Lockdown help is a just click or a phone call away

A voluntary scheme that supported residents in the first seven months of the pandemic is getting ready to help out again as we enter a second lockdown.

‘Care for our Community – Sevenoaks District’ was set up in March to support vulnerable people, including those shielding. Around 1,500 volunteers came forward helping those in need by collecting their shopping and prescriptions, having a friendly chat and more.

The scheme was stood down in the autumn as the transmission of the virus fell. But, volunteers are once again getting ready to do their bit as a second lockdown looms.

As the nation prepares to stay at home once again to limit the spread of the virus, anyone who needs help is being urged to sign up to the ‘Care for our Community’ scheme. To request help, residents should visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/requesthelp or call the Council on 01732 227000.

Cabinet Member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, says: “Our volunteers have made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of residents since the start of the pandemic. Once again, we are calling on their support as we head in to another lockdown and uncertain times.

“We know the next month is likely to be tough for many. But I want to reassure anyone who needs assistance that help is available. Simply contact us so we can put you in touch with a local volunteer.”

‘Care for our Community’ consists of volunteers, town and parish councils and Sevenoaks District Council.


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Kent County Council prepared for second lockdown

The Leader of Kent County Council has called on everyone in Kent to stay strong and stick to government guidance as we move into another national lockdown.

From Thursday (November 5) everyone must stay at home, leaving only for a limited set of reasons, and all ‘non-essential’ shops must close until December 2.

England’s regional tiered system is then expected to be reintroduced.

KCC Leader Roger Gough said: “Once again we face an enormous challenge from coronavirus and its impact on our lives, our economy and our communities.

“My priority is to ensure that we continue to deliver, within Government guidelines, the important and trusted services we have always provided for the people of Kent.

“Our focus throughout this pandemic has been to look after the most vulnerable people in the county by maintaining essential day-to-day services, and the health and wellbeing of our residents remains our priority as we move into another national lockdown.

“Working with our partners in district and borough councils we will strive to ensure that everyone is safeguarded and that no one is left isolated.

“The community spirit we have seen throughout this challenging year has been incredible and I now urge everyone across Kent to support each other, along with their neighbours and friends, to keep Kent safe over the coming weeks.

“I know how hard the prospect of another national lockdown is, and we will do everything we can to support local businesses, many of which have already suffered and will have to now remain closed until December.

“Ultimately, we will come through this and there will be relief for businesses, livelihoods and people’s lives. It is now vital that we not only follow the guidance and stick to the rules, but that we continue to work to ensure that a robust Test and Trace system is in place.

“I want to reassure you that we are working closely with our colleagues in Public Health to make sure that this can be implemented across Kent as soon as possible.

“Each and every one of us must continue to protect each other from this devastating virus. It is vital that we follow the Government rules to save lives, protect the NHS, keep our loved ones safe and come through this lockdown together.”

In Kent:

  • HWRCs will remain open for socially distanced use and can be booked here.
  • Social care for children and adults will continue as before
  • KCC will continue to support schools to remain open to pupils all the while Government says it is safe for them to do so
  • Bus services will continue to run and are being provided in accordance with Government guidance
  • Country Parks and Public Rights of Way will remain open for exercise
  • KCC has extended its financial support of the Covid-19 Business Helpline, adding £100,000 to keep it running until the end of the year. Businesses can get up to date support from a team of advisors. Full details are at https://www.askphil.biz
  • Weddings and civil partnerships during this period will not take place and we will be in touch with all couples directly as soon as possible affected by this second lockdown.

The local Public Health England team has been local contact tracing, working with Kent County Council Public Health since the pandemic started.

The KCC Public Health officers are working together with officers from other directorates in the council to implement a local track and trace system.

This will continue to be an element of the national Test and Trace system and will utilise the experience of the Kent Together helpline, using call handlers who will contact people that the Government Track and Trace system has not been able to contact.

Once contacted, the advisors will be able to give advice on isolation and testing, establish close contacts, upload details to the National Contact Tracing system, and signpost to assistance available.

KCC Public Health Director Andrew Scott-Clark said: “My message to you is simply to follow the rules of lockdown; minimise social contact with people as much as possible, minimise leaving your home as much as possible, wear a mask in public places where appropriate and maintain good hand hygiene.

“Please look out for those in your local community who may need extra support as winter approaches.

“The guidance from government is clear on who you can meet and where; please play your part to help Protect Kent and Medway and stay safe during the lockdown period.”

Support services are available at www.oneyoukent.org.uk and www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing

There is also a specific site to help families with children or young people who might be experiencing difficulties at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeingfamilies

For information on how the national lockdown may be affecting other health services, click here.

If you are vulnerable and need urgent support that cannot be met through existing support networks, get in touch with Kent Together at http://www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or call 03000 419292.

The government’s announcement on Saturday stated people can only leave their homes for:

  • education
  • work, if you cannot work from home
  • exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).
  • all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm
  • shopping for food and essentials
  • providing care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer

Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed. Click and collect services and essential shops, including supermarkets, will remain open. Pubs, bars, restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery services.

The Coronavirus furlough scheme will remain open until December, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

For the latest updates to services in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/coronavirus


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Swimming coaches Emma and Paddy named as finalists in UK Coaching Awards

Swimming coaches Emma Collings-Barnes and Paddy Ham have been named as finalists in the prestigious UK Coaching Awards.

Emma, director of swimming at Mount Kelly School, has been shortlisted for the Talent Development Coach of the Year award, while Sevenoaks Swimming Club’s Paddy is a contender for the Young Coach of the Year.

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony on Thursday 3 December.

‘Total honour’ for Emma

Emma has been at the helm of Mount Kelly’s swimming programme for the past two years and has 178 students swimming on the national stage and achieving a number of successes.

She said it was ‘overwhelming’ to be shortlisted and praised the team of coaches and swimmers she works with.

“It’s a total honour to hear the news of becoming a finalist in the UK Coaching Awards,” said Emma.

“To be honest it’s a little overwhelming. I coach because of my passion and pride for Mount Kelly Swimming, as well as seeing the journeys of positive change in the athletes, but to receive this recognition is such a wonderful boost.

“I am very lucky to lead an incredible team of swimmers and coaches and to work with them doesn’t feel like a job at all. I am very humbled.”

Emma is up against gymnastic coach Amy Moulton and canoeing’s Trevor Hunter for the prize.

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Paddy’s pride at being nominated

Paddy said he was extremely proud to be in the running for the Young Coach of the Year Award.

The 25-year-old has also been shortlisted alongside Moulton plus gymnastic’s Issy Haigh and wheelchair basketball’s Fran Evans.

He said: “After what has been an extremely tough year, it is an honour to me that all the work and effort has been recognised by UK Coaching.

“I honestly didn’t think I would get this far – I was really proud to be nominated by Sevenoaks Swimming Club, let alone be a finalist for this award.

“I could never have predicted when I started coaching swimming four years ago that it would lead to this so to say I’m pleased would be an understatement!

“Whatever happens now, I’ll be really happy. All the work I did during lockdown was already rewarded with all my swimmers wanting to come back after lockdown was lifted.

“Being a finalist for Young Coach of the Year is the icing on the cake and I couldn’t be prouder!”

Recognise outstanding contributions

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Emma Atkins, UK Coaching’s Director of Coaching, said: “The UK Coaching Awards is a true highlight of the year and although December’s event will look slightly different, it is more important than ever to recognise the outstanding contributions of coaches this year.The awards aim to recognise and honour the efforts of coaches across the country and the contribution they make in transforming lives in communities nationwide – especially poignant this year, against the backdrop of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“More than three million people regularly coach across the UK and I’ve been absolutely blown away with how quickly coaches were able to adapt during the pandemic to continue meeting the needs of their participants, from grassroots to elite level.

swimming“I would like to offer huge congratulations to Emma and Paddy and all of those who have been nominated for awards.

“The standard of nominations we received this year was extraordinary, demonstrating the impact that great coaches have had this year.

“Thank you to all our coaches across the UK, and to our finalists. We are all looking forward to celebrating your achievements in December.”


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Young Lives Foundation Helping To Make A Difference Through COVID-19

The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) together with their team of volunteers and supporters have been working hard through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that vulnerable young people in Kent continue to receive the help, support and resources they so desperately need, during these especially challenging times.

