Home Instead Dartford has been ranked within the top five percent of health and social care companies worldwide in terms of care professional satisfaction.
All employees of the home care company were invited to take part in an anonymous survey by independent employee engagement experts WorkBuzz.
Home Instead Dartford is delighted to have received an impressive Care Professional engagement score of 98%, an overall mark showing how supportive an employer it is. The rating puts them as a global leader in their sector and gives them a ‘5 star’ accreditation.
These exceptional results led to them being also awarded the ‘PEAQ Employer Excellence’ award at the Home Instead Annual Conference, a remarkable achievement considering the network comprises over 260 offices.
100% of care professionals said they are proud to work for Home Instead Dartford, while 100% said they are given enough time to deliver the desired levels of client care.
Those who receive the company’s care were also surveyed, leading to exceptionally high satisfaction scores. This includes 100% of clients saying that their Care Professional makes them feel safe when they visit and 94% of clients saying that Home Instead has an excellent understanding of their care needs.
One review from a client reads: “Home Instead have provided regular care for Mum since April 2024. Mum has Vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia and we, as a family, recognise that Home Instead and Mum’s team have absolutely enabled her to remain independent in her flat as she wishes at present. They are kind, provide good company and happiness. Not just doing chores but being interested in mum as a person and alerting us promptly to any concerns.”
A Care Professional wrote: “I love working for Home Instead. I’m happy to provide the care and being able to make a difference in people’s lives from the comfort in their own home. The best part is spending time with my clients and client’s valuable smile make my day wonderful and I feel motivated to work hard.”
Home Instead has 15 care professional vacancies on offer for people who want to join the team and begin
or further a career in care. Care Professionals undergo training and arm themselves with skills sought-after in the care sector.
Ram Thapa, Owner, says, “We are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious recognition for the fifth consecutive year running and about the exciting addition of the new award. Just like we put great emphasis on person-centered care for our clients, our care and support for our team has top priority. Only a happy, welltrained and confident team can deliver the outstanding care we provide for our clients. We are grateful for everyone’s feedback and will continue our efforts to make our office the first choice for our employees and clients.”
Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz commented: “At WorkBuzz we believe that exceptional employee experience deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Our five-star awards stand out because they are not a branding exercise. The awards have a data-driven criteria and the results are powerful because they come straight from the horse’s mouth – the actual employees of each company who enter.
“This award recognises the best workplace cultures where employees are proud to work, are motivated to do more, and want to stay for the foreseeable future. It’s a pleasure to partner with an organisation like Home Instead who truly care about their employee’s experience and have worked hard to ensure they create a culture where their people can thrive.”
To find out more about Home Instead Dartford and the home care services they provide, please call 01322 923750 or visit http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford
•Public
Dartford Sharks Basketball
Dartford Basketball Club capped off an impressive season by securing a 2nd-place finish in the league, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the campaign. Their success continued in the cup competition, where they triumphed in a thrilling semifinal, edging out their opponents Sevenoaks Suns 6563 in a nail-biting contest. The match was attended by MP Jim Dickson, who showed his support for the team and the local basketball community. With this hardfought victory, Dartford now looks ahead to the cup final, eager to build on their momentum and claim silverware to round off a strong season.
They will be competing in the Cup Final at Northfleet Technology College on Saturday 29th March. Tip off time TBC.
Dartford Harriers
England Athletics U15/U17/U20 Indoor Championships 2025 8th/9th Feb
It was a fabulous weekend for their athletes at the Nationals!
Three of their seven athletes walked away with a medal and two achieved new PBs and indoor club record for their category!
Day 1
Zoya - PV (U15) - 2.88m - 3rd
Izzy - PV (U15) - 2.58m - 9th
Rahman - TJ (U17) - 13.87 - 4th
Bella - LJ (U20) - 5.94m- 4th (new PB and indoor club
record)
Day 2
Talia - 60mH (U15) - 9.02 - 1st (new PB and indoor club record plus number 1 in the UK for her category)
Rahman - LJ (U17) - 6.68m - 3rd
Michael - PV (U20) - 4.25m - 6th
Andrei - PV (U15) - 2.41m - 12th
The 5th and final race in the 2024-2025 Kent Cross Country League was held at Norman Park on the 8th February.
The Harriers had 10 athletes in men’s race and 2 in the women’s race.
Two of their athletes finished in the top 10 for their categories. Sam finished 27th overall and 7th place for his category in the men’s race and Sarah finished 12th overall and 8th place for her category in the women’s race!
Future fixtures8th Mar - Kent XC teams compete in UK Intercounties at Nottingham.
Central Park Athletics
Cross country: Wins for Samuel Watson and Samuel Jarrett in the Northfleet Athletics Championship recently and PB’s for Leanne Wilkes and Walter Michelli in the indoor 60m race series at Sutcliffe Park.
We have three juniors qualified for the English schools cross country championships ESSA in Samuel Watson, Noah Collins and Lexie Johnson.
A collaboration between Dartford Borough Council, Places Leisure, Ferguson Brown Engineering, TSG Building Services and LG Electronics has successfully delivered a comprehensive renewables project at Fairfield Leisure Centre.
This initiative, funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, underscores the council’s commitment in reaching its goal of net-zero carbon emissions in its commercial buildings. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.
The project required careful management as the leisure centre remained open throughout the works. To minimise disruption to the community, most of the installation was carried out overnight, ensuring the comfort and safety of both users and staff remained a top priority.
Dartford Borough Council Leader, Jeremy Kite said, “This initiative exemplifies the potential of public and private sector collaboration to drive sustainability. Fairfield will be generating enough renewable energy to be self-sufficient – keeping the lights on, and the pools warm. Any additional energy is fed back into the National Grid, to ensure that nothing is wasted, and Dartford can move toward a greener future”.
Steve Parker, Head of Technical and Environmental at Places Leisure said, “We are delighted to see the completion of this renewables project at Fairfield Leisure Centre which will allow the building to become carbon neutral. Places Leisure is committed to supporting and collaborating with our partners to help achieve net zero at the centres we manage, Fairfield Leisure Centre is a great example of this.”
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “It’s inspiring to see how Dartford Borough Council is navigating its net zero journey and at
Fairfield Leisure Centre is a popular community building which will now be better placed for a more sustainable future as well as offering a more comfortable environment for those who work there and use it.”
The project’s comprehensive scope included the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of the following decarbonisation measures:
- 600kW Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) & Heat Recovery System: Installed on the roof, providing renewable heat for the building and pools.
- 50kW ASHP System: Dedicated to heating two new 2,500L hot water storage vessels during off-peak hours.
- 65kW Solar Thermal System: Comprising 39 roof-mounted solar collectors, delivering heat to the pools during daylight hours with ASHP backup for lowlight conditions.
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System: Featuring 678 panels on the roof (288.15kWp) and 156 panels on a carport in the main car park (64.74kWp), producing a combined 352.89kWp.
- Low-Energy LED Lighting: Installed with occupancy sensors throughout the centre.
Salix we are pleased to support that journey.
We’re here to help make your search for a care home easier. In our home, you can expect a safe, welcoming environment, where we encourage independence while offering a helping hand. We get to know everyone, offer a range of sociable activities, and most of all, a place to call home. Nursing | Residential | Short stay
Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious award in recognition of all the school does to develop international citizens and promote intercultural understanding and respect.
Dartford Grammar School’s international work is well-established in the school. The IB programme is fully integrated across the curriculum and leads the international outlook of staff and students. As part of two Creativity Weeks during the academic year, three whole year groups are focused on Languages and Internationalism.
Mandarin, Japanese and Classics Excellence Programmes give opportunities for intensive language learning, cultural trips both nationally and internationally
and, as a Confucius Classroom and Sakura Network classroom, the school is committed to promoting the teaching and learning of Chinese and Japanese language and culture, supporting several primary and secondary schools in this endeavour.
Newly established links such as that with Taiwan, are flourishing and their long-established links and exchanges with schools in Japan, China, Spain and Belgium grow ever stronger. In the last few weeks, a group of Year 12 Spanish students have just returned from visiting their Madrid exchange families and Year 12 French students are preparing to host their Belgian exchange partners very soon.
The International School Award reflects the international ethos that is embedded throughout DGS and fittingly celebrates the broad ranging international learning demonstrated right across the school.
In this month’s edition, we’ll look at new electric cars which will come on the market from Spring 2025 including an affordable option.
2025 BMW iX – Facelifted BMW iX electric SUV brings more power and range. The entry-level xDrive45e models now receive a 30% bigger battery which allows it to travel for up to 374 miles between charges. The range-topping M70 xDrive gives more power and a range of 373 miles. All versions of the iX come with two electric motors and four-wheel drive. The charging speeds connectivity on the iX is as quick as the fastest chargers allow. With prices due to start from £74,400 when it goes on sale in May 2025.
2025 Volkswagen ID 2 – this will be smaller as well as cheaper than the ID 3, but the aim is still to maximise interior space. The ID 2 will be available with two battery options. At the lower end of the spectrum is a 38kWh unit that’s good for a range of around 220 miles, while a larger, 56kWh battery will deliver an official range of up to 280 miles. Two power options will initially be available: 180bhp for the smaller battery and 223bhp for the larger one. Inside, the interior of the concept is fairly minimalist, featuring a head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen, plus a 10.9in digital driver’s display and a 12.9in infotainment screen. When it goes on sale in 2026, the ID 2 will cost less than £21,000.
2025 Tesla Model Y – The new car looks suitably 22ndcentury, with its lower front bumper split by a light bar which stretches the full width of the car. There are also new front air ducts designed to channel air around the car, while a second light bar features at the rear. Tesla have made efforts to improve the Model Y’s handling. At launch only one version of the new Model Y will be offered. That’s the Long Range AWD, which has an official range of up to 353 miles. On the inside there are new heated and ventilated seats with the infotainment touchscreen system remaining unchanged. It goes on sale in March 2025 with prices starting from £60,990.
The cruise industry is set to make waves in 2025 with the introduction of several groundbreaking ships. These new vessels will offer cutting-edge technology, luxury accommodations, and eco-friendly features, enhancing the cruise experience for travellers worldwide. Here we take a look at what’s new in 2025.
MSC World America
MSC Cruises will introduce the MSC World America in April 2025. This LNG-powered ship is the second in the World Class series and is tailored for the North American market. With a capacity of approximately 6,762 passengers, it boasts innovative features such as:
• A massive water park
• A unique over-the-edge swing
• Multiple dining options, including the renowned Italian restaurant Eataly
• A state-of-the-art casino
Sailing from Miami, MSC World America will primarily focus on Caribbean itineraries, including stops at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, set to launch in August 2025, is the second Icon-class ship. Expected to surpass the Icon of the Seas as the world’s largest cruise ship, it features:
• A gross tonnage of 250,800
• Capacity for up to 7,600 guests
• Over 40 bars and restaurants
• The largest onboard water park: Category 6
• The thrilling Crown’s Edge, a mix of skywalk, rope course, and adventure ride
Sailing primarily from Miami, Star of the Seas will cater to families and adventure-seekers.
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua is set to launch in April 2025 as the first of the Prima Plus class. The ship, accommodating 3,571 passengers.
• The largest Haven complex yet, including three-bed-
room duplex suites
• New dining concepts such as Planterie (vegetarian options) and Sukhothai (Thai cuisine)
• The Swirl Wine Bar, a new addition to Norwegian’s lineup.
