Decision - Kent Coast Volunteering

Decision details

Kent Coast Volunteering

Decision Maker: Ward Member for Hythe Rural (1)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Kent Coast Volunteering - To support the Volunteer Taskforce Gardening project by contributing to the coordinator costs.

 

Decision:

To provide funding of £420.69 to the above project.

 

 

 

Reason for decision:

 

Statistics show that 23.5% of the population in Folkestone & Hythe is aged 65+ (2019). Statistics also show high levels of home ownership among that age group (73%) and that just under a quarter are living alone (Office of National Statistics). Folkestone & Hythe’s Healthier Housing Strategy 2018-2023 states that approximately 21% of all households (around 10,500) in the district contain at least one person with a long-term disability or illness. Many of these householders have gardens. We know from our work across a range of projects, that many householders struggle to maintain their outdoor spaces, and that being unable to do so is often one of the tipping points at which older people decide that they can no longer continue living in their homes. Poorly maintained outside space represents a potential tripping hazard and can be a source of shame. It can also mark out a home as lived in by a vulnerable person, thus making it more vulnerable to criminals. Continuing high levels of demand for our service demonstrate that it is needed and could even be scaled up. There are also few projects locally for people with learning disabilities to undertake meaningful work which develops their skills.

 

Publication date: 24/03/2020

Date of decision: 24/03/2020

Accompanying Documents: