The Kent Local Tracing Partnership goes live on Friday 27 November, supporting the national Test and Trace service to locate residents who’ve tested positive for Covid-19. The local system will continue to support the NHS Test and Trace service, using the experience of the Kent Together helpline with KCC commissioned call handlers contacting people that…
Following the easing of national restrictions on 2nd December, all of Kent and Medway will have restrictions at the very high tier 3 level. The Government’s decisions on tiers have been made by ministers based on recommendations by government scientists and medics, taking into account: Infection rates in all age groups and in particular among…
Kent County Council is developing proposals to provide food vouchers to the families of children who are eligible to receive benefits-related Free School Meals ahead of the December school holidays. The scheme would be part of a wider range of measures to help the lowest income households with food and fuel costs over winter. Following…
HelpToCare, an app created in Kent has been shortlisted for the System Led Support for Carers Award at the 2020 Health Service Journal Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to healthcare. Commissioned by the Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) the app has been shortlisted despite tough competition from over 1000 entries. The project…
The Step by Step Kent Sheds programme is celebrating International Men’s Day (19 Nov) by offering men the opportunity to train as Health Champions. Set up to combat loneliness, social isolation and mental health problems, Kent Sheds has now expanded to include physical health promotion. There are currently 31 groups across the county which are…
Doctors in Kent and Medway are urging parents and guardians to make sure their children have a flu vaccine. This year, two- and three-year olds, all primary school children, and children in school year 7 will be offered the flu vaccination on the NHS. For most children the vaccine is a quick and easy spray…
Online help for residents who want to reduce how much alcohol they are drinking is now available in Kent from an easily accessible app. Latest estimates show the majority of people (75%) drink sensibly and in safe limits but in Kent, approximately 288,433 people are drinking above the recommended safe limits – with 23 per cent…
This winter, Kent County Council (KCC) is backing Kent Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign “Knock and Check” and asking residents in Kent to reignite the community spirit seen during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic and do something small to help those most vulnerable during the cold winter months. Knock & Check is simple…
Latest weekly figures for Coronavirus cases in Kent and what it means for your area, can now be found at www.kent.gov.uk/covidcases This site gives guidance on the tier levels and restrictions for each district and borough council area plus information on what you can do to help stop the virus spreading to protect the most…
The Leader of Kent County Council has called on everyone in Kent to stay strong and act together now, to keep Covid-19 under control in the county. In his speech to the authority’s Full Council today, Roger Gough praised Kent residents for their actions so far, but stressed that the county has reached a critical…
A new drive-through and walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments at Dreamland Car Park, in Margate, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities. Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high…
Health leaders across Kent are reminding residents of the mental wellbeing support available as Covid-19 continues to cause restrictions and impact people’s lives. This World Mental Health Day (10th Oct), information is available at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing for people experiencing a range of mental health issues. There is also a specific site to help families with children…