To help demonstrate the impact that this support has had, YLF has recently released a mini impact report called ‘Coping With Covid-19’ which documents some of the positive outcomes that have been achieved with the kind and generous help from a number of special people.

One such initiative was putting together over 450 care hampers which could be distributed to young people and their families who were not able to access help and who faced a lonely and distressing time.  Staff and volunteers set up a COVID-19 Fundraising Campaign and called upon their caring networks across Kent. Within a short period of time, the team had arranged for care hampers to be delivered to those who had little or no food and/or who were isolated in unfamiliar surroundings.

One person in particular summed up the impact of having a hamper delivered; “Thank you so much to you and your team for our food hamper and fun bits. We sat and cried for a while but then played games together. It really meant a lot to us and I can’t thank you enough.”

Stephen Gray, CEO, YLF said, “It is during these times of crisis that you truly see the best in people and we have been so grateful for the offers of help and donations when we’ve needed them the most.  It’s sad for me to share that four young people took their own lives during the height of the COVID-19 crisis so I am eternally grateful for every single donation as it means we can reach many more young people to offer a helping hand and a friendly face.”

“Some of the young people our team came into contact with, hadn’t seen or spoken to another person for 10 weeks, so we know that every volunteer, fundraiser and donation makes a real difference to someone’s life.”

“If anyone would like to find out more about the essential services we provide, please visit: www.ylf.org.uk  where you can find volunteering opportunities as well as donation details and fundraising ideas.  This support is used to help improve the life of a vulnerable young adult who may feel they have nothing positive to look forward to and to help them succeed in life with a little helping hand.”


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Has lockdown changed how you think about food waste?

Hampshire County Council is asking residents how their attitude to food waste is changing via a new county-wide survey.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “The financial and environmental cost of buying more than we need and throwing away unused food is considerable. Each year, councils spend over £100 million dealing with waste from Hampshire homes so we continually look at how this can be reduced.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that people were throwing away around one fifth of the food they bought – meaning some households were wasting £60 worth of food every month. But with such drastic changes to our lifestyles this year, this may no longer be the case – with people buying, preparing and cooking in different ways since lockdown.

National research indicates that during lockdown, there was a 34% reduction in key food items being thrown away as food waste, with more people planning meals, making use of freezers and using up leftovers.

Councillor Humby continued: “We’re keen to find out how people may have changed their habits around food shopping and preparation during lockdown, what good ideas they’ve had, and better understand what it is that drives people to make the small changes that can make such a big difference.”

The survey is open until 12 November, and those who take part have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of recipe books.

To take part in the survey, go to: https://etehampshirecc.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=160155366812

To find out some hints and tips on how to waste less at home, go to:

www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/smartliving


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New regional adoption agency launches to recruit adopters

A new regional adoption agency “Adoption Partnership South East” has launched with a focus on recruiting more new adopters across the South East and accelerating processes.

Adoption Partnership South East has been formed in response to a Government mandate that all local authorities must join a regional adoption agency by April 2020. It brings together knowledge and expertise from London Borough of Bexley, Kent County Council and Medway Council to help find loving parents and families for children with a wide range of profiles and needs waiting for their forever home.

The new partnership will provide prospective adopters across the South East region access to a larger number of children helping to find the right match quickly and speeding up processes.

A range of adoption placement types are offered including an early placement Foster to Adopt option which allows prospective adopters to foster a baby or toddler under the age of two until the courts have decided on their future care, reducing disruption for the child significantly.

Staff will remain employed within their local authority, operating within a robust governance structure under the Head of Service for Adoption Partnership South East.

Sarah Skinner, Head of Service for Adoption Partnership South East said: “I am thrilled that our new adoption partnership has launched in the South East bringing together the wealth of experience in the region. By working together, we can recruit a wide and diverse group of adopters and draw on resources across the region to enable us to quickly place more children with their forever families.”

Sue Chandler, KCC Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services said: “KCC is pleased to be part of this wonderful new regional partnership. We have an exceptional adoption service here in Kent and I am thrilled that this will be further enhanced by working with our partners in London Borough of Bexley and Medway.

