Issue No 23
The last RVA meeting was held on 19 March. There were two speakers, Mrs Jill Townsend from Hi Kent, a charity for the hard of hearing and Elaine Oxley of the Kent LINk, an independent network working to improve local health and social care services.
Hi Kent
This local registered charity has been working in the area since 1986. It serves deaf and the hard of hearing across Kent. The organisation will service (out of warranty or NHS) hearing aids and offers assistance and advice to those affected by hearing loss. It can arrange lip reading classes and teach communication techniques.
Hi Kent has equipment available to purchase or for loan that will make life for those suffering hearing loss, examples include alarm clocks that shake the sleeper awake and TV listening systems.
The charity holds clinics at Rusthall Library on the second Friday of each month from 10.00 to 11.30 and can arrange home visits to assess the needs of over 65s. There is also a clinic at the Tunbridge Wells Gateway on Thursday mornings between 10.00 and 12.00. Tel: 01622 691151. Website: www.hikent.org.uk.
The Kent LINk
This is an independent network of local people and community groups working to influence and improve local health and social care services. The body evolved from the previous Public involvement Forums.
Consultations are being held on —
Ambulance services
General health and wellbeing
Hospital services
Primary health care
Social care in the community
Social care in residential settings
Specific conditions
Service user groups
The group is seeking feedback on healthcare experiences in Kent and is asking people to join the network, meeting attendance is not required. To find out more or join the LINk, contact: Kent and Medway Networks Ltd, FREEPOST NAT17761, Folkstone, Kent, CT19 4BR. Tel: 01303 297050. E-mail: info@kmn-ltd.co.uk.
Planning issues
Rusthall Elms and Middlefield — the Section 106 agreement, which sets out how much the developers are to pay towards local services, was signed on 3 March. On 3 June the planning permission becomes final. Work is expected to begin by the end of 2009.
The Fish and Chip shop — the business is continuing with plans to move to larger premises and has reapplied for permission to do so.
The Haven — another planning application is expected for this site.
Simmonds Court — planning approval has been given for work to begin at Simmonds Court.
Zebra crossing at Simmonds Court —
A zebra crossing is to be created outside Simmonds Court at the existing dropped kerbs. The work is expected to be complete by 2010.
