LISTEN: Head of Childline, Elizabeth Rowe, says the number of young people counselled for loneliness is rising - 03/07/18
Young people in Kent are being urged to seek help for feeling lonely - after 4,636 of them contacted Childline in the past year. Figures from the helpline show a 14 per cent rise across the UK with 945 children counselled in the south east.  Teenagers made up the majority of young people in need of help - with the youngest person being just 10. Elizabeth Rowe is the Head of the service
2m Jul 02, 2018
2m
LISTEN: Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council - 02/07/2018
Kent County councillors have claimed nearly £2m in expenses and allowances.  Councillors controversially voted for a 15% increase in their allowances last year, ignoring a recommendation from an independent panel saying to put the figure up by only a fraction of that amount.
3m Jul 02, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Find out how people in Rochester have been keeping cool as the heatwave continues - 02/07/2018
It's been revealed last month was the joint driest June in #Kent since records began. Just 4.1mm of rain fell - that's only 9% of what we'd normally get during the month.  The last time it was this dry was back in 1921 and the hot weather's expected to continue for at least the rest of the week. These people in #Rochester have been telling us how they're handling the heat.
1m Jul 02, 2018
1m
The Update - 02/07/2018
An MP says bouncy castles need to be banned in public areas. It's after an inflatable reportedly exploded in Norfolk - killing a girl.
5m Jul 02, 2018
5m
Listen: Dave Benson from the illegal money lending team says loan sharks are a huge problem - 02/07/2018
A charter has been signed by several groups in Kent in a bid to tackle illegal money lenders who threaten violence when victims can't make repayments. The document is all about raising awareness of the issue and making sure people who're struggling financially know where to get help. Trading Standards, Citizens Advice and Credit Unions have all agreed to the Zero Tolerance to Loan Sharks pled...
3m Jul 02, 2018
3m
Listen: Sophie Barton filmed herself having her first smear test to raise awareness - 02/07/2018
A Kent woman who filmed herself having her first smear test says she hopes it'll stop other women from worrying about having it done. Sophie Brandon posted the footage on facebook after a friend said how concerned she was about the procedure. It's since had 6 and a half thousand views. The 24 year-old from Ashford says she hopes it'll encourage others to have the cancer screening. Women are...
2m Jul 01, 2018
2m
SPORT: Kent Skipper Sam Billings speaks about the Spitfires' loss to Hampshire in the One Day Cup final - 01/07/2018
#Kent Spitfires' lose by 61 runs to Hampshire in the final of the One Day Cup #cricket #kmfmnews
1m Jul 01, 2018
1m
LISTEN: The KM Charity Team's CEO Simon Dolby talks about the dragon boat challenge - 01/07/18
The annual dragon boat challenge staged by the KM Charity Team will take place in Maidstone.Almost 1,000 people will head to Mote Park to see 40 teams test their skills on the water across a 250 metre course. At least 60-thousand-pounds is expected to be raised and will go towards the teams' respective charities.  Simon Dolby is the charity's Chief Executive.
2m Jun 30, 2018
2m
LISTEN: Founder Keith Mabbutt talks Street Soccer's inaugural Sleep Out event at Priestfield stadium, raising awareness of rough sleepers - 30/06/18
Gillingham's Priestfield stadium will have business leaders swapping their suits for sleeping bags to raise awareness of rough sleeping. The inaugural Sleep Out event set up by the Street Soccer Foundation intends to create a partial experience of being out on the streets. More than 50 members of the business community will sleep out in the Medway stand. The Foundation partners with the Gills t...
3m Jun 29, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Kent coach Matt Walker reckons they're underdogs going into the One Dup Cup final - 29/06/2018
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/sport/walker-we-will-give-it-everything-185339/
1m Jun 29, 2018
1m
The Update - 29/06/2018
The man in charge of policing during the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 will face trial over the deaths of 95 of the Liverpool supporters who died.  David Duckenfield faces counts of gross negligence manslaughter. The Crown Prosecution Service applied to lift a historical stay - that had stopped further legal proceedings - on the now-retired chief superintendent.
