Kent LINk Community Engagement Event in Sheppey
The Kent LINk visited the Isle of Sheppey on Monday, 27 July 2009 from 11.00am until 3.00pm
On 27 July 2009, the Kent LINk visited the Healthy Living Centre on the Isle of Sheppey to hold its next quarterly meeting, and to provide residents with a health and wellbeing event that promoted healthy living, fun for the family and information on health and social care services in Kent.
The formal part of the day was hosted by KMN directors Brenda O’Neill and Graham Hills, and again supported by some of the Kent LINk Governors including John Cunningham and Roger Kendall, and some of the newly appointed members of the Priorities Panel including Ray Harris, David Dye and Robin Ridsdill-Smith, who each spoke about their activities and plans for the future of the LINk and answered questions put to them by the audience.
The attendees brought up many issues that concerned them, particularly those who lived on the Isle. Certainly one of the advantages of Priorities Panel members was that they made a note of these concerns to take to their next meeting for discussion with the other Panel members who could not attend.
After a break for refreshments, the afternoon session began with a presentation by Jo Empson, Contracts Manager for Strategic Commissioning Unit at Kent Adult Social Services, on the training of carers for people in later life, followed by Neil Fisher, Senior Commissioning Locality Lead for Canterbury and Swale from NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, who gave a presentation on NHS commissioning intentions for Swale. There was then a drop-in session for the public to browse the information stands which included Kent County Council’s Adult Social Services, Women’s Aid, Ribbons, Diversity House and many more. Skillnet, who support people with learning difficulties, gave a superb performance called ‘Risky Business’, which was about the prejudice and stigma people face when they have a learning difficulty or disability.
The Kent LINk also arranged with the Healthy Living Centre free gym taster sessions for adults and children alike, free crèche facilities, free massage sessions and plenty for the kids, including a bouncy castle, face painting and balloon art.
The event also held a raffle and the winner of the fruit hamper prize was won by Mrs Thomas, who lived locally on the Isle of Sheppey. Two runner up prizes of a family swim ticket, donated by the Healthy Living Sports Centre manager Ann Stupple, went to two local children who came along for the activities. A combination of lovely weather, great attendance and superb participation and enthusiasm from everyone who came along made this Kent LINk Community Engagement Event a success.
Documents from the day:
Post event:
