communities newsletter august 2013

7/29/2019 Communities Newsletter August 2013

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Issue 7 August 2013

This Edition:

Heroes to Hand

The Gateway

Aspire

Heather House

Dont Abuse the Booze

Funding Opportunities

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 teamencourages 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

Theres more than just ice cream and summer sun to get excited about at thistime of year fresh pots of money!!!

Most schemes run from April to May, so therefore are open to receiving newapplications for their new grant allocations. Make sure that when you aresubmitting your applications, you take note of the deadline date dont leave ituntil the last minute. Take your time applying, this can be months. By ensuringthat you have your financial papers up-to-date, this will help you prepare yourbudgets and therefore know how much it is you need to bid for.

Theres a number of funding streams out there right now, from The Lloyds TSBFoundation (www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk/HowToApply ) for running costs,including salaries to ensure that charities can maintain and develop their corework/services; Community Assets And Services Grants Programme(www.sibgroup.org.uk/criteria) for the purchase of assets that meet asleast one of this year's themes: Community Assets Under the Hammer,Equity matching Scheme, Exercise Your Rights, and How Green is Your Asset;The Nineveh Charitable Trust (www.ninevehtrust.org.uk/how-to-apply) forfunding projects that have an emphasis on promoting better understanding ofthe environment and countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, educationand research; The Heritage Lottery Fund (www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/SharingHeritage) who offers grants from 3,000 to 10,000; and Sport EnglandInspired Facilities Fun (www.inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org) who fund localcommunity and volunteer groups to improve and refurbish sports clubs ortransform non-sporting venues into modern grassroots sport facilities.

Theres some interesting events taking place between now and SpringKM Charity Team Forum: Chatham Historic Dockyard 10 October 2013;

Funding Seminar MBC/VAM/KCC:Town Hall 3 December 2013, 10-12am; and Kent &

Medway Funding Fair - Funding For All: New LineLearning Academy, 28 May 2014.

Funding Opportunities

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Water Safety for Children and Young People

During the school holidays, and in particular in hot weather, an increasing number of

children put themselves at risk of drowning. In 2005, 39 children aged between 0-14

accidentally drowned in the UK. To keep yourself safe, when you are in, on or beside

water, always follow the Water Safety Code which includes spotting dangers, takingsafety advice and going together.

Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to play sport and

keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but

that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water due to;

Very cold temperatures

Hidden currents and water pollution can make you

ill

It is difficult to estimate the depth

There may be hidden rubbish like shopping

trolleys or broken glass

It can be difficult to get out

No lifeguards

Spot the dangers!

Special flags and notices

may warn you of danger.

Know what the signs meanand do what they tell you.

Take Safety Advice!

Children should always go with

an adult, not by themselves.

An adult can point out dangers

or help somebody who gets

into trouble.

Go Together!

You may be able to

help yourself and

others if you know

what to do in an emergency. If you see

someone in difficulty, tell somebody,preferably a Lifeguard if there is one

nearby, go to the nearest telephone, dial

999, ask for the police at inland

water sites and the coastguard at the

beach.

Learn How to

Help!


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The focus of the summer camps were to

have fun and even the rain that fell on the

first day did not dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees. A high coach to

participant ratio enabled lots of contact time for attendees who learnt a variety of

skills and techniques. These were utilised throughout the camps in games andcompetitions. Attendees covered lots of new things that aren't often taught much,

such as penalty flicks. They even got the chance to beat the Head of the Junior

Section - Mick Emery - who took a turn in goal.

Jimmy Christmas, the Clubs Hockey Manager-Coaching, said:-

"This was another big step forward for MHC, who's commitment to developing the

Junior Section has been clear over the last few

years. The camp went very well and

everyone from the attendees to the coaches

had lots of fun.

Maidstone Hockey Club

The Maidstone Youth ActionPartnership is delivering activities for young people across the borough: weekly boxing

sessions for young people taking place at Heather House Park Wood, the Howard DeWalden Centre in the Town Centre, Shepway Manor Community Centre and atHeadcorn Scout Hut, including female only sessions. The Aspire project also brings KickKent to Park Wood with weekly football skills sessions that help young people learnimportant life skills.

