It’s time to talk about abuse
If you think a friend or family member is experiencing abuse, find out how you can start the conversation:bit.ly/talk_about_abuse
#talkaboutabuse
News
KFRS Safety and Wellbeing Plan 2016/18
Help Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s plan for the future
This is your chance to have your say about Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) plans to develop and improve their services, while still making essential savings by filling in our online Safety and Wellbeing Plan survey.
The consultation is open until 16 January 2016, and the outcomes will be presented to Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority at its meeting on 12 February 2016. You can read the Safety and Wellbeing Plan 2016/18 and all the supporting documentation using the links on KFRS web page. (more…)
Apply now for a primary school place
Applications are open for Primary, Infant and Junior places in Kent schools, with about 16,000 families expected to apply for a place to start school next September.
Families are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible for a Primary school place for their children and not miss the 15 January deadline. Last year there were more than 500 late applications, which made it more difficult for parents to secure the preferred places. (more…)
Council tax support consultation
Council tax support has now been in place for three years. Following extensive consultation back in 2012, Ashford Borough Council introduced a localised council tax support scheme to replace council tax benefit, which was phased out by the government. The principle of the council’s scheme is to support working-age claimants to return to employment.
The existing scheme, which is based on a countywide scheme with local variances, has worked well and council tax collection rates have remained at over 98%. Following the consultation, Ashford Borough Council adjusted its proposed scheme and is proud to be the only borough in the county offering additional protection to disabled claimants and carers. (more…)
Hannah’s story: a personal account of domestic abuse
This is an honest and frank account of domestic abuse so some readers may find her story distressing
https://blogs.citizensadvice.org.uk/…/hannahs-story-a-pers…/
Talk about abuse
If you are affected by domestic abuse there are specialists who can help you.
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.
#talkaboutabuse
Small Business Saturday
5th December 2015
Every £1 spent with a nearby small business puts £1.76 into your local economy.
December News-sheet published
The December 2015 edition of the ‘South Ashford’ news-sheet has been published and is currently being delivered to 4,700 residential addresses in South Ashford.
This edition includes an update on the Campaign for Community Councils, advice on treating yourself for winter illnesses, information on how to save on your energy bills and details of proposals for development of the ‘Powergen site’ and other sites in and around South Ashford.
A copy of the News-sheet can be downloaded from the Publications page on this site or by clicking on the image on the right.
Financial abuse can be domestic abuse
Three in five people…
…don’t realise that financial abuse can be domestic abuse.
But it can be.
If you think a friend or family member is experiencing domestic abuse:
• pay attention to changes in behaviour
• ask about abuse
• listen and support
• suggest futher help.
Talk about abuse
Women and Children Are Still Dying – I Can’t Walk Away From That
On the day the Chancellor announced a commitment to more funding to support domestic abuse victims and charities, an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (Idva), trained by SafeLives, wrote about their experience helping victims of abuse and their children. It’s a really powerful piece, and shows just how important it is that services are maintained to help everyone affected by domestic abuse.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ceri/violence-against-women_b_8637152.html
#talkaboutabuse
Less traffic
By 2035 the number of cars on England’s roads is set to increase by 45% and traffic delays by 64%.
Four in 10 car journeys are less than 2 miles.
Driving less means less congested, more pleasant streets.