COMMUNITY HUBS TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE RESIDENTS IN FOLKESTONE, HYTHE AND ROMNEY MARSH

A network of three community hubs have been set up in across Folkestone & Hythe district to support vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 situation.

Local people and community groups have already been rallying round to help. These hubs, funded by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, will work with voluntary organisations to ensure that community help is delivered to those who need it most.

The hubs will be operated by key partners across the district; Three Hills Sports Centre – supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering – in Folkestone; Age UK in Hythe and the Romney Marsh Day Centre in Romney Marsh.

They will identify community need, respond with advice, signpost to services and task volunteers. These hubs will provide vital support to local vulnerable people who are self-isolating.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We all need to come together to protect the most vulnerable in our society at this difficult time. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive proactive support from our local organisations.

“The strength of community spirit in our district is extraordinary. If you can volunteer please do and if you’re vulnerable – without a local support network – please do get in touch. We’re all in this together, so let’s look after one another.’

The council has set up a dedicated community hub page at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community-hubs. Here you can sign up to be a Community Hub volunteer and also request assistance from the Community Hub if you are a vulnerable person without a local support network.

The Community Hubs in Folkestone and Hythe are now up and running. The Romney Marsh Community Hub will be operational from Monday.

Your local hubs are open from 9am – 4pm. These cannot be visited but can be contacted on:

·         Hythe Community Support Hub – run by AGE UK. Contact them on: covid-19@ageukhl.org.uk or 01303 269602

·         Folkestone Community Support Hub – run by Three Hills Sports Centre supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering. Contact them on: covid-19@3hsp.co.uk or 01303 316186

·         Romney Marsh Community Support Hub – run by Romney Marsh Day Centre. This hub will be operational from Monday and specific contact details will be shared as soon as these are available. In the meantime please fill in our volunteer or assistance required forms as needed or contact the council COVID-19 channels.

The council has set up a helpline 01303 761116 (open from 9am to 5pm every day) and an email Covid-19@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk for COVID-19 queries.

Residents and businesses can find out about help and assistance available to them both locally and get signposted to national support. Residents can also feedback helpful information or concerns about their community or individuals.

For the latest on COVID-19 related matters locally, please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus

To reach F&HDC about non-COVID-19 issues go online at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or call 01303 853000 as usual. The council’s Civic Centre is closed to visitors.