News

Keep active

9 May 2017 0 Comments

Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.

Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better.

Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.

Exercising doesn’t just mean doing sport or going to the gym. Walks in the park, gardening or housework can also keep you active.

Experts say most people should do about 30 minutes’ exercise at least five days a week.

Try to make physical activity that you enjoy a part of your day.

Mental Health Foundation
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health/keep-active

#MHAW17
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

More advice

More advice on keeping active can obtained from the OneYou Shop in Park Mall, Ashford or
from the OneYou website
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/moving

Mental health help and support services

Health, News, Wellbeing

Your vote matters

9 May 2017 0 Comments

Your vote matters - don't lose itTime is running out to make sure you can take part in the General Election on 8 June. Take action now if you are not already registered to vote. It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of 22 April, it will be too late.

For residents in Victoria Ward there is also a by-election for your Ashford Borough Council councillor on 8 June.

Research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are particularly less likely to be registered to vote. So if you have moved house recently, then make sure you’re registered correctly. If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life.

If you will be unable to attend your polling station on 8 June you can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote. You can apply for all elections or for a single election for which you are unable to attend the polling station. If you are in Victoria Ward don’t forget to apply for the by-election as well as the General Election – you can do so by applying for a postal vote or proxy for a period that includes the election day.

Register now:

(more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Government, News

Talk about your feelings

8 May 2017 0 Comments


Mental Health Awareness Week

Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental health problem. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are going to look at mental health from a new angle. Rather than ask why so many people are living with mental health problems, we will seek to uncover why too few of us are thriving with good mental health.

Mental Health Foundation
/www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.

Talking can be a way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head for a while. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways. If you open up, it might encourage others to do the same.

It’s not always easy to describe how you’re feeling. If you can’t think of one word, use lots. What does it feel like inside your head? What does it make you feel like doing?

You don’t need to sit your loved ones down for a big conversation about your wellbeing. Many people feel more comfortable when these conversations develop naturally – maybe when you’re doing something together.

If it feels awkward at first, give it time. Make talking about your feelings something that you do.

#MHAW17
#timetotalk

Mental Health Foundation
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health/talk-about-your-feelings

Mental health help and support services

Health, News, Wellbeing

”Cool your coals” advice from firefighters

7 May 2017 0 Comments

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire involving a garden shed in Westbrook Avenue, Margate at 2.48am. Two fire engines were sent to the property and arrived to find the shed fully involved in fire.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the shed and its contents, including children’s garden toys. A thermal scan of the property and surrounding properties was also carried out to check for hot spots.

The blaze is thought to have been started, after the occupant put what he thought were cold barbecue coals into a plastic bag. He left the bag close to the garden shed, which caught alight as the coals continued smouldering.

Margate Watch Manager, Gary Miller, said: “Unfortunately, coals and ashes that seem cold on the surface may still be hot deep inside. Have a look at our website for more safety tips to help keep your home and family safe around
barbecues www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/barbecues/ and
bonfires www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/bonfires-and-fireworks/

“We’re all hoping that summer and some warmer weather will be with us soon, so we can enjoy barbecues in the garden, but please make sure safety is a key ingredient. Always dispose of ashes and coals carefully. Douse them with water, put them into a metal container and once cool, empty them onto bare soil, not into a plastic bin.”

The fire also caused superficial damage to plastic fascia board on a double garage and wooden fence panels at a neighbouring property.

Gary ended: “Fortunately, we arrived just in time to prevent further fire spread to a timber framed double garage which is under construction.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service 07 May 2017
www.kent.fire-uk.org/news/news-releases/may-2017/cool-your-coals-advice-from-firefighters/

News, Safety

George Koowaree retains KCC Ashford East

5 May 2017 0 Comments

Ballot boxGeorge Koowaree has retained his seat as Kent County Council Councillor for Ashford East.

