Health & Independent Living

General Health

For information on Kent and Medway NHS and the Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT services:

• GPs, dentists, pharmacies, opticians
• Hospitals
• Health information
• Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS)

For more information visit Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT or Kent and Medway NHS

Support for people with ME

If you have ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or care for someone that does, the Forget ME Nots group can provide you with support and friendship.

We can offer access to help and information in our free drop-in sessions in the Gateway, held on the second Friday of each month from 11am to 12noon.

For more information, phone the helpline on 07875 144661 or email theforgetmenots@aol.com.

Employment opportunities for disadvantaged people

The Kent Supported Employment service offers support to both employers and workers.

As a worker, you can get advice, guidance and support in finding the right job for you. This includes:

• help with searching and applying for jobs
• tips on interview skills and one-to-one support
• advice on writing CVs
• advice on benefits
• matching hours to suit your needs

Employers can benefit from:

• exceptional service and support
• the right person for the job
• one-to-one tailored support
• disability training and awareness sessions
• advice and guidance on government incentives and schemes

Come in and speak to our advisors – they are available in the Gateway every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 4pm.

For more information about the service, visit the Kent Supported Employment website.

Leading a healthier life

Health trainers can work with you to find ways of leading a more healthy and happy life. This could include:

• eating healthy food and shopping on a budget
• stopping smoking
• being more active
• feeling good about yourself

Our health trainers spend time with you one-to-one and:

• give free guidance and support
• go with you to new places and groups

They even speak a number of different languages and can sign.

Health trainers are available in the Gateway Mondays between 9.30am to 1pm, Tuesdays 12 to 3pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

For more information, visit the Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT website or call freephone 0800 849 4000 (calls made from a mobile phone may be charged).

Substance misuse

People with substance misuse problems can get a confidential assessment of their needs from the Substance Misuse Team.

They hold a drop-in session in the Gateway every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.

Visit the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team website for more information about the help available.

Helping disabled people live independently

If you are disabled and having difficulties with your day-to-day requirements, speak to the advisors from the Centre for Independent Living (CiLK).

The organisation is run by disabled people and you can talk to them about your problems. They will be able to give you access to the most up-to-date information that will help you live independently.

Advisors are available in the Gateway every first and last Thursday of the month from 11am and 3pm.