3m Jun 29, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Kent's Paralympic skier Millie Knight - 29/06/2018
A #Kent athlete who won three medals at the winter Paralympics has told us she's looking forward to moving to Scotland. Visually impaired skier Millie Knight from #Canterbury got two silvers and a bronze in South Korea earlier this year. The 19 year-old says she's back in training and already planning for 2022.
3m Jun 29, 2018
3m
The Update - 28/06/2018
Troops have arrived to support firefighters battling flames on Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester.  Wildfires now span seven square miles.
5m Jun 28, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Cabinet member for transport Cllr Mike Whiting says it's KCC's job to ensure they can meet the demand in population growth - 28/06/18
There are concerns a population boom in Kent could put a strain on schools, hospitals and roads - as a report reveals almost 400,000 more people are expected to be living here by 2031. It says £16 billion needs to be spent on infrastructure. But has revealed a funding gap of £3.6 billion, which the county council say they can't explain. Cllr Mike Whiting is the cabinet member for highways and t...
3m Jun 28, 2018
3m
The Update - 27/06/2018
Authorities say they have no idea how long fires on moorland in Greater Manchester will burn for. Dozens of people have had to leave their homes - and four schools have closed - after wind and hot, dry conditions fanned flames on Saddleworth Moor. Around 50 firefighters are trying to tackle four areas of fire.
5m Jun 27, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Allan Presland of Parenta says they're driving from Maidstone to Monaco to raise money for pre-schools in East Africa - 27/06/18
Charity Parenta Trust are fundraising to build pre-schools in East Africa for children in need of quality education. A banger car rally will set off from Maidstone to Monaco - through 8 countries - in a Top Gear style challenge. Allan Presland is their co-founder.
2m Jun 27, 2018
2m
LISTEN: the Kent School Games is celebrating its 10th birthday - organiser Natalie Harris - 27/06/2018
The 10th anniversary of the Kent School Games Finals is set to get underway at the University of Kent in Canterbury. It started back in 2008 as an Olympic and Paralympic legacy project - with the ambition to run a multi-sport event for young people across the county. It's the largest event, which will see around 1,500 people compete in a diversity of sports. Natalie Harris is the organiser:
3m Jun 26, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Dr Simon Earl from South East Water wants us to think about how much water we're using during the heatwave - 27/06/2018
With the hot weather set to continue in Kent - South East Water are giving tips on how to reduce the amount of water you waste.  Operations Manager, Dr Simon Earl says the the average amount of water a person uses each day can increase by more than 50%. The past week alone has seen up to 100 million litres of water used per day across the region.
3m Jun 26, 2018
3m
The Update - 26/06/2018
Green campaigners and local councils have vowed to launch a legal challenge, after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of expanding Heathrow airport. The government insists the third runway there will benefit the whole of the UK, and create 100,000 jobs. Last week it was revealed #Sheerness could be used as an off-site construction base to build parts of the new runway.
5m Jun 26, 2018
5m
Listen: Kent Green MEP Keith Taylor says expanding Heathrow is bad news for the county - 26/06/2018
Kent Green MEP Keih Taylor has been speaking to #kmfm after MPs voted in favour of expanding #Heathrow airport.
2m Jun 26, 2018
2m
LISTEN: Michelle Parry whose son Robert Fraser was killed by Fentanyl has called for tougher sentencing on those supplying the drug - 26/06/2018
A Kent mum whose son died from Fentanyl says she's 'fighting for his memory' - as a debate takes place in Parliament later into tougher sentences for dealers. Robert Fraser died in 2016 after taking the drug which is said to be 50 times stronger than heroin. Michelle Parry is campaigning for 'Robert's Law' and has told KMFM a stronger penalty for those who supply it will help.
3m Jun 26, 2018
3m
The Update - 25/06/2018
It's thought around £1million worth of poker equipment has been destroyed in a fire at an industrial estate in #PaddockWood. More than 20 firefighters were needed to tackle the flames at the building on Eldon Way after it broke out early this morning. It's not known yet how it started.
5m Jun 25, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Melissa Gimson from Whitstable was recently diagnosed with Lipoedema - 25/06/2018
A woman from #Whitstable who suffers from a rare skin disease is trying to raise £20,000 for surgery. 27-year-old Melissa Gimson has Lipoedema, which causes painful swelling in her limbs.  The only way to fix it is to remove the affected cells using a form of Liposuction which is available on the NHS, so she's hoping to be able to travel to Germany for the operation.
3m Jun 25, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Business owner Chris Page says £1m worth of poker equipment has been destroyed in a fire - 25/06/2018
Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of poker equipment has been destroyed in a fire at an industrial estate in Paddock Wood. More than 20 firefighters were needed to tackle the flames at the building on Eldon Way after it broke out early this morning. People living nearby were told to keep windows and doors closed because of the smoke - while trains were also delayed. It's not known yet how i...
2m Jun 25, 2018
2m
LISTEN: Debra Hines, headteacher of Joy Lane Primary in Whitstable - 23/06/2018
Some of #Kent's head teachers say they're 'disappointed' the county council hasn't joined a national campaign calling on the government to stop funding cuts. The National Union of Head Teachers say local schools will be 21 million pounds worse off in real terms by 2020 - with the most vulnerable children at risk of losing out on support. They met at an emergency summit in #Canterbury to discuss...
1m Jun 23, 2018
1m
LISTEN: Jenny Ashley-Jones, Headteacher of Reculver C of E Primary School - 23/06/2018
Head teachers in #Kent say they're 'disappointed' the county council hasn't joined a national campaign calling on the government to stop funding cuts. An emergency summit was held in #Canterbury yesterday amid claims local schools are at 'breaking point' and are having to let staff go because they're on such tight budgets. The National Union of Head Teachers say the most vulnerable children are...
2m Jun 23, 2018
2m
Listen: Liu Batchelor has put together today's TEDx event in Folkestone - 23/06/2018
An event that's spread around the globe and is designed to help communities share ideas and get talking is taking place in Folkestone. TEDx is happening at The Quarterhouse after inviting people to apply to speak about this year's theme of 'courage'.
4m Jun 22, 2018
4m
The Update - 22/06/2018
Some of the parts for the runway at #Heathrow could be build in Kent. Bosses from the airport are visiting Peel Ports in #Sheerness later - which could be used for off-site construction. It's being done to spread out the new jobs and economic growth the project's expected to bring
3m Jun 22, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Robert Kelsall from the National Association of Head Teachers says Kent's schools are at 'breaking point'
An emergency summit to discuss the impact of school funding cuts is to take place in Canterbury.  The National Association of Head Teachers are hosting the event - after it emerged more than 400 Kent schools will face funding cuts. According to the School Cuts website, schools are set to lose more than £21m by 2020. Robert Kelsall is the National Secretary for the group.
3m Jun 21, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Kent teenager, James Okulaja, who was bullied for making music is releasing his first single - 22/06/18
A teenager from Gillingham who was bullied for making music is releasing his debut single.   15-year-old James frequently received hate comments online, whenever he posted a new song.  But he became an anti-bullying ambassador for the Diana Award and was motivated to overcome his past experiences. James says he wants to send a positive message to young people.
3m Jun 21, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Sandgate Primary school teacher Catherine Thomas says Year 6 pupils are campaigning to eradicate plastic sooner than 2042 - 22/06/18
School children in Folkestone have launched a petition to eradicate plastic sooner than the Prime Minister's pledge of 2042.  Sandgate Primary's Year 6 children decided to take action after learning about the impact plastic has on the environment.  Alongside the petition, they've written letters to Mrs May bring the deadline forward and made a video to raise awareness. Catherine Thomas is a tea...
1m Jun 21, 2018
1m
The Update - 21/06/2018
A top government minister's quit his role, over plans for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.  International trade minister Greg Hands says he made the decision, after it was made clear that Tory MPs wouldn't have a free vote in Monday's Commons debate.
5m Jun 21, 2018
5m
Listen: former hostage Terry Waite has been in Kent to recognise the work of teachers - 21/06/2018
A former hostage who spent almost five years in captivity has been in Kent to celebrate work being done by teachers to get more children interested in reading. Schools across the county have been recognised at the Kent Literacy Awards. Terry Waite was captured in Beirut in the late 80s while trying to negotiate the release of other hostages and denied access to book during most of his time in...
4m Jun 21, 2018
4m
Listen: Kent's education boss Roger Gough has praised teachers for the work they're doing to promote literacy - 21/06/2018
Schools across #Kent have been recognised for the work they're doing to get more children interested in reading and writing... Among the winners at the Kent Literacy Awards were Fleetdown Primary in Dartford who converted two wooden lodges into a fairytale themed library. And, Wilmington Academy who challenged students to image they were Syrian refugees as part of a writing scheme.
2m Jun 21, 2018
2m
LISTEN: James Williams, Medway's Director of Public Health talks air quality in the area
School children in Medway are being given kits to monitor air quality in a bid to raise awareness of pollution from traffic. Data will be monitored over 10 months while pupils will be encouraged to walk to school rather than get a lift in a car. Last month, Gillingham was named and shamed as one of the most polluted areas outside of London. It's feared poor air quality contributes to more than ...
3m Jun 20, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Michelle Parry's son Robert Fraser was killed by Fentanyl - 20/06/2018
A #Kent mum whose son died from Fentanyl says she's 'overjoyed' a review's been launched to look into tougher sentences for those dealing it. Michelle Parry teamed up with #Dover and #Deal MP Charlie Elphicke after her son Robert Fraser was killed by the drug - which is 50 times stronger than heroin. Michelle's given us her reaction to the news.
1m Jun 20, 2018
1m
The Update - 20/06/2018
A damning report's found 456 patients died at a Hampshire hospital due to an "institutionalised practice" of shortening lives "without medical justification".  It's thought a further 200 people - given powerful pain-relief drugs at Gosport War Memorial - may have been affected between the late '80s and the year 2000. The inquiry's called on the Government, Attorney General and police to act.
5m Jun 20, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Robert Nisbet, Regional Director for the Rail Delivery Group discusses the £425m investment into Kent and South East's rail services - 19/06/18
It's been revealed £425m is being invested to improve rail services in Kent and South East London. The plans include installing extra waiting shelters, cycle hubs and information screens at some stations. Train companies have also announced they're creating space for 40,000 more passengers during the morning rush hour, and putting on faster, more frequent services to London throughout the day. ...
3m Jun 19, 2018
3m
LISTEN: Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott - 19/06/2018
The medicinal benefit of cannabis is going to be reviewed - after recent high-profile cases involving young children with severe epilepsy.  The government's rejected a call to look at relaxing rules on the class b drug's recreational use though.  #Kent's Police and Crime Commissoner Matthew Scott says there needs to be a proper debate about the issue.
1m Jun 19, 2018
1m
LISTEN: David Statham, Managing Director of Southeastern reacts to the train operator being amongst lowest for customer satisfaction in the UK - 19/06/18
The boss of Southeastern has admitted poor satisfaction ratings are 'a step backwards'. Only 75% of passengers were happy with the trains, according to a survey by the watchdog Transport Focus - that's the third from bottom score nationally. David Statham is the managing director of Southeastern and says they are working to improve services.
3m Jun 19, 2018
3m
The Update - 19/06/2018
The first 'recycling reward' machines in Britain are going to be installed at a service station in #Kent in a bid to reduce litter on our motorways.
5m Jun 19, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Trewin Restorick of charity Hubbub talks about the first of a kind recycling reward machines - 19/06/2018
Machines that give money-off vouchers to people who fill them with rubbish are going to be installed at a service station in Kent to clear litter from our motorways. The first so-called 'recycling reward' devices in Britain will be at Maidstone Services off the M20 as part of a 6 month trial. