Updates from Kent County Council.

From April to December 2023, we repaired 54,817 potholes. We also fixed an extra 416,991 square meters of road with many defects in one area. That’s equal to over 57 football pitches.

What happens when you report a pothole

Once you report a pothole, we:

1. inspect it and assess the severity of the problem – learn more about this process.
2. plan the appropriate works to make a permanent repair. We will use machinery to cut out a section of the road, fill it with tarmac, and then compact it down.

Sometimes we have to make an immediate temporary fix to make the road safe. Then, we schedule the work to come back. If it’s unsafe to repair the pothole, we make temporary fixes. We also make temporary fixes if we need to arrange for a road closure.

We support people to lead the lives they want to, in a place they call home. We focus on what people can do, rather than what they can’t. We build working relationships that people can trust. We help them achieve the things that are most important to them.

That’s why we need more social workers and occupational therapists to join our wonderful team here in Kent. You will get to work with amazing people who need your help and support. You’ll also get the support and guidance from a fantastic team to help you along your career with us.

We have opportunities for experienced and newly qualified social workers and occupational therapists. We offer a very attractive package including;

• flexible hours
• full and part-time contracts
• generous pay
• up to 30 days annual leave
• pension
• discount schemes, including Blue Light.

We’re really keen to hear from you, so please visit our website to find out more and to register your interest. One of our social care team will then be in touch to discuss further and answer any questions you may have.

We would love to:

• hear your views
• find out more about how you look for information online
• understand how you use the information you find.

We are running a number of short, online research activities over the next couple of weeks.

Simply complete our online form below to let us know you’re interested. We’d love your help to improve our website for families.

The tailored nature recovery strategy is a county-wide, mapped framework. It will help us make better decisions about the natural environment. We can direct funding and action to the right places.

To find out more visit the Making Space for Nature website.

Why not also take part in our survey to have your say on the type of strategy you would like to see developed for Kent and Medway. Or come and meet us at one of our upcoming workshops!

We know our flow charts and statistics cannot capture the wonder of nature. If you have an artistic flair for capturing nature, you can also help this way. Get in touch with us by emailing makingspacefornature@kent.gov.uk.

(Image of brown hares owned by Jim Higham)

Mental health helpline for parents to be, new parents and new baby

A new mental health helpline and text service is now available for expecting or new parents. It is free and confidential and available 24/7.

Our trained advisors can support you with:

• anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress or feeling suicidal
• money worries
• relationship troubles or isolation.

Discover more about the new mental health helpline.

For free confidential advice text KENT to 85258 or call 0800 107 1060.

Why not become a community micro-enterprise and we can help get you set up!

The Community Catalysts Team provides free support. They help you set up your own small enterprise. Or, to work self-employed, to offer care and support for older and disabled people near you.

In this video, Naomi talks about her micro enterprise called ‘Mrs Organiser’. The enterprise helps people organise their homes to improve their health and wellbeing.

This includes:

• bullying
• knife crime
• toxic relationships or how boys and young men speak to young girls.

By doing something, people can help prevent or stop these things from happening! That’s the message behind Don’t Do Nothing campaigns and videos. View all three powerful videos on the Don’t Do Nothing website.If you are a teacher or a youth practitioner, you can download and share the videos. Please use them in PSHE lessons. This will encourage a wider discussion about the positive actions of active bystanders. You can also find downloadable posters, a lesson plan, and a fact sheet to support.

The website also has useful information and guidance for young people. They can find out how to safely help someone who might be in trouble or at risk of harm. We only advise to get involved if safe to do so, and if someone is in immediate danger, to call 999.

The Education People’s Early Years and Childcare Service is conducting a survey on our behalf to ask parents, carers and expectant parents, your views and interests of the new childcare entitlements.

The survey will also gather your views on:

• arrangements for wraparound care of any primary school aged children.
• using or wanting to use more childcare in Kent.

Your views will help us assess where there are gaps in provision.

To take part simply complete the survey. Please also pass to family and friends who access or want to access childcare in Kent.

Our information events are a great way to learn about fostering children or becoming a supported homes host!

If you live in Kent and want to make a difference for a child or young person, please join one of our online events.

Our next online event is on February 3. Book your space today!