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Anyone eligible is being encouraged to be protected this Winter by having the Covid-19 booster vaccination.
The programme starts from Monday the 5th of September with care home residents and people who are housebound, the first to receive their vaccines. Health and social care workers will also qualify for the vaccine.
Covid-19 vaccines are vital for protecting the population of Kent and Medway and remain the best defence we have against the virus.
Guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the Autumn programme outlines who should be offered the jab.
These include:
• Residents in care homes• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged 50 years or above
• Anyone aged five to 49 who is in a clinical risk group or are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• Pregnant women
NHS Kent and Medway
Reconnect: Kent children and young people
Grants of up to £50,000 are available for organisations to provide exciting activities for children and young people next year.
Kent County Council is making up to £1million available through its Reconnect: Kent children and young people programme for a new county grants scheme. The money can be used for activities, events or projects that address gaps in learning missed, promote health and happiness, encourage the take-up of sports or other outdoor activities, help children and young people reconnect with friends, family or communities or generate more work-related opportunities.
Reconnect has already committed £2.5milllion to its locality grants scheme to enable small local organisations to deliver activities for children and young people, with £1.8million allocated so far.
The new scheme enables organisations to apply for a grant to deliver projects across at least three district areas or across the whole of Kent by the end of August 2022.
Organisations can submit up to four bids although none will be awarded more than three grants. The maximum amount, which together will be limited to no more than £100,000.
There are two rounds of funding for the county grants scheme - this round which will allocate £850,000 and a separate round totalling £150,000 specifically for Economic Wellbeing Grants, where businesses and organisations can bid for up to £20,000 for projects that support young people to bridge the gap between education and work.
Full details of the application process, funding criteria and the online form to apply are available on the Reconnect website
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday the 9th of January.
Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to announce this latest round of funding that will see even more children and young people reconnect to the things they love or try out new activities.
“Our passionate and committed community already provides a wide range of activities for children and young people. By applying for the additional Reconnect funding, groups and organisations can build on their great work and give even more children and young people the chance to do fun activities with friends, enjoy new experiences, take up new hobbies or enjoy outdoor pursuits.”
Kent County Council
People struggling to pay their bills, buy warm clothes or feed their family this winter could be eligible for support from Swale Borough Council.
The council has received government funding to help support local people who are struggling because of the impact of covid.
Anyone in rent or mortgage arrears, struggling to pay their council tax or utility bills, or need help while self-isolating should get in touch with the council to see what help might be available to them.
Cllr Ben Martin, cabinet member for housing at the council, said:
“We’ve received money from the government to help people on the local level who need our support.
“Covid has had many knock-on effects in the local community. People are struggling to pay their bills and feed their families.
“With this funding, we’ll be helping people who are struggling to meet their household bills, who are self-isolating or having trouble buying food to feed their family.
“There’s no amount of money that is too big or small to apply for. We’ll be assessing each case on its own merit and doing what we can to help meet outstanding rent or mortgage payments, council tax or utility bill arrears, providing food boxes, baby supplies and warm clothing.
“Last week we helped a single mum of two with vouchers to buy winter coats for her children because, although she was just managing to pay her rent, she had no money left over for clothing.
“If you need help this winter, please get in touch to see what we can do to help.”
Cllr Ghlin Whelin, deputy cabinet member for housing at the council; said:
“The fear of losing your home because you can’t pay your bills, or not being able to feed your family because you’ve lost your job is something more people are experiencing than we think.
“We’re here to help. Don’t delay, get in touch with our prevention team to see what help is available to you.”
For confidential advice on what help is available, contact the prevention team:
Swale Borough Council
Dr Supriya Das & Dr Lakshmi Subbiah
New Defibrillator
Swale Borough Council has given a grant towards a new Public Access Defibrillator for the village through its Defibrillator Grants Scheme to be installed on the outside wall at the Doctors Surgery in Oak Lane near the entrance. Further information will follow once it has been installed.
A Parish Council Public Access Defibrillator is in use 24 hours a day located at:
Snaffles Equestrian & Country Store, 2 - 4 The Street, Upchurch ME9 7AJ.
The Parish Council Public Access Defibrillator previously installed at the Three Sisters Public House will be relocated to Beckenham Park.
Holywell Primary School has a Defibrillator which is available in an emergency only when the school is open.
Vaccinations
The practice is focusing on Flu, Covid and Covid Boosters (for those 40 years and above), as well as Shingles vaccinations.
