News

The case for change: recruitment

There are real challenges
recruiting enough GPs and practice nurses

We all want health and social care services that can meet our needs now and in the future. However, health, social and public health services face new challenges that mean they need to change the way they work to improve care and get better value for the money that is available.

To find out more about the Case for Change and the emerging Sustainability and Transformation plan that will set out the strategy for dealing with the challenges that face health, social and public health services visit:

Transforming health and social care in Kent and Medway website
http://kentandmedway.nhs.uk/ and

Better health and care in east Kent website
http://eastkent.nhs.uk/

#KMlistens

The case for change: ‘bed blocking’

Evidence shows that every day
around 1,000 people in Kent and Medway
are in a hospital bed when they no longer need to be

We all want health and social care services that can meet our needs now and in the future.  However, health, social and public health services face new challenges that mean they need to change the way they work to improve care and get better value for the money that is available.

To find out more about the Case for Change and the emerging Sustainability and Transformation plan that will set out the strategy for dealing with the challenges that face health, social and public health services visit:

Transforming health and social care in Kent and Medway website
http://kentandmedway.nhs.uk/ and

Better health and care in east Kent website
http://eastkent.nhs.uk/

#KMlistens

KCC Country Parks Consultation

Kent Country Parks Strategy 2017-2021

Kent County Council

Opens 10 Jul 2017
Closes 11 Sep 2017

Introduction

Kent County Council is privileged to own and manage a range of country parks and countryside sites which contain some of the highest quality natural habitats and landscapes that Kent has to offer. We have drafted a four year strategy which sets out how we intend to protect and manage these natural environments at the same time as providing high quality opportunities for individuals, families and communities to play, learn and relax.

Have your say

We would like your views on this strategy to ensure that we do all we can to meet the needs and expectations of Kent residents.

The draft Strategy is available to download from the ‘Consultation Documents’ section below. Please let us know your thoughts by completing the online questionnaire (via the ‘Respond to this Consultation’ section). The draft Strategy and questionnaire are also available in Word.

We have published a copy of our Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) for you to read and make comments on via the consultation questionnaire.

Your responses will be compiled into a consultation report, which will help produce the final version of the Country Parks Strategy.

Alternative Formats

If you require any of the consultation documents in an alternative format or language please email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 421553 (text relay service number 18001 03000 421553). This number goes to an answering machine, which is monitored during office hours.

Consultation Documents

Respond to this Consultation

Consultation Links

Consultation Summary

Name Kent Country Parks Strategy 2017-2021
Description KCC’s four year Country Parks Strategy sets out how we intend to protect and manage our Country Parks and provide high quality opportunities for people to play, learn and relax. Tell us your views on our draft Strategy.
Dates From 10 Jul 2017 at 13:00 to 11 Sep 2017 at 23:59.
Status Open
Consulting Organisation Type Kent County Council
Consulting Organisation Name Kent County Council
District / Borough areas affected by the consultation Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells
Consultation Topic General interest, Arts, culture, sport and leisure, Environment and countryside
Consultation Methods Online survey / questionnaire / forms, Other survey / questionnaire / forms
Contact Details You can contact us by email at Kentcountryparksbusinesssupport@kent.gov.uk

Our postal address is:-

Kent Country Parks
Invicta House
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1XX

Kent County Council 10 July 2017
http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/countryparksstrategy/consultationHome

16 and beyond: Help making your decision

Kent Choices - a guide to your futureYour future. It’s your choice.

You need to stay in education or training after you’re 16, but how you do this is up to you. There are lots of options and you need to pick the one that will help you get the future you want.

Help making your decision

You don’t have to do this alone

It’s normal to be unsure or not know what to do for the best in this situation, but you don’t have to make this decision by yourself. There are lots of places where you can get help and advice, or just have a chat about what you think is the best option for you.

  • Ask your school. They have to give you impartial advice and will have free access to a careers advisor for you.
  • Talk to your friends and family. They know you and can give you their honest opinion.
  • Go to a school or college open day, or come to one of our briefing events. You’ll get to meet staff and providers who can answer any questions you might have about the learning, working or training opportunities on offer.
  • Think about the job or course you want to do, and then go online for careers advice or to a careers library to find out what qualifications you need to get it.
  • Try some work experience or volunteering to get a feel for different types or areas of work.
  • Visit the National Careers Service to try their online tools around finding out what your skills are and what kind of way forward might suit you.
  • If you want to know more about the things you could do that don’t involve staying on at school or college, try Ready To Work Kent.

