Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.20 October 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the 20th edition of the Kent and Medway Live Longer Better Network News. Our October issue features articles about the Kent Micros Directory, local Social Prescribing Link Workers, Accessible Transport Schemes, funding opportunities, keeping active through the menopause and much more. 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.
Everyday Active Ambassadors
Everyday Active Ambassadors play a vital role in helping people in their local community find more ways to be active. This rewarding voluntary role is perfect for anyone working in community settings, such as libraries, churches, pharmacies, schools or for people who are part of a community group, parish council or resident’s association. Ambassadors receive support and training on:
- the recommended activity guidelines for adults, children and disabled people
- the benefits of being active and the evidence that supports this
- the free resources, such as posters and postcards, that are available to distribute in their local area
- the Everyday Active website so they can help people discover local activities that are right for them.
If you’d like to become an Everyday Active Ambassador or know someone who might be interested, please email Yasmin, our Everyday Active Officer at yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk
Kent Micros Directory
Kent County Council’s new Kent Micros Enterprise Directory is up and running. Kent Micros are small enterprises offering care and support in their local area. They work with older people, those with physical disabilities, people with learning disabilities, autistic people and those facing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. Enterprises offer services in people’s homes and out in the community. There is also a wide range of community support groups and activities available.
Cancer Pathway Survey
EK360 are carrying out research on behalf of Medway Council to better understand:
- People’s experiences of physical activity during and after cancer treatment
- Barriers to being active
- What support could help people throughout their cancer journey
EK360 are looking to speak with Medway residents aged 18+ who are, or have been on the cancer pathway in the last 3 years. Interviews can take place online or over the phone and participants will receive a shopping voucher as a thank you for their time. By taking part, residents will help shape recommendations for how physical activity is promoted and supported in Medway. Please share this survey through your local Medway networks.
Social Prescribing Link Workers
The NHS have made it easier to find a Primary Care Network (PCN) Social Prescribing Link Worker in Kent or Medway. Social Prescribing Link Workers support people through local GP practices and help connect them with community groups, activities and practical support. Link Workers are based across Kent and can support residents with getting more active, mental health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness or navigating practical challenges.
The Path to Nature Recovery
Funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership, this inspiring short film showcases the fantastic partnership working between Kent Wildlife Trust, the North Downs Way and Kent Downs National at Blue Bell Hill, Maidstone. Hear about the ‘Blue Bells, Big Skies’ project, supported by National Trails UK, where partners worked together to deliver better outcomes for both people and wildlife. It offers an honest look at the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned when bringing access and nature recovery goals together.
Discover the North Downs Way Rail Trails, ten carefully curated routes that begin and end at railway stations along the North Downs Way.
Accessible Transport Schemes
Evidence from Sport England and Activity Alliance shows that disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive as non-disabled people, with around four in ten doing less than 30 minutes of activity a week. Many disabled people want to be more active but face additional challenges like accessing suitable transport to get to local activities.
Transport restrictions shouldn’t stop anyone from being active. We’ve brought together a list of accessible community transport schemes plus some practical support to help disabled people and people living with limited mobility to travel with confidence, making it easier to get to activity sessions and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of moving more.
Spotlight On Menopause
October is Menopause Awareness Month. Every woman’s experience of perimenopause and menopause is different, but evidence shows that physical activity can help women manage and cope better with their symptoms.
Our Spotlight on: Menopause and Movement looks at some of the common signs and symptoms of menopause, the benefits of movement and keeping active and some useful resources from local and national organisations that offer support for women going through this key life stage.
Follow this link to view our Spotlight on Menopause and Movement
Funding Opportunities
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Grants between £20k-£300k to improve mental health and wellbeing support for people from underrepresented Armed Forces communities (e.g. female, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority personnel). Two different strands of funding over 2 or 3 years. Deadline: Midday on 28 October 2026.
Follow this link to find out more
Funding For All
Free, expert fundraising advice, tools and resources. Find out more about events and regular training webinars i.e. Monthly Funding Surgery (online), Building your Case for Support, Evaluating & Measuring Impact and Fundraising Strategy.
Follow this link to find out more
Sport England Movement Fund
Grants or pledges from £300 to £15,000, for physical activity projects in the community. The focus is on people who face barriers to activity and projects designed to help them join in.
National Wellbeing Campaigns
Men’s Health Awareness Month: Movember
National Stress Awareness Week: 2 – 6 November
Find out about Stress Awareness Week
National Self-Care Week: 16 – 22 November
UK Disability History Month: 22 Nov – 22 Dec
Find out about UK Disability History Month
International Men’s Day: 19 November
Find out about International Men’s Day
techtimeout Day: 1 December
Find out about techtimeout Day
International 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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