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Dylan Jeffrey, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Communications and Democratic Services
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025. A happy new year to you and I hope you have enjoyed the festivities over the past few weeks.
 
And now the opportunity for a fresh outlook as we launch into January.

While it may not be everyone’s favourite month, it certainly offers an opportunity to set some intentions that can build into new habits.

Our focus this week is on health and after perhaps the excesses and, on reflection, assault on the senses that December can bring, you might need a little motivation to support you and your friends and family to the goals that you may have struggled to make a priority.
 
Be it taking a break from alcohol or stopping smoking, there are simple, effective and free tools available to take the first steps and then keep on track to a better and more healthy lifestyle.
 
We are in for an extended cold snap this week so wrap up and take yourselves outside to discover all Kent has to offer. Don’t forget to explore our Country Parks, stunning natural spaces open to all, to let off some steam and enjoy a moment of calm.
 
In the spirit of Kent Together, during these winter months, please do try and find some time to check in on vulnerable loved ones and neighbours who might need a hand coping with the conditions.
 
It is an interesting time for local government as we begin the new year. We will bring you further developments on the Government’s proposed programme for possible devolution and reorganisation in our county, our response and what this might mean for Kent in the future.  
 
So, whether it be a change in habits or lifestyle, a new year’s resolution or looking after neighbours, friends and loved ones, there is a Latin phrase to sum up January. Carpe Diem, which means seize the day.
 
See you again in a couple of weeks.


Dylan Jeffrey

Cabinet Member for Communications and Democratic Services

Primary school places

Primary school children st eating their lunch in a canteen.

A reminder that primary school applications are still open, but if you haven't applied yet you need to hurry as applications close on by Wednesday 15 January 2025.

You must apply for a primary school place if your child is:

  • due to start primary or infant school (reception year)
  • at infant school (year 2) and is due to start junior school (year 3)
  • at primary school (year 2) and you want them to move to a junior school at the start of year 3.
Find out what you need to do to complete an application.
 

Healthy start to the New Year

A mother sat on the floor holding her daughter laughing together.

Keep well this winter

The changing seasons can be one of the simple joys in life. But cold weather can create challenges for all of us.

The good news is there are many ways you can prepare yourself and your family to #GetWinterStrong - the name of government's national winter health campaign.

Find out how you and your family can stay healthy this winter.

A person breaking a cigarette in half

Smokefree Kent 

January is a popular time to quit smoking, with many people making it their New Years resolutions to quit, but you are more likely to quit for good with support.

Visit kent.gov.uk/smokefree to find out the best quit route for you. 
Know your score logo

Dry January 

Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can help you to sleep better, lose weight and lower your blood pressure - improving your health in both the short and long term.

Find out what support is available.

Recruitment 

An elderly man sharing a conversation with a social worker

Recruiting adult social workers and occupational therapists 

We are recruiting for a range of social care jobs with different skills and experience. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of our social care teams across Kent. 

Whether you're a newly qualified social worker, a support worker, senior occupational therapist or residential worker, we've got a role for you. 

Find a job that fits your career goals.

Waste and environment

Image of a pair of headphones, playstation controller, and ipafd and a head set all placed on a table.

Recycle a device

Over the christmas period many of us may have received new phones, televisions, laptops and other gadgets. But what to do with your old and unused tech? 

There is a safe and secure way to get rid of unwanted mobiles, tablets or laptops, while also reducing environmental impact. And they will even come and pick up your gadgets so you don't have to worry about a trip to your local recycling centre!

All of this is available thanks to our Device Recycling Scheme.

Find out more about how you can recycle your devices.

Roads and travel

Roadsign showing roadworks are being carried out.

Reporting potholes

We understand how frustrating potholes are, and at this time of year with ice and snow being a daily occurance it means they're more likely, which is why we’re working hard to fix as many as possible with the funding and resources available to us.

Let us know about any potholes via our online reporting tool, which will help us schedule repairs.

Have your say

Kent family hub artwork showing people from different age ranges and genders

Kent Family Hub service survey


Have you used one of our Kent Family Hub or Start for Life services? If so we'd love to hear your experiences. Your feedback is essential for us to improve our services moving forward. 

To take part complete our online survey.
We are consulting on proposed changes to Wellbeing Services in the Community. These services support people to be proactive about their health and wellbeing and can increase independence. We aim to make sure those with the greatest need still receive support. The consultation closes 27 January 2025. 

Have your say today!
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