Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.14 October 2025
Introduction
Welcome to the 14th edition of the Kent and Medway Live Longer Better Network News. Our October edition features articles about the Joy platform, funding opportunities, national campaigns, a free webinar and much more.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who joined us online for our Live Longer Better Network event on 25 September – a chance to hear from our guest speakers, Linda Smith (Kent County Council Public Health Specialist) and Sue Jennings (Lordswood Osteopathic Clinic). The event recording will be available to view on our website shortly. Please share the Network News with your colleagues, partners and other organisations. They can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive future editions of the network news straight to their inbox.
Film: Living with a Long Term Health Condition
For many people living with a long term health condition or disability, being physically active can be mentally and physically challenging. Our colleagues at Active Derbyshire and Active Nottingham have developed a short video about the challenges people living with long term health conditions and disabilities can face on a daily basis when being active. This is explained through the Spoon Theory.
The Joy Platform
Kent County Council has partnered with the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) to roll out the Joy Platform across Kent and Medway. This digital tool has been designed to:
- Improve the quality of an individual’s care journey by providing increased information, advice and guidance for services in the community.
- Empower Kent residents to identify and choose the service right for them.
- Improve awareness of services in the community while increasing the use of underutilised services.
- Streamline referral and signposting processes for professionals.
The State of Health and Care of Older People
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Age UK’s first annual report about the state of health and care of older people in England. Ten years on, their new report reveals that while more of us are living longer, on many other measures, we have gone backwards. Five key takeaways from the latest report:
1. Healthy life expectancy at age 50 and at age 65 in England has declined.
2. The likelihood of living with multiple health conditions significantly increases with age.
3. Fewer older people are receiving local authority long-term care.
4. The number of District Nurses has declined by 19%.
5. The number of vacancies for some key adult social care roles has increased.
Physical Activity for Patients
The Centre for Perioperative Care has put together range of resources and tools to help patients stay active and prepare them for surgery. This features exercise videos, activity ideas, blogs and podcasts.
Getting fitter before surgery can lower the risk of complications, reduce hospital stays and lead to better recovery outcomes. Healthcare professionals can also find out how to include physical activity in conversations with patients.
Nature Towns and Cities Webinar
Time in nature makes our lives happier and healthier, yet millions of urban residents lack vital access to green space. You’re invited to join a free webinar on Wednesday 12 November 2025, 10am – 11am, to find out about the Nature Towns and Cities Accreditation scheme, learn from others going through the process, discover ways to unlock funding and finance for your green and blue spaces and how to mobilise people power across your town or city.
Follow this link to register for the free webinar
Dr William Bird, with support from Natural England, has released a related blog ‘A breath of fresh air’ summarising the key evidence about the benefits of nature.
Funding Opportunities
Active Kent & Medway’s Small Grant for Activities or Events
Small grants, of up to £500, are available for local clubs and organisations looking to encourage and increase participation in physical activity for those living in Kent or Medway.
The grant can cover facilitator or coaching costs, venue hire, equipment, marketing and publicity for projects such as new programmes, festivals, events, launches or celebrations of activity, that re-engage with previous audiences and/or encourages those new to activity to continue to be active.
“A simple application and fast to be approved. It’s made such a difference to the lives of the people within the group.”
Follow this link to apply for a Small Grant
Veterans’ Foundation Grant
The Veterans’ Foundation provides grants to eligible organisations that provide assistance to serving and former members of the armed forces community, operational qualified seafarers and their immediate families.
There are four funding programmes and the guidance and application form differs for each.
Morrisons Foundation Grant
The Morrisons Foundation supports registered charities that make a positive difference in local communities across England, Scotland and Wales.
Charities applying for the Grant Funding programme should ensure their project meets at least one of the funding objectives:
1. Tackling poverty and social deprivation
2. Enhancing community spaces, facilities and services
3. Improving health and wellbeing
Activity Opportunities
Everyday Active: Explore Activities
The Everyday Active website is packed with a range of low cost, inclusive activities to help residents across Kent and Medway discover fun ways to move more in everyday life.
The website has a ‘Personalised For You’ feature to help people find activities suitable by age, by activity type, by community or by suitability for anyone with limited mobility.
We are keen to add more activities to the website, especially those taking place in the evenings and weekends, for over 50’s or for adults with disabilities. If you know of any activities, please contact yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk
University of Kent: Active 55+
The University of Kent offers a great programme of sports tailored for the Active 55+. Enjoy the low-impact thrill of pickleball and boccia, the quick reflexes of table tennis, the camaraderie of netball, the agility of badminton and tennis and maybe try walking football and walking cricket.
Embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle through active play and social connection.
National Wellbeing Campaigns
Men’s Health Awareness Month: Movember
National Stress Awareness Week: 3 – 7 November
Find out about Stress Awareness Week
National Self-Care Week: 17 – 23 November
UK Disability History Month: 14 Nov – 20 Dec
Find out about UK Disability History Month
International Men’s Day: 19 November
Find out about International Men’s Day
techtimeout Day: 2 December
Find out about techtimeout Day
Inspirational Day of People with Disabilities: 3 December
Find out about International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in our network news you’d like to discuss further, please contact Michelle Bird, our Health & Wellbeing Officer via email: michelle.bird@kent.gov.uk
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