George is the existing KCC Councillor and Ashford Borough Council member for North Willesborough

 

 

Results

Election Candidate Party Votes %
George Koowaree Liberal Democrat 1426 41% Elected
Larry William Krause Conservative 971 28% Not elected
Martin Chandler Labour 534 15% Not elected
Garry George Harrison UK Independence Party 338 10% Not elected
Steven Robert Campkin Green Party 191 6% Not elected

Voting Summary

Details Number
Seats 1
Total votes 3460
Electorate 12888
Number of ballot papers issued 3467
Number of ballot papers rejected 7
Turnout 27%

Democracy, Kent County Council, News

Dara Farrell takes KCC Ashford South

5 May 2017 0 Comments

Dara Farrell, Labour Candidate, has been elected as Kent County Council Councillor for Ashford South Division, winning 32% of the vote of a 23% turnout.

Dara is the also the Ashford Borough Council member for Victoria Ward

Conservative candidate, David Robey, came a close second with 30% of the vote.

Results

Election Candidate Party Votes %
Dara Farrell Labour 1022 32% Elected
David Robey Conservative 966 30% Not elected
Ryan Paul MacPherson UK Independence Party 727 23% Not elected
James Angus Galloway Liberal Democrat 312 10% Not elected
Claire Madeleine Wallington Green Party 146 5% Not elected

Voting Summary

Details Number
Seats 1
Total votes 3173
Electorate 13910
Number of ballot papers issued 3176
Number of ballot papers rejected 3
Turnout 23%

Democracy, Kent County Council, News

Tourists Targeted by Fake Police Officers

5 May 2017 0 Comments

Action FraudThere has been a series of recent incidents reported to Action Fraud where a lone fraudster has approached victims whom they believe to be unfamiliar with the local area. They make an excuse to talk to the victims such as enquiring about directions or offering a recommendation for a good hotel.

After this interaction, several other fraudsters will intervene purporting to be police officers in plain clothes and will sometimes present false identification as proof. The fake officers will then give a reason to examine the victims’ wallet, purse or personal items. They may also examine the first fraudster’s items or try to tell victims that the first fraudster is suspicious in order to gain victim trust and appear more realistic in their guise.

After all the fake police ‘checks’ are finished, victims have then reported being handed back their personal items only to later realise that a quantity of money or valuables were missing.

How to protect yourself:

  • If an individual claims to be a police officer ask for their name and rank, force, and examine any identification presented; this is always good practice but especially important if they are not wearing a uniform.
  • The Police will never ask for your passwords or PIN details. Do not give this information to anyone.
  • The Police will never request that you withdraw/transfer any money to them or to a ‘safe’ account.
  • If you have been affected by this, or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Action Fraud 04 May 2017
www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/da/178433/Tourists%20Targeted%20by%20Fake%20Police%20Officers.html

Consumer, Crime, News

Hay fever sufferers urged to use pharmacists

4 May 2017 0 Comments

pharmacy logoThe NHS in east Kent is urging people to use their local pharmacy to buy medication for common minor ailments like hay fever.

As the pollen count rises, one person in five is likely to suffer from the allergic condition, which causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

But not everyone knows that treatment can be provided by a pharmacist rather than having to book an appointment to see a GP. Many treatments are available from as little as £1 from a pharmacy or supermarket.

Pharmacists also provide expert, free, confidential advice on health issues such as cold sores, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diarrhoea, headache, mild eczema, sunburn, sprains and strains. You can simply turn up and ask for advice with no prior appointment.

Details of your nearest pharmacy along with opening times can be found on the free NHS app, Health Help Now: www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or download Health Help Now from the App Store or Google Play.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford CCG, said: “Rising pollen counts can lead to misery for hay fever sufferers but many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist.

“Pharmacists can offer advice on how to avoid triggers and treat your hay fever. You do not need a prescription for hay fever medicines and many treatments are available for little cost from a pharmacy.

“So for most people, there is no need to let hay fever take up any more of your time by waiting for a doctor’s appointment.

“If your symptoms persist despite using medication as advised by the pharmacist you may wish to speak to your GP about alternative medication which is only available on prescription.”

If you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation, ring NHS 111. If you don’t know what to do or who to contact, use Health Help Now.

NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group 03 May 2017
www.ashfordccg.nhs.uk/news/blog/?blogpost=9701

Health, News