Norwegian Aqua will sail Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises will introduce Celebrity Xcel in November 2025, rounding out their Edge Class fleet. This 141,000-ton ship will carry 3,260 passengers and feature:
• Elevated, modern luxury accommodations
• Signature Edge Class features such as Magic Carpet and Infinite Verandas
• Enhanced sustainability initiatives
Brilliant Lady
Virgin Voyages is launching Brilliant Lady in September 2025, continuing its trend of adult-only cruising. While details remain scarce, it is expected to maintain Virgin’s signature offerings, including:
• Unique, immersive entertainment
• Michelin-star-level dining
• A vibrant, modern design
Disney Destiny
Disney Cruise Line will debut Disney Destiny in 2025, a highly anticipated addition to its fleet. Inspired by classic Disney tales, this ship will feature immersive experiences, innovative dining options, and world-class entertainment. With state-of-the-art technology and themed areas, Disney Destiny will offer magical adventures for families sailing the high seas.
The Maiden Voyage sets sail on November 20, 2025, kicking off an inaugural season of 4 and 5 night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
To find out more pop in and see us in Dartford town centre.
Would you like your business to
its customer
experience? Register your interest in our FREE Dementia Friendly Dartford initiative!
Dartford Borough Council has awarded ADSS funding to support local retailers, businesses, charities and community organisations to become Dementia Inclusive.
This is a great opportunity to ensure that those affected by dementia feel safe and comfortable when shopping on the High Street and in the shopping centres in Dartford.
You will be provided with FREE Dementia Awareness training and with an opportunity to ensure the areas of your business that are open to the public are welcoming and safe for those living with dementia.
Those businesses participating will be awarded with a window sticker that can be displayed so that those affected by dementia will be confident in accessing your business.
Places are limited so don’t delay in registering your interest via this QR code.
If you have any questions about this initiative, please email
Having a comfortable and safe environment to live in is important to anyone, and even more so to a person living with dementia. Having an environment that is accessible and easy to navigate will contribute positively to maintaining independence and could impact on reducing risks, such as slips, trips and falls.
It’s not only important for us to consider the environment at home, but also for businesses open to the public so that they can provide a safe, inclusive space for people living with dementia.
Why do we need to think about environments?
• Changes in vision – some people living with dementia may also have pre-existing conditions that affect their sight, e.g. diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration. Some may also have difficulty due to their dementia which can result in them misjudging heights of objects or heights of flooring leading to exaggerated steps, mistaking shiny floors as wet or difficultly finding a lost item even though it is in front of them.
• Changes in spatial awareness – a person with dementia’s sense of balance could be affected or they may become disorientated in familiar places.
• Changes in mobility – a person with dementia may experience changes in their mobility, this maybe a change in gait or body posture, for example stooping over, therefore affecting their balance.
What can we do to make the environment safer and accessible?
- Remove/replace possible hazards – check around your home regularly for any potential hazards, for example remove rugs that could be a trip or slip hazard, or replace with non-slip mats. Consider items such as electrical cords/extension leads, can you remove/minimise the amount of cords or put them in a covered space to avoid being tampered with. Declutter, ensure there is minimal clutter around especially on the floors and spaces that are used a lot, for example kitchen surfaces.
- Use of equipment – identify where you may benefit from some extra support at home with the use of equipment, such as handrails in the bathroom or by the front door to help with balance. A perching stall in the kitchen may be helpful so you can sit down whilst preparing food. There are many types of equipment that can be used to enable safety and independence, you can speak to your ADSS Dementia Coordinator about an Occupational Therapy referral.
- Lighting – ensure there is good lighting in the rooms that you use and by your front and back door. Adding motion sensor lights can be beneficial at nighttime if you are getting up out of bed.
- Calm atmosphere – to help make you feel comfortable and calm you may want to personalise the spaces you like to relax in. For example, the lounge, having familiar items such as photos and some ornaments can offer comfort and stimulation. Making sure there is minimal to no change in the layout of furniture can help reduce confusion. Having a reduced level of noise can also contribute to reducing over stimulation.
- Orientation – having signs on doors can help with navigation, with the name of the room or contents of the cupboard. You may also benefit from having an orientation clock that tells you the date, time and weather. If you would like some further advice on how to ensure the home is dementia inclusive please feel free to contact your ADSS Dementia Coordinator or email us on info@alz-dem.org
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected in July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.
I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson.mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.
Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.
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By Jane Stevenson
THE ‘WHAT IF’ OF LIFE
‘What if’ is such a telling phrase. What if I had studied harder at school? What if I had never smoked/drank/eaten so much cake…?
Life may have turned out as it has, but possibly it would have been very different.
Perhaps with more applied effort at school, I would have achieved my aim to be a successful author. Maybe my wellbeing would have been better without the nicotine, calories, UPFs and other self-inflicted unhealthy life choices I made.
The realisation that much of our future is tied to our past, brought home to me how ill equipped for Real Life we are when younger. How difficult it is to envision how our lives could have been.
Benjamin Franklin said, “nothing is certain except death and taxes”. Academia teaches us to read, write and count. It introduces us to sciences, art and the wider world. Perhaps there should be lessons on our tax system, parenting, relationships and death. These are such vital skills to have and should have a far greater importance within the national curriculum than currently.
There is another way of looking at this conundrum. Without knowing what influence we could have had on our lives, we become what we have. Would we know the same friends, do the same jobs, experience the same successes and failures if we knew how the future would pan out?
I’m not sure whether or not it is a good thing to look back. I’ve made lifelong friends, visited places I never thought I’d see, experienced events and situations beyond my control. Not having the foresight to change things, I look back on my early twenties and thirties with affection and good deal of humour.
How different it might have been!
What if I’d learnt fiscal responsibility instead of spending money on records and books?
What if I’d been more committed to my college course, rather than missing lectures to hang around Covent Garden?
What if I’d stayed in one job and never taken the opportunity to travel?
Mistakes were made and lessons learned, some more than once!
Would I change anything from those times? No. They shaped the person I’ve become, and I’m quite happy with her, thank you.
AGED PEOPLE AND AGED FELINES
This is the state of play in the Stevenson household nowadays.
Me, Other Half, and the two cats are all on the wrong side of youthful.
As we’ve all got older, we’ve all had to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies: for example, none of us are particularly mobile so nowadays the cats are as likely to trip over us as we are to fall over them.
There is a pecking order with sleeping arrangements; Will (feral) has a basket at the bottom of our bed. Doyle (needy Siamese) insists on sleeping under the duvet with us.
Nothing is sacred anymore – the Siamese insists on riding up and down on the stair lift. Will expects a piece of mature cheddar cheese, the moment he hears the fridge open. If it feels warm, it’s claimed by the cats, whether it be my laptop keyboard, the interior of the tumble drier, or a warm wheat bag for my arthritic knee.
We live in a perpetual state of uneasy truce with them, constantly aware that what is ours is also theirs, whether it be food, clothing, the TV remote or the seedling trays in the greenhouse.
We’re all so set in our ways no-one is going to capitulate at this late stage! This Gang of Four are quite content in their own little retirement home.
Take care All
DARTFORD FOODBANK
Bluewater Mobility Shop
Dear Dartford Resident,
At your local Ability Plus Mobility Shop we have everything you need to get the most out of life. From Rising Chairs that help you stand to Scooters for getting out and about to see friends and family. Not to mention Stairlifts, Power Chairs and much more!
Enjoy a day out at Bluewater and stop by to see our range. My friendly team of experts look forward to welcoming you at your Ability Plus, Bluewater.
Best wishes,
Nicki, Nina and Team
A Will is a legal document that specifies what happens to your assets after you die. It is the only way to ensure that your money, property and possessions go to the people and causes that you want.
There are many things to think about and information to gather before your Will can be written.
Itemise and value your estate
Write down all your assets and what they are worth, this includes your home, car, bank accounts, investments, jewellery, other personal possessions and any other items of value. You also need to account for any debts. Decide who you want your estate to benefit
Who do you want to receive your money and possessions following your death?
Make a list, this may include your spouse or partner, other family members, friends and/or charities.
