| Community |
 |
 |
|
|
Rural
Kent
Improving the quality of life of local
communities, particularly for disadvantaged people, and to facilitate
the development of
thriving, diverse and sustainable communities. |
|
01303 850816 |
www.ruralkent.org.uk |
|
 |
| Conservation |
|
|
|
|
Eaga
Partnership
The Government Warm Front grants towards heating and insulation
are available to homeowners or those who rent their home privately
and are on certain benefits |
|
0800 952 0600
|
www.eaga.com |
|
|
| Councils |
|
|
|
|
Kent
County Council (KCC)
Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ |
|
0845 247 247
Births, Deaths
& Marriages
0845 678 5000
Education
01622 696565
Highways
0845 247 800
Recycling
0845 450 210
Social Services
0845 824 7100
emergencies
0845 762 6777
|
www.kent.gov.uk |
|
|
Maidstone
Borough Council
13 Tonbridge Rd, Maidstone ME16 8HG
Many councils can now provide subsidised rate for composting. |
|
01622 602000
textphone
01622 602224
Cleansing and recycling
01622 602162
Out of hours emergencies
01622 602000 |
www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk |
|
|
|
| Education |
|
|
|
|
British
Red Cross
1st aid corses in your area |
|
0870 170 9222 |
www.redcross.org.uk |
|
|
Department
for Education and skills
For details on education and training. |
|
0870 000 2288 |
www.dfes.gov.uk |
|
|
Learn
Direct
Free advice about learning and careers. |
|
0800 100 900 |
www.learndirect.co.uk |
|
|
Leeds & Broomfield
Church of England Primary School
Lower Street, Maidstone, ME17 1RL |
|
Steve McGill
01622
861398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madginford
Park Junior School
Egremont Road, Maidstone, ME15 8LH |
|
David Day
01622 738802 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office
for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
Responsible for inspection and regulation of childcare, schools,
colleges, children’s services, teacher training and youth
work. For impartial information about the quality of education and
care. |
|
0845 40 40 45 |
www.ofsted.gov.uk |
|
|
Sutton
Valence Pre-School
The Parish Rooms, Chart Road, Sutton Valence,
Maidstone,
Kent, ME17 3AW |
|
Carole Hunt
01622 842388 |
www.suttonvalencepreschool.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| St Johns Ambulance
|
|
08700 10 49 50 |
www.sja.org.uk |
|
|
| Employment |
|
|
|
|
Acas
Information and independent advice on employment law. TIGER, interactive
online guide covering a range of issues including the national minimum
wage, maternity, paternity rights, adoption rights and flexible
working. |
|
0845 47 47 47 |
www.acas.org.uk
www.tiger.gov.uk |
|
| |
Job
Centre Plus
For employers who need to fill vacencies. Monday—Friday, 8.00
am—8.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am—4.00 pm. |
|
0845 601 2001
textphone
0845 601 2002 |
|
|
|
Jobseeker
Direct
For people of working age who wish to make a claim to benefit or
to look for work. Monday—Friday, 8.00 am—8.00 pm, Saturday
9.00 am—1.00 pm. |
|
0845 606 0234
textphone
0845 605 5255 |
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
www.dwp.gov.uk |
|
|
| Fire |
|
|
|
|
| Kent Fire Brigade
Headquaters |
|
01622 692121 |
www.kent.fire-uk.org |
|
|
| Foreign travel |
|
|
|
|
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
Travel advice by country. |
|
0845 850 2829 |
www.fco.gov.uk |
|
|
| Healthcare |
|
|
| Please
follow this link to the Healthcare section to find more helplines
and cotact details. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Helplines — animals |
