An exhibition highlighting the therapeutic value of art in managing mental health issues is being held at County Hall, Maidstone this month. The display, entitled ‘Art in Mind’ will see the art gallery next to the Stone Hall filled with drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and papier-mâché from Monday, September 23, until October 11. Organisations taking…
Kent children stepped into the shoes of senior council staff and councillors as part of an initiative that put young people at the heart of decision making. Kent County Council’s (KCC) Takeover Day on Wednesday, May 29 saw children in care, care leavers and adopted or fostered young people take charge of the Corporate Parenting…
Young people in Kent can now prepare for their adventures abroad by signing up for unique travel safety training that is only available in a limited number of counties throughout the UK. The Education People, a Kent County Council Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo), has teamed up with a former Metropolitan Police close protection officer…
Kent has secured £1.3m from the Government’s Supporting Families Against Youth Crime Fund to help prevent young people becoming involved in gangs and youth violence. The award will enable a partnership of Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council, Kent Police, Met Police and the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver a collaborative two-year project…
Two consultations have been launched proposing bus pilots in Maidstone and West Malling. It comes following last year’s Big Conversation, which gauged opinion on how Kent County Council could best help provide sustainable rural transport. KCC currently supports services 13 and 59 in Maidstone. The proposal revises these services to become feeder buses, which provide…
Nursery children told the nativity story in a festive film as they put on a Christmas show with a difference for their proud families. Staff at Discovery Day Nursery in Park Wood, Maidstone, came up with the unique twist on the traditional festive celebration, which also saw the children using sign language while singing Christmas…
Kent County Council’s (KCC) inclusive disco for adults with learning disabilities pulled out all the stops for its Christmas ball in Ashford. For the last 14-years, Saturn Nightclub has been the place to be for disabled adults, their friends and carers to make new friends and party the night away with resident DJ Phil Lambkin.…
Nurseries and pre-schools across Kent are celebrating after being honoured with prestigious awards to recognise their commitment to supporting continuous improvement. Five nurseries and pre-schools were honoured with a prestigious Threads of Success Improvement and Achievement Award. They were Bertie’s Nursery in Faversham, Discovery Day Nursery in Maidstone, Kiddie Kapers Neighbourhood Nursery in Ashford, Magpie…
New changing and toilet facilities to help people with disabilities have been unveiled at County Hall in Maidstone. More than 250,000 people in Kent have a disability which limits their day-to-day activities. Graham Gibbens, KCC’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health said: “I am really delighted a changing places facility is now…
More than 70 talented artists will have their colourful creations hosted by Kent County Council next month. The exhibition, entitled Art Ability, will see residents supported by the council’s learning disability services invited to County Hall in Maidstone to display and sell their unique artwork. Paintings, sculpture and photography will be among items included, as…
For almost 20 years KCC foster carers Mary and Bob Howse have opened their home to disabled children with complex needs. So, when asked to appear on Channel 5’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, they leapt at the chance to raise awareness about the vital lifeline short break fostering placements…
Children at a Maidstone nursery have devoted 1,000 hours to improving the environment and making the world around them a better place. Youngsters at Smarties Nursery transformed plastic bottles into plant holders, created an upcycled home for a toy owl and enjoyed stories as part of a challenge designed to make them more aware of…