ASPIRE Programme is also delivering a SUMMER OF SPORTS across the borough,offering young people the opportunity to take part in a whole host of different sports intheir neighbourhoods.

The sports delivered through ASPIRE are very popular, with young people going on tojoin sports clubs, take up coaching and first aid qualifications and gain experience in

volunteering. The projects have seen many young people making new friends andmaking positive changes to their lives.

ASPIRE is brought to you by Maidstone Youth Action Partnership and is funded by, The

Kent Police Crime Commissioners Fund, Golding Homes, Maidstone Borough Council and

Maidstone Schools Sports Partnership.

Contacts:

Boxing: Lee Owen [email protected] 07854 949370

Kick Kent: Kier Wilson [email protected] 07815 039497

Summer of Sports: John Saunders [email protected]

For Further Information contact;

Mike Evans, Administration Manager

Mobile: 07766 447985Email: [email protected]

Website: www.maidstonehockey.org


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At the Gateway there are sevenself-help computers where customerscan access the internet for free for anhour a day. We have customer toiletswith disabled access and a separatedisabled toilet. There is also achanging place toilet which can be usedby anyone that needs to use thefacility. It has been designed so disabledpeople and their carers can use it

comfortably, to find out more pleasevisit www.changing-places.org. It isdifferent to a standard disabled toiletwith extra features and more space.Customers can also us our freeInteractive health machine known as aWellPoint machine.

Gateway also provides three self help

payment kiosks to pay council bills on.

They accept cash and debit cards.Golding Homes tenants can pay their

rent at the kiosks. Tenants will need to

bring their rent account number with

them and can pay in cash or on a debit

or credit card.

Our opening times are;

Monday Friday 8.30am 5.30pm and

Saturday 9.00am 1.00pmSo why dont you come and visit us for

all your public and voluntary service

needs.

Maidstone Gateway is a partnership withKent County Council. We provide accessto a wide range of public and voluntaryservices. Customer Service Advisorsprovide services on behalf of MBC, KCCand also the Pension Service 6 days aweek.Residents can drop into the Gateway tofind information on a wide range ofcouncil services including: housing,council tax benefit, business rates,parking, environmental health, theelectoral register and pension credit

applications. There are also duty officersavailable from planning, taxi licensingand housing at certain times who canoffer more in-depth advice. Additionallywe provide an Arriva service where youcan buy bus tickets for your journey andget bus timetables. We also hold the lostproperty from Arriva buses.

Partner agencies regularly hold advicesurgeries in the Gateway including: AgeUK, Citizens Advice Bureau, CXK Kent,Hi-Kent, NHS Health Trainers, the RoyalBritish Legion and Sanctuary Housing.

The Gateway


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Weight Management Programmes

Maidstone Borough Council runs a range of weight losscourses to help you to achieve your weight loss goals andimprove your health.

Go For It: Free family and childrens weight managementprogramme, to ensure a healthier lifestyle aimed at 517year 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 pervisit. Sessions held at Zeroth Active Zone, ME15 7EB.

Adult Weight Management Programme: A 12 weekprogramme consisting of weekly diet and nutrition seminars,and you can take advantage of the low cost gym, swim andexercise classes for just 1 per visit. Sessions held at MaidstoneLeisure Centre, ME15 7RN.

Weight For It: Free 10 week weight loss programme for adultsfun & friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice, delivered across the

Maidstone borough. Various sessions throughout the year.

SNAP Disco

The popular SNAP disco is

back on Friday 20

September 2013 at

Maidstone Leisure Centre.

The event starts at 7pm andincludes live music and a DJ

until 11pm.

SNAP is suitable for thoseaged 11 to 17 years, and isrun in collaboration withKent Police andCrimestoppers as part of asay no to drugs campaign.

Tickets are 5 each and canbe brought at MaidstoneLeisure Centre or on thedoor.

Safer School Officer, PCPaul Richardson, whoorganises the events, said:This should be a greatevent and we are, once

again, very fortunate tohave more liveperformances to lookforward to. As usual wewould advise that anyonewishing to come along tothe SNAP event gets theirtickets as early as possible.

