Kent Police, My Community Voice – Volunteering Opportunities
/in News /by ClerkBack by popular demand after the success of the January Discovery Event.
Our Citizens in Policing team will be hosting discovery events throughout 2025 to promote volunteering opportunities across Kent Police –
The events will be an opportunity for you to find out about the following:
- Do you want to learn new skills, improve your physical and mental well-being, and give something back to your community?
- Come along to our Volunteering Discovery Event and learn how you can be part of the police volunteers helping Kent communities.
Meet our community policing equine and canine volunteers, cadet leaders, police support volunteers, special constables and Community Speedwatch volunteers. Discover what they do, why they do it, and how you can get involved.
Wednesday 23rd April 6pm – 9pm at the Police Headquarters, Maidstone
Kent Police & My Community Voice
/in News /by ClerkMaidstone Town Team have been working towards reducing violence within the Town Centre. As part of this we would like to hear your views. The below link will take you to a short questionnaire which takes no longer than a couple of minutes to fill out. It is completely anonymous and the results will help guide Kent Police in relation to project work.
Upcoming Planning Application Fee Increases
/in News /by ClerkFrom 1 April 2025, planning application fees in England will be increasing, following government changes.
Summer Playscheme 2025
/in News /by ClerkBearsted Parish Council would like to update residents on the annual Playscheme event that normally runs at Roseacre Junior School during the Summer holidays.
Due to the increased requirements for safeguarding and procedures around childcare facilities we have been advised that this event could no longer be covered by our standard public liability insurance. As Bearsted Parish Council is not a registered childcare provider we have been unable to gain a suitable policy to run the event.
We know how valued Playscheme is to the community especially for families of children attending the local schools. We would like to reassure everybody that we are working hard to find alternative arrangements for a similar scheme to run locally.
Bearsted Parish Council will be offering their full support to hopefully see the transition of the event to another provider.
We will issue an update as soon as one is available.
Thank you for your patience.
My Community Voice – Help to shape the future strategy of Neighbourhood Watch
/in News /by ClerkThe current 5-Year Strategy comes to an end in December 2025 and we are in the process of developing a new strategy.
We are really interested in your thoughts, views and opinions about Neighbourhood Watch and what you think the movement should focus on over the next 5 years. The survey should take about 10 minutes and will give us a good insight into what you think and want.
By analysing the survey results we will be able to hold more in depth and detailed workshops and consultation events with stakeholders develop a new strategy that is ambitious, relevant and reflective of the views of supporters, members, volunteer, the public and other stakeholders. Please complete the survey so we can hear your voice and views.
Maidstone’s Oldest Family – Maidstone Museum
/in News /by ClerkThe Search for Maidstone’s Oldest Family, and ‘What Maidstone means to us.’
Maidstone Museum is undertaking an exciting redevelopment of its Local History Gallery and is looking to find the oldest family, with its roots based in the borough, to be a part of the new permanent exhibition.
Launching on Monday 17 March 2025, a competition has been opened in partnership with the Kent Family History Society (KFHS) to find the family who can trace their descendants to the earliest point in Maidstone’s history. It will close on Tuesday 1 July.
Enhancing Community Safety: Key Initiatives and How to Get Involved
/in News /by ClerkPlease see below some really important initiatives we can all use to improve Community Safety.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows people to report crime anonymously.
- Website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
- Key Benefits/Objectives:
- Anonymity: Ensures that individuals can report crimes without fear of retribution.
- Community Safety: Helps reduce crime rates by encouraging more people to report suspicious activities.
- Support for Law Enforcement: Provides valuable information to police, aiding in crime prevention and resolution.
- How to get involved/promote:
- Distribute flyers and posters in community centres, libraries, and local businesses.
- Host community meetings to inform residents about the anonymous reporting service.
- Use social media platforms to share information and success stories.
- Collaborate with local schools and businesses to spread awareness.
- Community Safety Scenarios:
- Domestic Abuse: Neighbours who suspect domestic abuse can use Crimestoppers to report their concerns without revealing their identity, ensuring the victim gets help.
- Nuisance Bikes: Residents might notice individuals riding bikes recklessly or causing disturbances. Reporting this anonymously can help authorities address the issue without putting the informant at risk.
- Vandalism: If someone witnesses vandalism but fears retaliation, they can report it anonymously to help maintain community standards.
Fearless
Fearless is a service provided by Crimestoppers for young people to report crime anonymously and get advice on crime-related issues.
- Website: https://www.fearless.org/
- Key Benefits/Objectives:
- Youth Empowerment: Encourages young people to speak up about crime without fear.
- Education: Provides information and advice on crime-related issues relevant to young people.
- Anonymity: Ensures that young people can report crimes without revealing their identity.
- How to get involved/promote:
- Distribute materials and posters in schools, youth clubs, and community hubs.
- Use social media to reach young people and share information about Fearless.
- Work with youth organisations, sports clubs etc, to integrate Fearless into their communication channels.
Ask Angela
Ask Angela is a safety initiative used in bars and venues where individuals can discreetly ask for help if they feel unsafe.
- Website: Home – Ask For Angela
- Key Benefits/Objectives:
- Discreet Assistance: Provides a safe way for individuals to seek help without drawing attention.
- Staff Training: Ensures that venue staff are prepared to handle situations where someone feels unsafe.
- Community Safety: Enhances the overall safety of public venues.
- How to get involved/promote:
- Work with local businesses to implement the scheme and ensure staff are trained.
- Distribute posters and informational materials in participating venues.
- Promote the initiative through local media and social media channels.
Hollie Guard
Hollie Guard is a personal safety app that turns a smartphone into a personal alarm, sending alerts, location, and evidence to emergency contacts.
- Website: https://hollieguard.com/
- Key Benefits/Objectives:
- Personal Safety: Provides individuals with a tool to alert others in case of an emergency.
- Real-Time Alerts: Sends immediate alerts and location information to emergency contacts.
- Evidence Collection: Records audio and video evidence that can be used in investigations.
- How to get involved/promote:
- Distribute informational materials in community centres and local events.
- Host workshops to demonstrate the app’s features and benefits.
- Collaborate with local organisations to promote the app, especially to vulnerable individuals.