Fun in the sun

The sun’s out, temperatures are rising, and the Kent countryside is looking glorious. While we might all be feeling the pinch here’s our guide to getting active while keeping safe and sticking to a budget.

Walking and cycling are both fun, free ways to get active and improve your mental wellbeing at the same time.

Visit Explore Kent for the best guide to getting outside and experiencing the best of Kent’s coast, countryside and woodland. They have easy access trails with flatter surfaces and no obstacles making them ideal for people with pushchairs, mobility aid users or those looking for a gentle stroll. Visit Wellbeing Walks for details of volunteer-led walks in your area. These gentle walks are designed to help you get active, get outdoors and meet new people.

Eileen Masterson from Tenterden is enjoying being back in the saddle with a little support from One You Kent after the pandemic, an old injury and a house move knocked her plans off course for a while. Retired Occupational Therapist Eileen’s GP referred her to One You Kent following a blood test that showed her cholesterol levels were high. Eileen, in her early sixties, spoke to One You Kent Lifestyle Adviser Pat Walker about her diet, activity levels and lifestyle. Eileen said: “Pat was prepared to listen to me and look at what would work for me. It was a real team effort where she challenged me to push myself a little to get more physically active.”

Eileen has a busy lifestyle, volunteering at her local church, playing bowls and as a folk singer with Dave, her husband of 37 years. But she hadn’t realised how low her activity levels had got. Eileen said: “I had really stopped doing anything to get my heart pumping. We worked together on some simple goals to increase my cardiovascular exercise. My bike had been sat at the back of the shed for a while and I have an old injury that needed some attention but I’m glad to say I am now back out and about doing ten-mile bike rides again.”

Eileen feels happier and has lost over eight pounds. Whether you want to lose weight, get active, quit smoking, or just feel better about life One You Kent is here to support YOU. Visit One You Kent or phone 0300 123 1220 for more information.

Keeping younger members of the family happy and healthy shouldn't have to cost a fortune. You can download the free Born to Move app for lots of activities and tips to keep your pre-schoolers active at home and out and about.

Reconnect is a community-based programme designed to get Kent’s children and young people thriving following the pandemic. There are lots of activities and events for you and your family to enjoy this summer. The summer means exam season and all the stresses that go alongside for many young people. If you’d like to understand more about your children and how to support their mental health and wellbeing you can access free online ‘Understanding your child’ courses. Visit In Our Place to register for a free account with the access code ‘Invicta’.  You can also speak to the School Health Team if you need more support on 0800 0113 474.

Keeping safe in the sun 

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol.
• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Take rest breaks when you’re out and about.
• Wear sunscreen above SPF30 and cover up with a hat.
• Keep young babies under six months out of direct sunshine and use a parasol to let air circulate around your baby. Never put a blanket or sheet over a buggy to keep them in the shade.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
• Find out more about keeping safe during the hot weather at kent.gov.uk/heatwave

Keeping safe near water  

• Children can drown in just a few inches of water. Empty the paddling pool out after you’ve used it and never leave water in open containers or buckets.
• Never leave a child unattended around water.
• If you want to swim in the sea, choose a beach with lifeguards.
• Water is often much colder than in looks, especially in open water or inland sites, and this can affect your ability to swim.
• If you get caught in a current, don’t fight it. Swim with the current and call for help.
• Find out more about keeping safe around water at https://rnli.org/safety