|
|
|
|
| Animal Search UK |
|
07884316943 |
www.animalsearchuk.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Helplines
— children |
|
|
|
|
| Childline
|
|
0800 1111 |
www.childline.org.uk |
|
|
cis
Kent Childrens Information Service
Kent County Council’s free confidential, impartial information
on, nurseries, childminders, pre-schools. playgroups, créches,
before and after school care, holiday play schemes, funded early
education, tax credits, training and early years, childcare, employer
supported childcare. |
|
08000 32 32 30 |
www.childcarelink.gov.uk |
|
|
Demelza
Hospice care for children |
|
01795 845270 |
www.demelza.org.uk |
|
|
Get
Connected
Free, confidential helpline finding young people the best help,
whatever the problem. Daily 1.00 pm—11.00pm. |
|
0808 808 4994 |
|
|
|
NSPCC
Free child protection helpline, a confidential service for anyone
concerned about children at risk. Offers counseling, information
and advice. |
|
24hr helpline
0800 800 5000
textphone
0800 056 0566 |
www.nspcc.org.uk |
|
|
| NSPCC Asian Child
Protection |
|
0800 096 7719 |
|
|
|
Runaway
helpline
If you are under 18 and have run away, please call for free help
and advice. |
|
0808 800 70 70 |
www.runawayhelpline.org.uk |
|
|
Winston’s
Wish helpline
Help for grieving children, young people and their families to rebuild
their lives after a family death. Practical support and guidance
for families, professionals and anyone concerned about a grieving
child. |
|
0845 203 0405
|
www.winstonswish.org.uk |
|
|
| Helplines
— crime |
|
|
|
|
Phone
victims BT
24-hour recorded advice line for malicious calls victims. |
|
0800 666700 |
|
|
|
| Rape/Indecent Assault
Crisis Counselling |
|
0800 735 0567 |
|
|
|
| Rapeline |
|
01227 450400 |
|
|
|
| Victim support |
|
01622 690103
textphone
0207 896 3776 |
|
|
|
| Helplines
— gay & lesbian |
|
|
|
|
Lesbians
The Kent Lesbians Line
every Thursday 7.30 pm—10.00 pm |
|
01622 763573 |
|
|
|
| London Lesbian and
Gay Switchboard |
|
0207 7837 7324 |
|
|
|
The
Pink Practice
A counselling and psychotherapy practice for lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender people in Leeds and London. Lines open Monday—Thursday
9.00 am—7.00 pm. |
|
0700 596 8111 |
|
|
|
| Helplines
— general |
|
|
|
|
Citizens’ Advice
Burreau
2 Bower Terrace, Maidstone ME16 8RY
The Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, impartial, confidential and
independent advice.
Monday to Friday: 10 am—4 pm
(Telephone advice only: Tuesdays: 4 pm—6 pm) |
|
general advice
01622 752420
01622 757882
Welfare Benefits Advice
01622 688133
Outreach Service
01622 750770
By Appointment only:
Money Advice
01622 751788
Housing Advice
01622 674032 |
www.citizensadvice.org.uk |
|
|
Message
Home
Missing persons Help and advice. Are you 18 years or older? Away
from home? |
|
0800 700 740 |
|
|
|
National
Missing Persons helpline
Help and support for missing people, their families and those who
care for them. |
|
0500 700 700 |
www.missingpersons.org.uk |
|
|
Shelter
For housing advice. |
|
0808 800 4444 |
www.shelter.org.uk |
|
|
| The Salvation Army
Family Tracing Service |
|
0845 634 4747 |
|
|
|
The
Telephone Helplines Association
Providing good practice guidelines, a membership scheme, a Quality
Standard, training, evaluation and consultancy services for helplines,
including telephone, email, SMS and internet-based services. We
also work with other stakeholders including government departments,