Decide how you want to divide your estate
When allocating your assets to people and charities, you can use several broad types of legacy:
· pecuniary bequest: to leave a fixed sum of money to someone. For example: “I leave my daughter £10,000.”
· specific bequest: to leave a specific item which you own to someone. Anything that meets the description of the item in your possession at your death will be given
to that person. For example: “I leave my granddaughter my jewellery.”
· residuary bequest: to leave a percentage of the value of your estate (after any debts, taxes, costs, and other liabilities have been paid) to a person or charity. For example: “I leave half my estate to my son.” Or “I leave 20% of my estate to the British Red Cross.”
· reversionary bequest: to leave an asset or a sum of money to one person but to specify what happens to it or who it goes to next if that person predeceases you. For example: “I leave my home/£50,000/Picasso painting to my husband, but if he doesn’t survive me, it passes to my daughter.”
Choose your executors
Executors are the people who deal with the distribution and division of your estate after you’ve passed away. This includes collecting all the assets and money due to the estate (which may involve clearing a home and selling the property and any valuables), paying any taxes and outstanding debts, and allocating the estate to the people specified as beneficiaries in the Will.
The Will names your executor(s). Being an executor involves a lot of responsibility and paperwork so think carefully about who you appoint. Many of our clients choose Simpson Wreford LLP as an executor as well as a family member or close friend.
Your Will
Once you have decided how to allocate your assets and to whom, you need this made official by drawing up your Will, which is where Simpson Wreford LLP can help. We will go through your decisions and inform you of any options and tax saving measures that can be taken, before drafting the Will to follow your wishes.
For the Will to be valid it must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Once signed the Will needs to be stored safely and securely, you can do this yourself or we have a Will safe where it can be stored.
For further information contact Simpson Wreford LLP now on 020 8317 6460 or visit at www. simpsonwreford.co.uk
March is brain tumour awareness month. Brain tumours are abnormal growths of cells in the brain that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They affect people of all ages and can have serious consequences depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. While the exact cause of brain tumours is not always clear, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of brain tumours remains unknown in many cases. However, several risk factors may contribute to their development:
1. Genetics: A family history of brain tumours may increase the risk.
2. Radiation Exposure: High doses of radiation, such as radiation therapy to the head, may lead to tumour formation.
3. Age: Some brain tumours are more common in children, while others are more frequent in older adults.
4. Chemical Exposure: Certain industrial chemicals may increase the risk of brain tumours, although research is ongoing.
Symptoms of Brain Tumours
The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its size, type, and location. Common symptoms include:
• Headaches: Persistent headaches, especially worse in the morning or with activity.
• Seizures: Sudden convulsions or loss of consciousness.
• Vision or Hearing Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss.
• Memory and Cognitive Issues: Difficulty thinking, confusion, or personality changes.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often unexplained and persistent.
• Weakness or Numbness: Particularly in one side of the body.
Many of these symptoms can have other causes, so try not to worry if you develop them. For example, most recurrent headaches are not brain tumours. However, if any of these symptoms occur persistently, it is important that you speak to your GP.
Diagnosis
Doctors use various tests to diagnose brain tumours, including:
• MRI and CT Scans: Imaging techniques that help detect abnormalities in the brain.
• Biopsy: A sample of the tumour is taken to determine if it is cancerous.
• Neurological Exams: Tests to assess brain function, reflexes, and coordination.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. Not all benign tumours require treatment and some might just be monitored.
Common treatments include:
1. Surgery: In many cases, surgeons attempt to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
2. Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used to target and destroy tumour cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Medications that kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells.
4. Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments that focus on specific genes or proteins in cancer cells.
5. Supportive Care: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medications to manage symptoms.
Living with a Brain Tumour
A brain tumour diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advances in medicine have improved survival rates and quality of life. Support from family, friends, and medical professionals is essential. Many patients benefit from rehabilitation programs, counselling, and support groups. Useful information can be found at thebraintumourcharity.org, brainstrust.org.uk or cancerresearchuk.org.