If you are due for any of the above vaccinations and have not heard from the NHS or your GP please contact the surgery - thank you.
Please visit the Government website for the latest COVID-19 advice and vaccination policy at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Ray KemsleyChair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
Clubs, community groups, schools, and early years settings are being invited to apply for funding to provide extra activities that will help children and young people reconnect to their pre-pandemic lives.
The funding is being made available through the Kent County Council-led Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People programme and can be used for activities, events or local projects that address gaps in learning missed, promote health and happiness, encourage the take-up of sports or other outdoor activities, help children and young people reconnect with friends, family or communities or generate more work-related opportunities.
Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to open up this latest round of funding so that more children and young people can take part in activities that will help them get back to doing the things they love or trying new pursuits.
“In the summer, thousands of children and young people were able to enjoy activities provided by local clubs and community groups and funded by Reconnect grants. Feedback from young people about these activities was so positive and we would really encourage local community organisations, schools, and early years settings to take full advantage of this funding to reach even more children and young people in the county.”
Amounts of up to £2,000 are available to small groups and organisations, schools, and early years settings to run local projects or events, while larger community organisations can apply for up to £8,000.
Young people can also apply for up to £2,000 to run their own projects or events if they are supported by a youth hub or youth organisation.
The activities need to be inclusive and provide equal access to all children and young people between now and the end of August 2022. Full details of the application process, funding criteria and the online form to apply are available on the Reconnect website
Funding applications will be decided by the 12 Local Children’s Partnership Group (LCPG)
The closing date for applications is Sunday, October 24th.
Suz Elvey
Kent County Council
Congratulations to Cia Merrall and Ella Smith, very worthy winners of two community awards presented by Upchurch Parish Council in August this year.
The KALC - Community Awards Scheme 2021
Cia was awarded the Kent Association of Local Councils - Community Award 2021 in the community of Upchurch.
The annual KALC - Community Awards are to acknowledge and give recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to their local community.
Cia's certificate reads:
“Awarded for:
Unstinting service to Upchurch during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shopping and prescription collections for vulnerable residents; food parcels and fresh food for families experiencing food poverty and Christmas stockings for children.”
Upchurch Parish Council - Upchurch Young Person Award Scheme 2021
Ella was awarded the first ever Upchurch Young Person Award 2021.
Because many young people across the country also made outstanding contributions to their local communities during the Coronavirus pandemic, Upchurch Parish Council decided to present a young person award this year.
Ella's certificate reads:
“Awarded for:
Making a significant difference to the lives of children in the village during a worldwide pandemic by sourcing and hiding 170 mystery gifts around the village for the children to find on their walks.”
Thank you, Cia and Ella, and to all this year's nominees for everything you do to help within the community of Upchurch 👏🏼
Upchurch Matters
People who are self-isolating due to a positive covid test or being pinged by the NHS test and trace app can apply for practical support while they are unable to leave the house.
Swale Borough Council received almost £110,000 from Kent County Council (KCC) which is being used to fund nine local voluntary and community groups to help support local people who need to self-isolate.
Local charities, community groups and volunteer organisations will deliver a wide range of support from food and medication deliveries, to wellbeing calls and dog walking.
Cllr Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community at the council, said:
“We’re working with local organisations to fund the support people need to maintain their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing while self-isolating.
“Citizens Advice Swale, Age UK’s Faversham, Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Swale CVS, Diversity House, Faversham Umbrella Centre, West Faversham Community Association, Strengthening Minds, Oasis Charity on Sheppey and the Salvation Army will be working directly with those needing support.
“Anybody that has to self-isolate can receive support towards goods and services such as dog walking, virtual counselling or therapy, mowing the lawn, food and medication deliveries, wellbeing calls and more.
“If you need support of any kind while self-isolating, contact Citizens Advice Swale who can direct you to the service provider best suited for your need.”
Mark Hinton, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Bureau, said:
“If you have to self-isolate and need any help you can self-refer yourself to us and we can help direct you to the relevant organisation.
“Unlike before, help and support is not means tested or based on being clinically vulnerable, so we encourage anybody who is self-isolating to contact us and see how we can help.
Clare Burgess Chief Executive from Age UK Faversham & Sittingbourne, said:
“We’ve been supporting the local community since the pandemic began, providing the on the ground, day to day support that people need.
“We’ve delivered hot food, shopping and medicine, and provided wellbeing support including telephone calls and doorstep checks.
“Loneliness and isolation are real issues for lots of people and this has been heightened in the past year so it’s vital that we receive the funding we need to support people who are self-isolating.”
Swale Borough Council
Hi everyone,
You know me as the lady from the church, who stands in the lay-by collecting your donations for the FOODBANK. I know how generous you are, so could you help me again?
This won't cost you anything, all I ask is that you SIGN my petition and SHARE it.
You are already aware that people are struggling because you help them every month. The people we help are struggling to feed their families. Their struggle will get worse in September. Why! In September the government will cancel the extra £20 a week, they gave people on benefits, to help get them through the consequences of the pandemic.
They have been receiving this for over a year. Can you imaging what it will mean to families already struggling, already on the bread line, already the poorest in our communities, if the government go ahead and take away £20 a week, £80 a month.
Could your income survive that?
Don't get me wrong I KNOW we have financial problems because of Covid. I know there are many people tugging at the purse strings of the government. I know nurses, teachers, and many others deserve a fairer salary, but please don't let the government take this £20 away.
They can't try to salvage our economy on the backs of the poorest in our country. This surely can't be right.
September brings the start of the new school year - children need uniforms, shoes and coats. Sometimes the heating has to go on (if you are lucky enough to be able to afford it and can still afford it after home energy prices rise again in October). Rents will go unpaid, more families will be evicted, more families will be having to rely on the FOODBANK.
Please help me make the government have a re-think.
And please SHARE it.
Thank you
Gill Gay
Saturday 21st August from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
As part of the full re-opening, the Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee would like to say “thank you” to the residents and organisations of Upchurch for supporting us prior to and during the closure. During the closure, we commissioned a significant amount of work on refreshing the hall ceiling, floor, electrics, and fire systems.
We are inviting you to accept our free afternoon tea, made by members of the Upchurch WI, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm when you will be able to sit and talk to friends whilst drinking a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink with a slice of homemade cake.
This invitation, open to all residents, will give you a chance to engage with village organisations present on the day. A chance to discover what plans they have going forward, to be talked into becoming a member, to be offered something to purchase etc. In fact a chance for us all to reconnect with each other again in the life of this village.
The following organisations are planning to be represented with others to confirm - the Choral Society, the Friends of St Mary, the Guides, “Old School Afternoon Teas”, the Players [oh yes they are!], the Scouts, “Smile Malawi”, St Mary’s church, UpARA, the Women’s Institute and “Wooden Crafts”.
If any others want a free stand please show your interest by contacting Gerry Lewin 01634 366113 / 07946 996789.
Covid-19 all but closed the Village Hall for use since April 2020. On the 19th July Government made its Roadmap announcements and the hall is fully open up to its regular users and new hirers.
We look forward to seeing you there with the family.
David Steward - Chairman UVH
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank you all for the tremendous support we have received on behalf of Swale Foodbank so far.
My husband Ron and I will be collecting again at the bus stop opposite the Church in Horsham Lane on Wednesday the 4th of August between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Please come along with your donations (in carrier bags would be helpful) and put them into our open car boot.
We will then deliver your donations to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.
Everything is helpful providing it is long life and well within date.
The items they are most in need of are:
UHT Milk
Tinned Fruit
Squash
Tinned Meats
Tinned Fish
Coffee
Thank you for every single donation we receive - we are extremely grateful ❤️
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Councillor Roger Truelove.
Following the ending of most restrictions brought in to combat the spread of Covid-19, the leader of Swale Borough Council is calling for people to use their common sense to keep each other safe.
Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, said:
“We have to recognise that the Government has removed practically all of the regulations introduced to stop the spread of the Covid virus.
“However, we are acutely conscious that infection rates are rising rapidly, so that our latest figures for Swale were reported at 285 per 100,000 yesterday, and continue to rise.
“In many settings we need people to use their common sense and maintain the need for social distancing, wearing masks and following good hygiene practices.
“Whilst there are no enforcement powers, we know that many businesses will continue to request people take sensible precautions and I urge people to follow them as they are in place to protect their staff and customers. There is also a vital need to continue with good practice in health settings.
“We all need to stay cautious, not just for ourselves but for each other, and remember whether immunised or not, many people remain extremely vulnerable to this virus.”
Swale Borough Council
The video might not be visible in our Email version of this post.
STEP 4
From today, England will move to the next step of the roadmap.