For more information on any of the programmes email [email protected] call 01622 602222.


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Topaz Community is a User Ledvoluntary organisation supporting

people and their families who aredisadvantaged in thecommunity. We do offer help andsupport where we can but wouldwelcome more Volunteers to helpout on our social nights. If you areinterested please do get in touchwith Jenny or Laurence on;

Telephone: 01622 609284Email: [email protected]

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 10am - 4pm)

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

Topaz Community


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Over 50 partners across Maidstone cametogether to discuss how we can tackle HealthInequalities in the borough, with key speakersfrom the NHS, Maidstone Borough Council andthe highly esteemed Professor Chris Bentley.The day highlighted the key areas where workneeds to be done to improve the health of ourcommunities. Following the event a HealthInequalities Strategy and Action Plan forMaidstone is being developed.

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Fleurs de Filles teamed up with local community groupParents Is The Word to offer free gardening workshopsto the community. The five week programme based at

Heather House community hall in Park Wood educated residents how to upkeep thecommunity garden and provided residents with the tools to develop their owngardens. Heather House Community Garden opened just two months ago is alreadyshowing to be a huge success within the community. The garden is used by local playgroups, nurseries as well as elderly visitors using the space to enjoy and unwind. Thesummer activities included an interactive educational workshop, involving local residentsat all stages of development. Residents completed a range of activities from weedingplants to decorating and painting plant pots, as well as designing sun catchers from everyday recyclables. The group took time to celebrate nature during the playschemes back tonature exploring local surroundings including a local bug hunt, that afternoon the groupwent on to create bugs of their own from household items including socks and recycledbottles!

The garden workshops take place every Wednesdayduring the summer holidays.

Venue: Heather HouseBicknor RoadMaidstone, KentME15 9PS

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

Heather House Community

Garden Project - Update

Health InequalitiesStakeholder Workshop


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Dont Abuse the Booze is a two-year project which aims totackle the issues arising from problem drinking among youngand under-age drinkers. It is being delivered by a partnership

between Kenward Trust, KCC Integrated Youth Service, SwitchYouth Caf, Kent Police, Maidstone Town Centre Managementand Maidstone Borough Council. It is one of 10 UK projectsmade possible by Baroness Helen Newloves 1m TacklingAlcohol Abuse Fund. The project was awarded 90,000.

The project has exceeded all expectations especially the schools project, with the

receptiveness of schools to take sessions and therefore the number of students that

the project been engaged with. This was doubtless facilitated by historic work of

Kenward Trust and Kent Police in schools. In year one the project has achieved;

83 sessions delivered against original target of 50

5 SNAP discos attended; 500-700 attendees per event

2,944 students aged between 14 and 18 have received

information on social, legal and health implications of excessive alcohol

consumption

Dont Abuse the Booze

Former service men and women will continue to be heroes as part of a new socialenterprise business bringing empty homes back into use and helping vulnerabletenants with household and grounds maintenance. Maidstones local armed forcescommunity covenant steering group has won 31,000 towards the Heroes At Handskills and employment scheme which will help former service men and women backinto work. The national Armed Forces Community Covenant awarded the grant to

Maidstone Borough Council and Futures for Heroes, who will work in partnership withStoneham Housing, Mid Kent College, the Soldiers and Sailors Families Associationand the Royal British Legion. The project will employ veterans to carry outrefurbishment and light maintenance work in Maidstone borough.

Heroes to Hand

New WebsiteNeighbourhood Watchhas a new website for Maidstone &surrounding areas.Visit;www.maidstonenhw.co.uk


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Maidstone Borough Councils Community Development Team along with partnersare undertaking community consultation within ShepwayNorth and South Ward during August, September and

October. We want to find out what residents think aboutthe area they live and why.

What do you think about your neighbourhood andwhy?

What do you like and dislike about yourneighbourhood and why?

Three things I would change and why?

Following the consultation, we hope to develop a community action plan with localresidents being advocates for making change. Residents will be offered theopportunity to take part in training to up-skill them for further education, training oremployment.