OFCOM and telecoms providers, to enable organisations to provide
quality, accessible and confidential helpline services to the public. |
|
|
www.helplines.org.uk |
|
|
| Helplines
— men |
|
|
|
|
Everyman
Project
Counselling, support and advice to men who are violent or concerned
about their violence, and anyone affected by that violence. |
|
020 7737 6747 |
|
|
|
man2man
Abuse helpline for male victims only, 7 days per week, 365 days
per year. Emergencies only after 10.00 pm. |
|
0208 698 9649 |
|
|
|
Men’s
Advice Line and Enquiries
Information, support and advice to men experiencing domestic violence.Local
projects for men are available in some areas. Open Monday and Wednesday,
9.00 am—10.00 pm, answerphone at other times. |
|
0208 644 9914 |
|
|
|
Men’s
Aid
Providing support and advice for men experiencing domestic violence. |
|
0871 223 9986 |
|
|
|
Victim
Support's Male helpline
Freephone number for men, Monday—Friday, 12.00 pm—2.00
pm. |
|
0800 328 3623 |
|
|
|
| Helplines
— men/women |
|
|
|
|
Asian
speaking helpline
Monday—Wednesday, 6.00 pm—9.00 pm
Tuesday—Thursday, noon—3.00 pm. |
|
0808 800 2073 |
|
|
|
| Christian Family
Concern |
|
0208 688 0251 |
|
|
|
| Divorce, Mediation
& Counselling Services |
|
0207 730 2422 |
|
|
|
| Families Anonymous |
|
0800 735 0671 |
|
|
|
| Family Service Units
|
|
0207 428 5405 |
|
|
|
fpa
helpline
Confidential information on contraception, sexually transmitted
infections, planning a pregnancy, pregnancy choices, sexual wellbeing.
Monday—Friday 9.00 am—6.00 pm. |
|
0845 122 8690 |
www.fpa.org.uk |
|
|
Infertality Support
Group
Meetings every second Thursday
of the month from
7.30 am—9.30 am. Maidstone Hospital
|
|
07748 323715 |
|
|
|
Lone
Parents Maidstone Gingerbread
Self-help and social group for lone parents and their children. |
|
01622 206474
01732 521164
01622 202655 |
|
|
|
Marriage
Care
For those experiencing difficulty in close personal relationships. |
|
0845 660 6000 |
www.marriagecare.org.uk |
|
|
National
Council for One Parent Families
Information service for lone parents, other organizations, local
authorities and the media. Mon—Fri, 9.15 am—5.15 pm. |
|
0800 018 5026
0207 428 5400 |
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk |
|
|
National
Domestic Violence helpline
|
|
0808 2000 247 textphone
0808 2000 247 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Parentline
Plus
Support and information for parents. |
|
0808 800 2222
textphone
0800 783 6783 |
www.parentlineplus.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Rape and Sexual Abuse
support centre |
|
08451 221 331 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Refuge’s
24 hour National Crisis Line
Helpline providing advice and support to those experiencing domestic
violence and refers women and children on to one of the 250 refuges
nationwide. National crisis line, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |
|
0990 995443 |
|
|
|
| Helplines
— men/women/children |
|
|
|
|
Support
Line
Helpline providing confidential emotional support to children, young
adults and adults on a variety of issues including relationships,
child abuse, bullying, eating disorders, self harm, panic attacks,
domestic violence, stress, depression, anxiety. |
|
0208 554 9004
0208 554 9004 |
www.supportline.org.uk |
|
|
| Helplines
— money & debt |
|
|
|
|
Citizens’ Advice
Burreau
2 Bower Terrace, Maidstone ME16 8RY
The Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, impartial,
confidential and independent advice.
