Social Inclusion

'Social exclusion' is an issue that one can read a lot about these days-particularly in documents produced by Whitehall or county and district councils. It sounds serious. It sounds important… and indeed it is. In simple terms, social exclusion occurs whenever and wherever people feel themselves cut off from the opportunities and services that most people in society take for granted. Below are some examples of good practice in Kent which bring services to the local community, diminish exclusion and isolation and best of all can be reproduced in villages and communities like yours.

• The Quarry Centre in Kilndown Since the last shop closed in 1980 the centre has served as a shop (local produce and organically grown produce), a satellite doctor's surgery, meeting and exhibition hall, and more.
  
  Contact: Lynda Shepherd, 01580 879549; shepherdess@tinyworld.co.uk.
  
  
  
• Rolvenden Farmers' Market in the parish church(!). From mohair to mussels, cheese to chives, this innovative market not only provides opportunity for local farmers and others to sell direct to the public, it also makes wider use of the church premises. The market also employs young people with learning disabilities.
  
  Contact: Shelley Mitchell, 01580 240763 or www.Rolvendenfarmersmarket.co.uk
  
  
  
• Ashurst Through a grant from the Community Fund (National Lottery) free courses (open to all comers) were organised in areas such as information technology (computer skills), dance, parenting skills and craft.
  
  Contact: Julia Soyke, 01892 740210; jsoyke@jsoyke.freeserve.co.uk
  
  
  
• Eastry A group of 12 young people approached their local policeman and rural warden with the following proposal: "We'll help you tidy up the village, clear up graffiti, etc., but what can you do for us in return?" Having done their bit for their local community the young people were taken on an outing to the Dover Motocross. Funding came through the rural warden's fund provided by KCC's Rural Partnership Fund.
  
  Contacts: Robert Priestley, Rural Warden: 07786 191596 or PC Wayne Wright: 07980 770585.
  
  
  

Contact Natalie Fowkes, Community Development Worker on 01303 850816.

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