If you live in Shepway and would like to take part in the consultation and/or helpdeliver the community action plan please contact the Community DevelopmentTeam on 01622 602222 or email [email protected]

We look forward to speaking with you!

Introduction from Cllr John A. Wilson:

As Cabinet Member for Communities

and Leisure Services, I am delighted that Maidstone Borough Council has launched

this exciting new initiative the Make Maidstone Smile Fund. This one off fund of

60,000 is to enable artists or event promoters to provide new works of art or

events in the borough so as to increase the cultural and entertainment offer to

residents and visitors. The council will provide support and make funding available

but it is for all types of artists and event promoters to come up with ideas to

enhance the artistic and entertainment offer to make Maidstone a Great Place. I

hope the fund will be the springboard to enable new and existing artworks and

events to be launched.

The fund will be administrated by Maidstone Borough Council and bids will be

considered at the end of each quarter. For consideration you will need to submit

your bid by;

31 August 2013

30 November 2013

28 February 2014

31 May 2014

Make Maidstone Smile Fund :)

Shepway Neighbourhood Action Planning

For more information or an informal discussion

about the Make Maidstone Smile Fund,. Please

contact Sarah Robson, Community Partnerships

Manager on 01622 602827 or email

[email protected]


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What is Hate Crime and How to

report it?

Are you, or is someone you know, beingbullied, 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.

Reporting Hate Crimes

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Free Live Youth Music Festival being held inBrenchley Gardens, Maidstone. For moreinformation or to get involved please contactHannah or Roy at the Switch Youth Caf on 01622661885 or pop in at 34A High Street, Maidstone.

Date: Saturday 7 September 2013

Time: 12noon 6pm

Kent homeless charity

Porchlight has launched a newservice in partnership withMaidstone Borough Council tohelp reduce problematic streetbased activities in the town.

To report an issue / discussyour concerns call the24-hour Helpline on0800 567 76 99*

*Calls are free from landlinesbut will cost from a mobile.

KCC would like to know what you thinkabout the proposals for changes toChildrens Centres in Maidstone. TheShaping the Future of Children's Centresin Kentconsultation is running for 13weeks until 4 October 2013.County-wide relevance.

You can take part via theonline consultation response form, but the

consultation document and/or theresponse form can be made available inalternative formats on request.

Contact details for any queries or to askfor information in alternative formats:

Telephone: 0300 3335540Text relay: 18001 0300 3335540Email: [email protected]

Homeless Charity

Switch on the Music

Consultation on KCCsChildrens Centres


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Community Boxing ProgrammeMonday 4.306.30pm, Headcorn scout Hut (all ages welcome)Tuesday 78pm at Howard de Walden (16-24 years)Community FootballWednesdays 5.307pm, Park Wood Field (11-16 years) FREEDMAX (Disability Sport to the Max)Mondays (Term Time) 5.156.45pm.(Mote Park LeisureCentre.Marden Community DayWednesday 28 August, Marden, 11am2pm

Switch On The MusicSaturday 7 September, Brenchley Gardens

Maidstone MELASunday 8 September, Mote ParkSNAP (under 18s Dance Night)Friday 20 September 7-11pm, Maidstone Leisure Centre

MYAP Working with Young PeopleSaturday 28th September 9am3pm, Staplehurst Youth Club

Charity Team Forum

Thursday 10 October

Funding SeminarTuesday 3 December 10-12am, Town Hall

Dates For The DiaryThe aim of the workshop would beto enable parents to think aboutwhy young people self harm, to

think about ways of managing andhave a better understanding of thisform of behaviour, we would lookat it as a communication by theyoung person. The workshop is forparents whose teenagers areundertaking this form of behaviouror have exhibited these behavioursin the past. The workshop will bean opportunity for parents to shareexperiences with each other.

Date: Saturday 12 October 2013

Registration: 9.15am: Workshopstarts 9.30am 4pm

Fee: 70.00

Venue: Maidstone CommunitySupport Centre

Limited Spaces Please Book ASAPCall 01622 754853 oremail [email protected]

Self Harm

Visit Open 4 Community

for funding opportunitiesin the Maidstone Borough.

www.open4community.info

/maidstone

Mela 2012

communities newsletter august 2013

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