The wellbeing of our children is of paramount importance and by providing a single point of contact for prospective adopters across the South East we will be able to quickly match children with adopters and vastly reduce the amount of time children wait.

“I would recommend that anyone thinking about adoption attends one of the useful information events or contacts the team for helpful advice.”

To find out more about Adoption Partnership South East, or if you are thinking of adopting a child visit: https://www.adoptionpartnershipsoutheast.org.uk/


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We’re here for local businesses

The announcement of new restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus which begin on Thursday will come as a blow to many local businesses, particularly non-essential retailers and the hospitality sector that were gearing up for Christmas.

“The government has announced financial support for businesses required to close and, while we await details of how this support will be delivered, we will do everything we can to ensure eligible businesses receive the money they are entitled to as quickly as possible.

“The information below is from the GOV.UK website.

“We’ll send out another bulletin with additional information when we have it and will be updating our business support webpage.”

Councillor Michael Wilson, Leader of Havant Borough Council

Local Businesses and venues

To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include:

  • all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to, clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, and tobacco and vape shops.
  • indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, and water and theme parks,
  • entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, and botanical gardens;
  • personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.

Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Playgrounds can remain open.

Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.

A full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law.

Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities, like childcare and support groups. Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.

A number of public services will also stay open and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include:

  • the NHS and medical services like GPs. We are supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.
  • Jobcentre Plus sites
  • Courts
  • Civil Registrations Offices

Financial support

Workers in any part of the UK can retain their job, even if their employer cannot afford to pay them, and be paid at least 80% of their salary up to £2500 a month.

The flexibility of the current Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be retained to allow employees to continue to work where they can.

Employers small or large, charitable or non-profit are eligible and because more businesses will need to close, they will now be asked to pay just National Insurance and Pensions contributions for their staff during the month of November – making this more generous than support currently on offer.

The Job Support Scheme will not be introduced until after Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.

Find out more on the GOV.UK website.


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Lewes DC gives boost to Marcus Rashford campaign

Lewes District Council will give £7,000 to selected charities and community organisations in the district that are supporting Marcus Rashford’s campaign for free meals for children during the school holidays.

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Communities and Customers, said: “Many people in the public eye make contributions of some sort or another to good causes and worthwhile campaigns but rarely though does someone of such a young age like Marcus Rashford immerse themselves in a charitable endeavour.

“Marcus’s humility, understanding and determination has been inspiring and so I’m delighted that we are making a contribution to the distribution of free meals in the district.

“The groups in the district that are helping to feed local children are wonderful and I thank them all.”

A parliamentary petition created by Marcus Rashford to end child food poverty has now been signed by more than one million people and thousands of food outlets have responded by offering free meals to children during half-term.

Councillor Denis added: “It is a great sadness that in 2020 some children go to bed hungry and their parents won’t know where the next family meal will come from.

“Creating a society where food poverty is consigned to history is much easier to agree on than to achieve, but we must never stop trying to do exactly that.”


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Major overhaul to improve Beachy Head Centre

Work is underway to refresh and enhance the Beachy Head Countryside Centre in line with changes to visitor expectations over recent years.

Under the new name of the Beachy Head Story, it will tell the history of the South Downs around Beachy Head from the formation of the chalk over 90 million years ago to the present day and beyond, using the experiences and words of people who have lived, worked or been inspired by the area.

Councillor Jonathan Dow, Cabinet member for Climate Change, said: “This is a very exciting project that will incorporate tales from shepherds, smugglers, heroes and poets using images and artefacts from the Eastbourne collection.

“The stories have been chosen to reflect the spirit of our much-loved area and will frame the most incredible story of all, the living landscape viewed from the picture window.

“We are also developing a shop to reflect this iconic landscape and showcase local producers and makers as well as a variety of other wonderful gifts.”

This work is one of the headline projects within Eastbourne Borough Council’s Whole Estate Plan, a 25-year environmental management plan that has been endorsed by the South Downs National Park Authority.

Councillor Dow added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to extend the council’s thanks to the Beachy Head Countryside Centre trustees who, over many years, have given freely of their time and energy to support the running of the centre.

“We hope they, along with residents and visitors, will enjoy the new-look centre that has been specially-designed to celebrate the rich history of our downland.”


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