Get support, advice and family fun

Published Thursday 18 July, 2024
Last updated on Thursday 18 July, 2024

Organisations from across the community and voluntary sector and private sector will be stationed in the Seashells Family Hub, Rose St, as part of the latest One Swale Roadshow on 25 June.

People can receive support to help with the cost of living, such as food and fuel vouchers and water bill reductions, and advice on issues like home safety, energy use, health and debt.

The Family Fun session, which is running alongside the roadshow, will include arts and craft activities, healthy lifestyle themed family games, a healthy picnic and, weather permitting, fun outdoor activities.

The roadshow will run from 9:30 to 11:30 whilst the Family Fun session will run from 9:30 to 11 on 25 July at the at the Seashells Family Hub in Sheerness, ME12 1AW.

Following the success of last year’s roadshows, the council is hosting an event every month at different locations around the borough, until March 2025, to connect people in need with organisations who can help.

The previous event, which took place before the General Election, also offered help with signing up for free photo ID, Voter Authority Certificate.

The council is working with the Swale CVS and Faversham Community Networking Group to organise these roadshows.

Next month’s event will take place on 13 August at Eastern Sheppey Community Hub on Leysdown Road, Leysdown on Sea, ME12 4RD.

Richard Palmer, chair of the community and leisure committee, said:

“Over the last year our roadshows have been bringing together organisations who can offer support with the people in our community who need it most.

“These regular events, being hosted across the borough, have had a positive impact on our residents and have become a safe space for people to get help and support in a judgement free environment.

“We are grateful for all our partners who helped make these events a success and are excited to team up with the Children and Families charity to bring fun family activities to children on the island for this one.

“We would love for no one to need to come to these events, but we have seen a large number of people looking for support and that is why this resource will continue into next year.”

Ian Townsend-Blazier, head of development at Children & Families, said:

“Children & Families – Seashells is really pleased to be hosting one of Swale Borough Council’s roadshow events.

“It brings together so many excellent organisations that can help many local residents in need, during these challenging times.

“Alongside the roadshow we will be running one of our summer fun days for the whole family to attend and enjoy!

“We look forward to welcoming and seeing as many people as possible.”