Everyone should be cautious while managing the risks as cases of Covid-19 remain high.
While the Government is lifting restrictions on Monday (19th July), it has asked that everyone continues to act carefully and remain cautious in their approach to everyday life.
That is especially true for healthcare services; where some patients don’t have as much immunity to the virus as others.
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Nurse Paula Wilkins said:
“The virus has not gone away and we must do all we can to protect patients and staff from it and keep it under control.’’
All healthcare settings in Kent and Medway will keep the current infection prevention and control (IP&C) measures that are already in place.
That means:
• Masks will still need to be worn by patients, visitors, staff and anyone else entering a healthcare setting (unless you are medically exempt) - this includes hospitals, clinics and GP practices.
• Masks will also continue to be worn by healthcare staff entering a patient’s home.
• Social distancing will remain - both in waiting rooms and in wards beyond 19th July.
• A flow of fresh air will be encouraged in all healthcare buildings.
• Some restrictions managing visitor numbers may still apply - this may vary depending on space available and other service specific issues, hospitals will provide clear information on any visiting restrictions.
• You may need to have your temperature taken when you go into a healthcare setting.
Each healthcare provider may have further local approaches to keep people safe, so please check on site for these.
We understand this may be frustrating for some people who do not wish to wear a mask or socially distance, but this is for the benefit of everyone; please don’t abuse NHS staff who are here to protect and care for patients and their loved ones.
Paula said:
“Please remember that having both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine offers the best protection against the virus; it is, however, still possible to contract Coronavirus, so anything we can do to protect each other and ourselves remains vitally important. We know that having two doses also decreases household transmission by up to half.’’
• Please continue to regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitiser, avoid touching your face if you can and remember not to get too close to people - hands, face, space.
• Continue to regularly self-test; free kits are available from www.nhs.uk
If anyone hasn’t yet been vaccinated, it is really quick and easy to grab a jab.
Thank you for two million doses
We made it to two million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine - thanks to you; now let's keep going to make sure as many people as possible are protected.
It's in a little more than six months that 1,212,538 first doses (as at 1st July) and 909,492 second doses (as at 1st July) have been given to people living in Kent and Medway. It's an incredible achievement, but there is still more to do.
If you need a vaccine, there are many different ways you can grab a jab at booked and walk-in appointments across Kent and Medway; please keep checking our web page with details of clinics as more are added all the time.
We know that sometimes booking an appointment isn't most convenient for you, that's why our walk-in clinics may suit you better - be vaccinated at a time and location that is right for you.
If you have adult children aged 18 and over and they haven't yet had the vaccine, please let them know too about the walk-in clinics.
You can also now find 13 pharmacies and 10 GP-led vaccination clinics on the national booking service, with a further four GP sites due to be added soon. Anyone can use GP services listed on the national booking system; you don’t need to be registered with the practice.
A full list of vaccination sites can be found at www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine
Planning a pregnancy? Where to go for handy tips and advice
Planning to have a baby is exciting, whether it’s your first pregnancy or you already have a child or children.
It’s important to think about your diet, exercise and mental health, as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
This NHS short video, with sign language, helps explain how you and your partner can prepare for pregnancy. You can also visit the preparing for pregnancy page of the new Bump, Birth and Beyond website or follow @NHSKMCCG on Twitter and look out for #ReadyForPregnancy
Lung Cancer: Spot the difference and take action
Early symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle and easy to ignore. A bit of breathlessness is put down to being a bit out of shape. Lack of energy can be poor diet or low mood. A persistent cough can easily be confused with Covid
Spot the difference is a new awareness campaign from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. It aims to help people spot the difference in their health, identifying symptoms that are unusual for them and encourage and reassure them to take action.
Happy birthday NHS
Our NHS celebrated its 73rd birthday on Monday (5th July) as it continues to address the impact of the pandemic; its biggest challenge since it was created.
Saturday saw landmarks in Kent and Medway light up blue to mark the occasion and also to commemorate those we have lost to Covid-19. The clock tower in Gravesend, Brook Theatre in Chatham, Rochester Bridge and Herne Bay clock tower all went blue in support.
The next day, #ThankYouDay acknowledged the NHS workers, key workers and volunteers who have supported the country during the pandemic. On our birthday itself, NHS teams across the county celebrated with the big tea. This was a chance to have a cup of tea together and take a moment to thank our colleagues throughout health and care.
