Swale Borough Council - Additional Funding to Handle Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Cllr Roger Truelove.

The Leader of Swale Borough Council has today welcomed the announcement of improved funding from Government to meet the Council’s extra costs in dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Cllr Roger Truelove said:

“The first time round we got only £75K support and this was instantly swallowed up in meeting the costs of increased homelessness and in funding the Community Support Hub in the way the Government demanded.

This time there is a much better settlement for district councils, and we are due to receive £1.5 million, the third highest for a district council in Kent.

I am pleased that the Government has listened to district council leaders across the country and recognised the serious challenges to our level of local government.

But we mustn’t delude ourselves, this will only reduce the extent to which we have to raid our reserves.

So far, and we do not know how long this will last, we are set to be £4 million down on our adopted budget for this year. We are losing very significant areas of income and incurring unexpected increases in expenditure.

“The voluntary groups that are doing such a fine job in supporting the community support hub are running short of funds and that is why we are asking generous local people to back our crowd funding project.”

Swale Borough Council

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Expanding Coronavirus Testing in England

We're expanding #Coronavirus testing in England.

Expanded eligibility includes:

➡️ Over 65s with symptoms and people in their household with symptoms

➡️ ANYONE who has to leave home for work and their household who have symptoms

We are also rolling out #Coronavirus testing in England to:

➡️ Asymptomatic NHS and social care staff

➡️ Asymptomatic care home residents

➡️ Book a test here: https://bit.ly/2SyfMo7

Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC

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Swale Borough Council - Fundraising Appeal for Coronavirus Helpers

Swale Borough Council has launched an appeal to raise money for the voluntary and community groups helping support local people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Swale Community Response is crowdfunding to support the many local groups working to make sure vulnerable local people can stay safe at home to keep themselves safe.

Cllr Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community, said:

“There are thousands of people across the borough who have been told they need to isolate at home for 12 weeks because they are more likely to need hospital treatment if they catch coronavirus.

Most have a network of support who can help with delivering food and essential supplies.

Unfortunately, many don’t, which is where we, and a small army of volunteers, are stepping in to help.

The voluntary and community groups helping us with food parcels, collecting shopping, and picking up prescriptions, are under huge pressure and need all of our support.

If you are able to, even a small donation will help them continue their work.”

The council has been working with local voluntary and community groups to help with food, prescriptions and other essential supplies.

All money raised will go directly to the voluntary groups that are helping us keep local vulnerable people safe.

Spacehive, the funding platform being used, have waived their fees to host the appeal.

Swale Borough Council

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Thoughts in a Time of Lockdown

“I've a rainbow on my door,

I'm sure it was not there before.

The red, it makes me stop to think,

of green, the health of life to drink,

to blue, the warmth of those at work,

who care, who care, who care.”

“You leave in quiet, midst those in slumber...unseen.

A name not known and face unrecognised...unseen.

So much needed of you, so much given...unseen.

Now return to a rainbow smile from those you passed,

and who applaud you.”

“Seated, snug and safe and solitary,

Call delivering all to door.

Early walk with birdsong near,

Infection distanced, not to fear.

Friends on call and message end,

Help on which one can depend.

Please accept a rainbow 'thank you'.”

William J. Little

Editor - The Gabriel Church Supplement

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Medway Council - Bringing the North Kent Marshes into Residents' Homes

While we’re currently unable to explore Medway’s riverside and rural areas, a team dedicated to protecting the wildlife in the Thames, Medway and Swale estuaries has been bringing residents the sights and sounds across north Kent.

Bird Wise, a partnership of local authorities - including Medway Council - as well as environmental organisations, is helping residents stay in touch with Medway’s magnificent settings.

Using its social media channels, Bird Wise has been posting photos and videos of spectacular scenes across Medway during their one piece of daily exercise.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:

“Although residents and visitors are currently unable to visit the North Kent marshes I am pleased that Bird Wise are sharing the sights and sounds of spring. I would encourage residents to visit their social media pages and find out more about their valuable work.”

For more information visit: www.birdwise.org.uk or follow the team on social media,

Facebook Bird Wise North Kent, Twitter @Birdwisenk and Instagram @birdwisenk

Medway Council

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Jeffrey Williams 1934 - 2020

Jeffrey Frederick Raymond Williams passed away peacefully on Friday 10th April 2020 aged 85.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Janet, family and friends.

There will be a private funeral service for immediate family only, during this current climate.

If you wish to remember Jeffrey from the comfort of your own home, we will be celebrating his life on Monday 11th May at 3:00pm.

I don't want to encourage a mass gathering but the motorbike and side hearse will be leaving Bishop Lane at 2:30pm.

I would like to thank the many people that have shown my mum Janet what support they can at this sad time.

Thank you

Terry Williams

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