Monday to Friday: 10 am—4 pm
(Telephone advice only: Tuesdays: 4 pm—6 pm) |
|
general advice
01622 752420
01622 757882
Welfare Benefits Advice
01622 688133
Outreach Service
01622 750770
By Appointment only:
Money Advice
01622 751788
Housing Advice
01622 674032
|
www.citizensadvice.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Consumer
Counselling Service
Free counselling and advice for people with debt problems. |
|
0800 138 1111 |
www.cccs.co.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Financial
Service Authority (FSA)
The FSA is an independent body set up to regulate financial services
in the UK and protect consumers’ rights. For useful information
and advice if something goes wrong. |
|
0845 606 1234 |
www.fsa.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
GamCare
For gamblers and those affected by problem gambaling. |
|
0845 6000 133 |
www.gamcare.org.uk |
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
| HM Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) |
|
national insurance
0845 302 1479
income tax self assessment
0845 900 0444
tax credits
08445 300 3900
VAT, excise, customs and duties
0845 010 9000 |
www.hmrc.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
National
Debt Line
Free confidential advice for people with debt and money problems. |
|
0808 808 4000 |
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Office
of Fair Trading (OFT)
Plays a leading role in helping consumers understand and exercise
their rights and protecting consumer interests throughout the uk. |
|
0845 722 4499 |
www.oft.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
The
Pension Service
Information about your state pension, pension credit and other entitlements,
or to find out what you can expect when you reach state pension
age. |
|
0845 60 60 265 textphone
0845 60 60 285 |
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
UK
Insolvency helpline
Free & confidential advice on finance and debts. Monday—Saturday
9.00 am—9.00 pm, Sundays 9.30 am—1.00 pm, 24 hour answerphone. |
|
0800 074 6918 |
|
|
|
| Helpline
— Over 60s |
|
|
|
|
Age
Concern Maidstone
Age Concern Maidstone exists to promote the welfare of the older residents
in the Borough. |
|
01622 753618 |
www.ageconcern.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Elder
Abuse Response
Support for anyone concerned about the abuse of older people. |
|
0808 808 8141 |
www.elderabuse.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Help
The Aged |
|
|
www.helptheaged.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
SeniorLine
Welfare benefits advice for older people. |
|
0808 800 6565 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Three
Suttons helpline
A voluntary good neighbour scheme offering lifts to hospital, doctor,
opticians, dentist, collecting prescriptions, shopping and other
small tasks.
|
|
01622 843248
01622 842530
01622 842436
01622 843235 |
|
|
|
| Helplines
— women |
|
|
|
|
| Action Against Abuse
of Women and Girls |
|
01243 785948 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Chinese
Information and Advice Centre (CIAC)
The Chinese Women Domestic Violence Project at the Chinese Information
& Advice Centre (CIAC) in Central London is developing its Outreach
Project to support Chinese sufferers of DV. |
|
0207 692 3697
teng@ciac.co.uk |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Kiran
— Asian Women's Aid
Advice, support, refuge for Asian women, and women from other cultures
e.g. Turkey, Iran, Morocco, Malaysia etc. |
|
0208 558 1986 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
LIFE
Pregnancy counselling and after abortion counselling. |
|
0845 300 1716 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| National Domestic
Helpline |
|
0800 2000 247 textphone
0800 2000 247 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Panahghar
Help for Asian women experiencing domestic violence. |
|
01203 228952 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
SHE
Helpline
(East Anglia, Kent & East London) |
|
01702 300006 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Shelterline
Emergency access to refuge services. |
|
0808 800 4444 |
www.shelter.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| The Muslim Women’s
helpline |
|
0181 904 8193
0181 908 6715 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Women with learning
disabilities |
|
0181 522 0675 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Women’s
Aid National domestic violence helpline
Advice and telephone support provided by highly trained staff and
volunteers backed up by a wide range of leaflets and other resources.
