Hitchhikers Guide to Recovery and Wellbeing - for mental health carers

“Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT) is committed to providing a service that is recovery-focused – supporting recovery and wellbeing.” (KMPT Recovery leaflet, March 2010.)

Carers FIRST have developed a 4 x ½ day training programme to unpack what this means in practice, both for carers themselves and their loved one. Delivered in partnership with KMPT over 4 consecutive weeks, it is hoped that the programme will enable carers to embrace the recovery approach, equip them to take an active role in supporting their loved ones recovery, and promote their own recovery.

Key themes being explored include:
·         The concept of recovery
·         Implications on service delivery
·         The role of carers in recovery
·         Promotion of wellbeing
·         Impact of recovery approach on carers role
·         Carers own recovery journey

The full schedule can be read here. The programme is open to all carers living within South West Kent and Maidstone, and is held at the Blackthorn Trust (Garden Room) in Maidstone and the Carers Centre in Tonbridge on Tuesdays 22 March to 12 April 09:30 - 13:00. There is no charge to attend, but participants are asked to book their place with Carers FIRST.

For more information or to book a place, call Vivienne or Fiona at Carers First on 01732 357555

Changes in the NHS - What will it mean for YOU and your doctor?

This Kent LINk Community Engagement Event is your chance to find out what is happening to your health and social care services.


The formal meeting will start at 10.45am although refreshments will be available from 10.00am to give people an opportunity to socialise and network. See full information and book your free place here.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011, 10am - 3pm

The Camden Centre,
Royal Victoria Place
Market Square
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SW

Art Uniting People - Spring Exhibition

Art Uniting People is a non-profit organisation who have run two successful annual exhibitions in 2009 and 2010 to promote the talents of artists around Kent, including professionals, amateurs and those with mental health and physical disabilities. This year, for the first time, there is also a Spring Exhibition at


County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ



from 14th -28th March, 10:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.


Entry is FREE

Changes in the NHS - What will it mean for YOU and your doctor?

This Community Engagement Event, held by the Kent Local Involvement Network (LINk), will be held on Wednesday 23 March 2011, 10am - 3pm, at

The Camden Centre
Market Square
Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SW

More details and a flyer are to follow.