Helping people stay healthy and well

For the past 18 months our lives have been determined by Covid. It has cancelled plans, pushed businesses to the brink, and taken loved ones from us.

While the pandemic is far from over, our phenomenal vaccine rollout has put us in a position where we can learn to live with the virus.

Our vaccine rollout is helping to turn the tide against Covid, but I know this is still a hugely difficult time for many people.

It was great to join the Vice Chancellors of Canterbury Christchurch University and the University of Kent for a tour of the new STEM building in Canterbury.

Kent County Council is getting £3.1 million to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children.

This is part of a £125 million fund set up to support local authorities in England with their new obligations to support abuse victims.

It’s a painful reality that violence and abuse against women and girls continues to be a problem in some parts of society.

I’m glad the Government is updating our Violence Against Women and Girls strategy to make sure we’re doing everything we can to end these crimes.

Councillors and volunteers are playing a crucial role in our response to the coronavirus.

I’ve been truly impressed at the scale and speed of the response here in Faversham and Mid Kent, from our County Council to parishes and community groups, charities and local businesses. 

This is not the start to the year any of us would have wanted.

I’m delighted that local practices are joining hospitals in helping to rollout the vaccine.

I’m delighted that hospitals and other healthcare facilities across Kent will be getting over £10 million in extra investment this winter.

While I’m glad to see the national lockdown coming to an end, I know some people will be frustrated that the whole of Kent is going into Tier 3 as part of the new local restriction tiers.