Conclusion
Brain tumours are a serious health condition, but early detection and treatment can improve outcomes. Awareness of symptoms and risk factors is key to timely intervention. If you or someone you know experiences persistent neurological symptoms, consult a doctor for evaluation.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
It takes a lot to accept that our parents need care. Naturally, you think about the path that lies ahead. We know we’ll do the best we can to help, but with commitments such as work and parental responsibilities, there’s no escaping the potential need for professionals to help out.
Coupled with this could be the sadness around seeing a parent have to leave the home they love. But the truth is that care needs can be supported at home.
Opting for home care is the first step. But it’s key to look at what forms of home care exist, and what suits the needs of your loved one.
Here are three options if you decide that home care is right for you:
• Home care by the hour
Maybe your loved one is still quite capable and can live independently. But perhaps they have become too frail to keep up with the housework, and some extra help around the house will benefit them. Or maybe you’re not comfortable at the thought of them struggling when it comes to shopping, attending appointments and taking medication. A Care Professional can support with that.
But just as importantly, a Care Professional provides companionship. Social interaction is vital, and with the right home care company, your loved one will bond with their Care Professional and it will simply feel like a friend popping in.
• Live-in Care at home
You can take home care a step further and have a Care Professional move in with your loved one. That doesn’t mean they receive 24 hour care – it means that someone is available in the home throughout the day and will provide the care you need as you require it.
Having company is important, and Live-in Care helps older people stay socially stimulated. And from the family’s perspective, they can rest assured that the Care Professional can act if there is an emergency, such as a fall.
A Live-in Care package offers the ultimate flexibility. It fits around what the client wants their daily routine to be. Perhaps your loved one wants to eat at 1pm on the dot? The Care Professional can make it happen. Whether they want to eat alone or with the Care Professional, their wishes can be fulfilled.
• Specialist care
Even when care needs grow significantly, staying at home can be an option. Home care companies who are rated highly, such as Home Instead, provide Care Professionals who are specially trained to care for people with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s. They have the skills and knowledge to respond to the symptoms gently and give someone a happy and safe life at home.
Even people faced with a life limiting disease or illness have the option to stay at home. A high-quality care company’s palliative care will ensure that your loved one’s final months or years are as comfortable and dignified as possible.
Addressing the challenges of your parents getting older is much simpler if you’re already clued up on the care options available and know that staying at home is an option. The ageing process is different for us all, and that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to care. Whatever situation you’re facing, there is a care package and a supportive team that can help.
We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help or if you would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. Please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford. homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 923750.
Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.
Since I last wrote in these pages, things have been progressing extremely well within the Dartford First Team camp. Six league fixtures have been completed in that time, with the team collecting sixteen points from a possible eighteen.
That means that the Darts are on an incredible unbeaten run of 21 league games, a run which has seen us climb to the top of the Isthmian Premier League table. During this run of fixtures, Ady Pennock’s side recorded an amazing 10-game winning streak, which was ended by a 0-0 draw in the rescheduled match against Chichester City on Tuesday (11th February) night.
However, we returned to winning ways away at struggling Hendon, who gave us a big scare in the firsthalf in particular. But, the team rallied to turn the game around to register a 3-2 victory... our tenth away from home and our eleventh win in twelve games.
The excellent run of form will also be remembered for Dartford’s comprehensive 4-0 hammering of fellow-titlechallengers Billericay Town, which saw us claim first place in the league for the first time this season. We now sit a point above Billericay, in what is an extremely tight top five. And we intend to remain there, as we travel to another struggling side (Cheshunt) this weekend.
One thing that Ady Pennock has created this season, is a team that shares the goals. No fewer than thirteen players used this term have scored so far, with Olly Box leading the pack with 13 goals in all competitions to date.
The chasing pack sees Callum Jones (11), Eddie Dsane (10), Samir Carruthers (8), and both George Whitefield and Denzelle Olopade with six goals. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jacob Marsden has been in fine form and
has picked up eleven clean sheets in all competitions so far.