Monday—Friday 10.00 am—5.00 pm, also weekends from July
1999. |
|
0345 023 468 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Womens Refuge |
|
0800 735 6836 |
|
|
|
| Home |
|
|
|
|
| Energy Efficiency
Advice Centers |
|
0800 512012 |
www.est.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Global
Action Plan
An environmental charity tat helps people make practical changs
at home, work, school and wider community to become more sustainable. |
|
0207 4055 633 |
www.globalactionplan.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
National
Energy Foundation
Advice and information on renewable energy from a national charity. |
|
01908 665555 |
www.nef.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
postcodes
Find or check a postcode. |
|
Monday—Friday
8.00 am—6.00 pm
0906 302 1222,
6.00 pm—8.00 pm weekends
0845 111 222 |
www.postcodes.royalmail.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Telephone
Preference Service
Information on how to prevent unsolicited direct sales and marketing
calls. |
|
0845 070 0707 |
www.tpsonline.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| TV Licensing Renew
your licence |
|
0870 241 9054 |
www.tvlicensing.co.uk |
|
|
| Legal |
|
|
|
Community Legal Service
Direct
Free government advice for people on low income or benefit get independent
advice about debt, education, benefits and tax credits, employment
and housing problems. |
|
0845 345 4345 |
www.clsdirect.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Leisure |
|
|
|
|
koala
The
kent clubs and societies database, which is accessible at many local
libraries |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Mobile Library Service |
|
01622 605227 textphone
01622 605249 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
The 24hr Museum
A natural virtual museum with details of
over 2,500 museums, gallaries and heritage attractions, including
listings, news and special exhibitions. |
|
|
www.24hourmuseum.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Leisure — arts |
|
|
|
|
Allington Library
Gallery
See mixed-media exhibitions with
work by local and regional artists. Castle Road, Allington, Maidstone. |
|
01622 683435 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Gravesend Library
Gallery
Presents touring exhibitions
from galleries such as The Hayward Gallery and the V&A Museum.
Windmill Street, Gravesend. |
|
01474 325758 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Maidstone Library
Gallery
Offers a diverse, challenging,
contemporary programme of exhibitions. St Faith's Street, Maidstone. |
|
01622 751764 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Meopham Library Gallery
Exhibitions by local art groups and local
artists. Wrotham Road, Meopham.
|
|
01474 814636 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Rochester Art Gallery
and Craft case
View temporary exhibitions
by contemporary artists and craftspeople. Rochester Information
Centre, High Street, Rochester. |
|
01634 843666 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Sittingbourne Library
Gallery
Enjoy mixed-media exhibitions
by locally based artists and art groups. Central Avenue, Sittingbourne.
|
|
01795 478545 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
The County Gallery
Enjoy a wide and varied programme of exhibitions
of painting, photography,textiles, art and craft and sculpture.
County Hall, Sessions House, Maidstone. |
|
01622 696464 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Wealden Arts
You can search for arts activities, facilities,
venues and useful contacts. |
|
|
www.wealden.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Leisure — heritage |
|
|
|
|
Centre
for Kentish Studies
Explore Kents rich local history. Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone. |
|
01622 694363 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Kent Police Museum
Home to a collection of memorabilia tracing
the history of Kent Police. The Old Boilerhouse, Chapel Lane, Dock
Road, Chatham. |
|
01634 403260 |
www.kent-police-museum.co.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Maidstone Carriage
Museum
Houses over 60 horse-grawn vehicles
and transport curiosities. Open daily from June to mid Spetember.
Mill Street, Maidstone. |
|
01622 602838 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Maidstone Museum
and Bentlif Art Gallery
Learn about everything
from Romans and ancient Egypt to Victorian children and fine art.
St Faith's Street, Maidstone. |
|
01622 602838 |
www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Medway Archives and
Local Studies Centre (MALSC)
Find out
about the history, geography and people of the Medway area. Civic
Centre, Strood. |
|
01634 332714 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Rochester Guildhall
Museum
This museum brings Medway's history
to life with visual displays and sound effects. High Street, Rochester. |
|
01634 848717 |
|
|
|
| Leisure — nature |
|
|
|
|
Nature on the Map
English natue’s interactive map
site. Type in your postcode or town and discover the wealth of local
wildlife. |
|
|
www.natureonthemap.org.uk |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Whatman Park
At the centre of Millennium River Walk, the
park combines a natural landscape of woodland, wildflower meadow
and island nature reserve with recreational areas. Off James Whatman
Way, Maidstone. |
|
01622 602753 |
|
|
|
| Pets |
|
|
|
|
pdsa
PetAid service for pets in need of vets. |
|
0800 731 2502 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
RSPCA
Cruelty and advice line. |
|
0990 800 2073
0845 55 55 999
|
www.rspca.org.uk |
|
|