It’s also important for you to have faith in your instincts. It’s useful to get other people’s opinions, but you’re the only one who has the final answer. Trust yourself.

Kent County Council
www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/college-sixth-form-employment-and-training/options-at-16-and-beyond#tab-4

The case for change: emergency admissions

As many as four in 10
emergency admissions to hospital
could be avoided
if the right care was available in the community

We all want health and social care services that can meet our needs now and in the future.  However, health, social and public health services face new challenges that mean they need to change the way they work to improve care and get better value for the money that is available.

To find out more about the Case for Change and the emerging Sustainability and Transformation plan that will set out the strategy for dealing with the challenges that face health, social and public health services visit:

Transforming health and social care in Kent and Medway website
http://kentandmedway.nhs.uk/ and

Better health and care in east Kent website
http://eastkent.nhs.uk/

#KMlistens

16 and beyond: Work experience and volunteering

Kent Choices - a guide to your futureYour future. It’s your choice.

You need to stay in education or training after you’re 16, but how you do this is up to you. There are lots of options and you need to pick the one that will help you get the future you want.

Work experience and volunteering

An introduction to the workplace and key working skills

Having work or volunteering experience during your summer holidays or year out makes your CV stronger and makes you more attractive to a potential employer. It demonstrates that you’re keen to get ahead and take the initiative, and gives you the chance to practice the skills you’ll need in a real organisation.

Find work experience with us or with other businesses in Kent.

Find opportunities to volunteer and get experience in all kinds of different roles across Kent and the whole country.

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a UCAS-recognised opportunity for students in Years 11 and 12 to take part in outdoor activities, learn skills for life and work, and give back to the local community. It costs only £50 (help with paying for this may be available), all meals and activities are covered, and it looks great on your CV. For more information or to sign up, visit National Citizen Service.

Kent County Council
www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/college-sixth-form-employment-and-training/options-at-16-and-beyond#tab-3

The case for change: Mental health

1 in 4 people have
a mental health
problem at some point in their lives

We all want health and social care services that can meet our needs now and in the future.  However, health, social and public health services face new challenges that mean they need to change the way hey work to improve care and get better value for the money that is available.

To find out more about the Case for Change and the emerging Sustainability and Transformation plan that will set out the strategy for dealing with the challenges that face health, social and public health services visit:

Transforming health and social care in Kent and Medway website
http://kentandmedway.nhs.uk/ and

Better health and care in east Kent website
http://eastkent.nhs.uk/

#KMlistens

KCC Consults on Infant Feeding Services

Kent County CouncilInfant Feeding Service

Kent County Council

Opens: 17 July 2017
Closes: 3 September 2017

Families across Kent are being asked their views on proposed changes to infant feeding services, including breastfeeding support.

KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark explained: “The current contract is coming to an end and we have been investigating what service users and providers need – the consultation runs until the beginning of September and considers timely support, more joined up services and more information about the peer support teams with rapid referral to a lactation consultant when needed.

“As part of the development of the Health Visiting model, there have also been discussions with PS Breastfeeding CIC, Early Help and KCHFT. As a result of these conversations, we are consulting on transferring responsibility for community infant feeding support to the Health Visiting Service and are inviting people’s views.”

He adds: “We expect that this proposal will enable all families to access nutrition advice as part of a comprehensive infant health service that links to Children’s Centres and maternity services, making best use of the existing professional skills and resources in the Health Visiting Service. (more…)

16 and beyond: Earn as you learn

Kent Choices - a guide to your futureYour future. It’s your choice.

You need to stay in education or training after you’re 16, but how you do this is up to you. There are lots of options and you need to pick the one that will help you get the future you want.

Earn as you learn

Apprenticeships and self employment

If you have a career sector or path in mind and want to start earning money as you learn, an apprenticeship could be for you. You’ll do real jobs for real employers; training on the job, working towards an industry-standard qualification.

Find out more about what’s available and how to apply at Apprentice Kent.

Some providers who offer apprenticeships also offer Study Learning Programmes for people aged 16 to 19. These include areas like catering, construction and hairdressing. To find out more visit the Kent Association of Training Organisations (KATO) website or talk to your careers teacher.

Working for yourself

If you like the idea of setting your own hours, working when and where you want, and you have an idea that might make money, you could speak to the Kent Foundation about getting your business idea off the ground. The Kent Foundation offer free business support to young people who want to start or grow a business, and they could help you bring your business ideas to life.

Remember that until you’re 18, you’ll need to be in learning or training as well as developing your business.

Kent County Council
www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/college-sixth-form-employment-and-training/options-at-16-and-beyond#tab-2