Ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community are cared for and supported is one of the most important roles of the council.
Demographic changes, areas of high deprivation and, most recently, the cost-of-living crisis mean that more people in Medway are in need of support from care and social support services. In these challenging times we will ensure we work together with our partners to ensure we have a system that supports, protects and safeguards our children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Our ambition is for Medway to become one of the healthiest places in England. To achieve this aim, we must tackle some very challenging issues that have led to significant inequalities. As well as providing the infrastructure for people to grow and thrive in Medway, action will be taken to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the Medway population. We will safeguard and protect our vulnerable residents working with our key partners in the health, voluntary sector, faith and wider community. We will help people gain the appropriate knowledge and skills to improve their confidence to better manage their health and wellbeing. Individuals, families and carers will know what they need to do, to prevent, reduce or delay deterioration in health status. One of the council’s exciting major projects underway is researching public health in Medway looking into the wider determinants of health and health inequalities to inform future decision making. All our strategies and policies will have prevention as a key theme. By doing this, we will deliver our vision of improving health for all Medway residents.
Medway Council works hard to provide a huge range of services within our communities – from libraries and community hubs to children’s centres, sports centres, theatres, events and festivals. These are all vital services helping our residents feel connected and proud of Medway.
We are especially proud of our important place in our nation’s history and our rich heritage including the country’s second oldest cathedral, tallest Norman Castle, Historic Dockyard Chatham, our connections with Charles Dickens, and much more. Each year we welcome more than 5 million tourists. Over the coming years, we aim to enhance Medway’s reputation as a beacon in the south east for year-round cultural and festival celebrations and activities ranging from the Sweeps and Dickensian Christmas festivals to Medway Pride and the annual Gaming Festival.
Sub-priorities
- Provide effective, targeted support for our most vulnerable residents to enable them to fulfil their potential and improve their quality of life
- Support people of all ages to live the most happy, healthy, independent life possible, utilising assistive technologies
- Ensure that services support children in care to thrive, fulfil their potential, build meaningful relationships and make good transitions to adulthood, so that they can live as independent lives as possible in their communities
- Provide creative, cultural and community services and facilities across Medway that everyone can access and benefit from
- Support our children and young people to ensure they are safe, secure and stable
- Support all adults, including those living with disability or physical or mental illness to live independently and stay safe
- People in Medway live independent and fulfilled lives into an active older age.