Over in the Dartford FC Women’s camp, things are equally as successful so far. The weekend just gone saw the ladies defeat Bromley Ladies via a penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw to register a place in the Kent Cup Final (again!). Shauni Griffiths and Beth Powell were the goalscorers, before a 64th minute goal from the visitors saw the game go to penalties. They missed their fifth spot-kick, whereas Paris Smith netted to send the Darts through.
Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit are on form in the league as well, and currently sit at the summit of the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table with 38 points from fifteen games. That’s a record of 12 wins, 2 draws, and just the one defeat! The ladies are unbeaten at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, and have conceded on only two occasions. On the road, meanwhile, they have won four of their six fixtures, conceding just four goals.
The latest league fixture saw the Darts thump Sutton United 5-0, in which both Brionne Fowle and Lizzie Adams scored twice, with Emily Vaughan netting as well.
Chana Hinds and Co have scored an incredible 49 goals in league competition this season, of which Amy Russ has scored 20. Following behind the goal machine is Shauni Griffiths (14) and Emily Vaughan (13), while Brionne Fowle has scored seven goals.
It’s certainly going to be an exciting few months on all fronts, as we reach the business-end of the season. So please do come to support all our teams and help to get the stadium bouncing!
Please remember to keep an eye on all teams’ progress via our social media platforms and the official club website throughout the season. And as always, thank you for your continued support and thanks for reading.
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Parent and Toddler Groups
Dartford Libraries
Baby Rhyme Time:
A free, fun and noisy way for under 3s to develop a love of language and a foundation for learning. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library - Mondays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Dartford Library - Mondays 11.15 – 11:45 – Term time only
Fleetdown Library - Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Greenhithe Library - Friday 10.00 – 10.30 – Term time only
Longfield Library - Thursdays 10.45 – 11.15 – Term time only
Summerhouse Drive Library - Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Storytime:
Listening to stories is a great way to develop and encourage young children to read books. Come and join one of our free storytime sessions for 3 to 4 year olds - it's great fun! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library - Thursdays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Children’s Craft and Activity Time:
A fun free art & craft session for children. This group aims to bring children aged 4-11 together to chat and make new friends. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library – Saturdays 11.00 – 13.00
Summerhouse Drive Library – 1st Saturday of the month 10.30 – 11.30
Temple Hill Library – Saturdays 10.30 – 1.00
Baby Playground:
An exciting programme of creative play sessions for young children, has begun across Kent. Led by a team of brilliant artists and musicians, families with babies (aged 0 to 18 months) can share creative play. They will gain confidence and enthusiasm for continued and sustained creative engagement with their children.
Dartford Library – Fridays 10.30 – 11:15 – Term time only – Must be booked in advance
Other Parent and Toddler Groups
Monday 9:15am - 11:30am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.50 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 07917 843592.
Sing and Sign Orchard Shopping Centre - Mondays - 9.30am - 10.15am Toddlers 10.15 - 11am 6 months - 14 Months 11am - 11.45am Under 6 Months.
Bexley Park Sports and Social Club - Thursdays 11.am - 11.45am 6 months - 14 Months 11.45am - 12.30pm Under 6 months
Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am - Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com
Friday 9.30am-11am - Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child- £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRagse
Friday 10.30am – 12.30 - Mummy’s Linkup - on the 4th Friday of each month., Temple Hill Community Centre
Saturday 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602
Sundays 10:15-10:45 - Little Tigers - Karate for 3, 4 & 5 year oldsSwanscombe Leisure Centre. Call Saj on 07903 513104
BABYBALLERS Themed Football and multi skills sessions are suitable for girls and boys aged 16 months to 5 years old. Your little superstar will learn shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots, more all through playing the BabyBallers way! Classes in Dartford, Northfleet, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet on Fridays and weekends. Please visit https://babyballers1.class4kids.co.uk/ or email matt@babyballers.com
Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups
Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)
Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)
Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)
