirm the date
is booked
You sign and return two hard copies of this legal agreement
to Maidstone Borough Council

To book Jubilee Square or Remembrance Square for your
event or promotional activities or for more information
regarding either of these Squares please contact Emma Fagg,
01622 602826 or emmafagg@maidstone.gov.uk
Jubilee Square



Were Maidstone Mind, the mental health
charity. Were here to make sure anyone
with a mental health problem has
somewhere to turn for advice and
support. From telephone and e-mail
advice, Recovery Star key worker
sessions to arts and craft therapy groups
and Coping with Life Courses, there is a
service to aid every individual on their
way to wellbeing and recovery. We also
offer volunteer service for those looking
to offer valuable time and assistance to
our charity.

Contact us on 01622 692383 or at
www.maidstone-mind.org.uk


Wellbeing is a term that covers many
different areas within our lives. In its
simplest form it could be defined as
simply feeling good and being physically
well. Wellbeing will mean different
things for all of us, here though you will
find some suggestions as to how you
can make sure you get your Six Ways to
Wellbeing as well as simple
ways to maintain your
physical health and how to
take steps to recovery.
www.liveitwell.org.uk/ways-to-wellbeing
Six Ways to Wellbeing
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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.
Stay safe on nights out
Drink responsibly; look after
each other, stay in control.
Leave valuables at home where
possible.
Alcohol makes you vulnerable
and reduces your inhibitions,
meaning you're more likely to
do things you wouldn't
normally. Walk away from
confrontations.
Never drink and drive - there is
no safe limit.
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 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?
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.
Keep your
valuables safe
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
Properly mark it and record the IMEI
number of your phone that way we
can trace it back to you if we find it.
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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

Wednesdays 7pm8pm, Shepway Green (11-16 years)
FREE

DMAX (Disability Sport to the Max)
Mondays (Term Time) 5.156.45pm. Mote Park Leisure
Centre.

Paws in the Park
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September, 2014
Detling, Showground, 9:30am5:00pm

Money Advice for Marden Residents
Thursday 25 September, 2014, 9:30am2:30pm
Abigails Caf, High Street, Marden

SNAP (under 18s Dance Night)
Friday 31 October, 2014 , 7pm (Halloween Special)
Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park






Dates For The Diary
Children's University
The Children's University aims to
promote social mobility by
providing high quality out of school
hours activities to children aged
714 and engaging the wider communities as
learning partners in this process. An important
principle of the Children's University is that
participation is voluntary and it is intentionally
something other than school. For more information
please visit:
{www.childrensuniversity.co.uk or email
contactus@childrensuniversity.co.uk