We would like to thank you too, our communities; you have supported us by following the rules and protecting the NHS throughout.
Thank you
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
Hi Everyone,
The weather was uncertain, but we were never uncertain about your generosity.
We knew if we turned up, you would also turn up with your bags full of hope and love. Because that's what you bring when you give your gifts of food and other necessary items - you give hope and love.
Ron and I will be collecting again at the bus stop opposite the Church in Horsham Lane on Wednesday the 4th of August between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Thank you, and God bless you ❤️
Gill & Ron Gay
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank you all for the tremendous support we have received on behalf of Swale Foodbank so far.
My husband Ron and I will be collecting again at the bus stop opposite the Church in Horsham Lane on Wednesday the 7th of July between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Please come along with your donations (in carrier bags would be helpful) and put them into our open car boot while we remain at a safe distance.
We will then deliver your donations to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.
The food items they are most in need of are:
Long-life Milk
Squash
Tinned Fish especially Tuna
All toiletries are also needed at the moment:
Shower Gels
Shampoos (any including hotel/mini bottles) and Conditioner
Deodorants
Shaving Gel
Razors
Laundry Detergent
Washing Up Liquid
Toilet Rolls
Thank you for every single donation we receive - we are extremely grateful!
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Saturday 21st August from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Covid-19 all but closed the Village Hall for use since April 2020. On the 17th of May this year all of us began Step 3 of the Roadmap and by July 19th we all hope to begin leading normal lives. In consequence, the Village Hall is re-opening up to its regular users and other hirers as the Roadmap allows.
As part of the current re-opening of the Village Hall, we would like to take the opportunity to say “thank you” to the residents and organisations of Upchurch for supporting us prior to and during the closure.
On the afternoon of Saturday, August 21st we are inviting you to accept our free afternoon tea, made by members of the Upchurch WI, from 3-5pm when you will be able to sit and talk to friends whilst drinking a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink with a slice of homemade cake.
Your conversations will not be interrupted by speeches or a “programme”. This invitation, open to residents of all ages, will give you a chance to engage with village organisations taking up our offer of free stands. A chance to discover what plans they have going forward, to be talked into becoming a member, to be offered something to purchase etc. etc. In fact a chance for us all to reconnect with each other again in the life of this village.
If any village voluntary organisation would like to set up a stand free of charge then they will be welcome. There will be an opportunity for a limited number of trade stands for local businesses.
All stands will need to be booked in advance so please show your early interest by contacting Gerry Lewin 01634 366113 / 07946 996789.
We look forward to the pleasure of your company
Thank you from the Village Hall
David G Steward - Chairman UVH
Latest Covid-19 vaccine progress
On Tuesday (8th June) the NHS vaccination programme hit its six-month milestone. Across Kent and Medway nearly 1.9 million vaccination jabs have been given. This means we have vaccinated 91% of the top nine priority groups with at least one dose, and 72% of all eligible adults have been vaccinated.
More than 790,000 people are now protected with both doses of the vaccine. In the top four most vulnerable groups 96% of people have had both doses.
Over 25s can now book their vaccine
The vaccination programme continues to go from strength-to-strength as we enter the home straight and begin inviting the final cohorts. Those aged 25 and over are now eligible for their vaccination.
Appointments can be booked online or by calling 119.
People are also being urged to get their second dose of the vaccine, which is vital to get maximum protection against coronavirus.
If you have been asked to bring forward your second does appointment, please do so.
Volunteers thanked for role in vaccination programme
Vaccinations for nearly 1.9 million people in Kent and Medway have been possible thanks to the hard work of local GPs, nurses, pharmacists and an army of colleagues working in the NHS and local councils.
It is also due to the outstanding contribution of local volunteers.
Caroline Selkirk, Executive Director of Health Improvement and Chief Operating Officer at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“The complex and fast-paced roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine has been unlike anything we have delivered before.
“From the start of the programme to now as we continue to vaccinate people and protect them from the worst effects of this virus, it has required the concerted effort of hundreds of people across our communities.
“We could not have delivered millions of vaccines if it was not for the time, care and selflessness of our volunteers. On behalf of all of us at NHS Kent and Medway, thank you.”
Find out more about diabetes services
Did you know there are multiple services in place to support people with or at risk of developing diabetes in Kent and Medway?
This Diabetes Week (14th - 20th June) NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging people to find the diabetes support services available to them.
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
