the website of South Ashford Community Forum
If you live too far from the school to walk the whole distance, why not Park & Stride. Park in a safe place 10 minutes walk from school and walk the rest of the way.
Encourage your friends to do this so that congestion is reduced and safety is improved in the vicinity of the school.
www.livingstreets.org.uk/media/2035/park-and-stride-print.pdf [pdf]
#WalktoSchool
Every cigarette you don’t smoke saves you money. Find out how much you will save by quitting.
Smoking is expensive and you might be surprised at how it all adds up. On average, most people who quit save around £250 each month.
That’s nearly £3,000 a year going up in smoke. What else could you spend that money on?
www.nhs.uk/smokefree/why-quit/cost-calculator#BhzAiulvVfvbpaZx.99
#Stoptober2016
Kent Fostering “Open your Heart” from Kent County Council on Vimeo.
Open your heart and you could help to transform the lives of children and young people in Kent by becoming a foster carer. Kent County Council are especially looking for carers for:
Find out about the benefits, payments and all the great support Kent County Council can provide you.
And if you think you can provide children with the stability and routine they need to flourish and develop then please contact us on 03000 420 002 or request a call back.
With each kind of abuse, neglect, undue pressure or assault, there is often someone who knows it is happening or suspects that something is wrong. Please use the contact numbersbelow to report abuse or seek advice if you feel you are being abused, or think somebody is at risk of harm or abuse. You can ask someone you trust to help you.
If possible, let the person who is being abused know help is available and include them in the decision to seek help. You could share this leaflet with them, unless doing so may place them at further risk.
If you report abuse:
They will contact the adult at risk to involve them in the safeguarding process wherever possible, unless to do so may place them at further risk initially.
please contact 03000 41 61 61 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 61 61
Outside of normal office hours: 03000 41 91 91 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 91 91
If someone is in immediate risk contact the emergency services on 999
For further information go to: www.kent.gov.uk/adultprotection
#StopAbuseKent
Yesterday evening, 6th October 2016, Canterbury City Council held evening to provide its residents with information on discussions about the possible merger of five district councils in East Kent. The councils involved are Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet.
Bob Shrubb, Chair of South Ashford Community Forum (SACF) attended the event and has prepared his own notes on the meeting. Bob says the notes include his own views and the matter has not been discussed at SACF.
Bob’s notes can be viewed here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8rLNXpJBFJ8R0ZBRHdSWHp6TUU
KCC Trading Standards have received reports of people being approached in car-parks or near cash points and being asked if they would like to purchase a mobile phone or laptop for a discounted price.
The item appears legitimate and the person is shown the receipt, however when the victim hands over the cash the seller attempts to trick the individual by swapping the item in the bag with something of a similar weight.
Report scams to KCC.
Report it
For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or
online at any time https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=citacomplainform&to=flare.fromforms
KCC Trading Standards 06 October 2016
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ce2871176f2cf0da723a750b1&id=d222699515&e=5d620a3416
CQC is inspecting Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) starting on the 16th January 2017. Whether they have received good care or poor care they are asking patients to tell them their experience of care from them. The information provided helps them decide when, where and what to expect.
KMPT provide mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services as well as other specialist services across Kent and Medway.
You can share your experience:
You don’t have to give your name.
Alternatively you can share your experience with Healthwatch Kent in confidence for free:
The Stoptober email helped Hayley start each day motivated and determined. Now she’s an ex-smoker, healthier, happier and able to spend more time doing the things she loves, such as fun activities with her daughter.
Watch Hayley’s Story
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home#email
Read more at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home
#Stoptober2016
Domestic abuseis when abuse occurs between partners, former partners or by a family member. It can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse as well as ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
There is information and advice about Domestic Abuse in our posts from the Talk About Abuse campaign
https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/category/site/domestic-abuse/
If you are affected by domestic abuse, or you think a friend or family member may be, there are specialists who can help you.
Contact Kent County Council on 03000 41 61 61 or if someone is in immediate risk, dial 999. Support will be provided by specially trained people to victims of abuse and those who report it
Ashford Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop offers free advice, information and support from a range of agencies under one roof to help victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect anyone and therefore, if you are a man or a woman and would like to discuss your issues, you are welcome to attend. No appointment is required just turn up.
The Willow Centre, Brookfield Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4EY
Telephone: 07598 74504
Opening times: Every Tuesday morning 9.30am – 12.30pm
Domestic Abuse Support in Kent website, a new resource covering Kent and Medway providing advice and information on services for victims, friends & family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.http://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/
Citizens Advice online advice on domestic abuse, where you’ll find lots of organisations that can help.
If you think a friend or family member may be experiencing domestic abuse, see Citizens Advice’ guidance on how you can talk to them about it and direct them to places where they can get further help.
#StopAbuseKent
#talkaboutabuse
Half of our children are driven to school, yet the average school run for primary schools is just 1.5 miles.
Walking to school helps kids engage with their community, stay healthy and arrive alert and relaxed.
Driving less for families can mean more active, sociable lifestyles.
#WalktoSchool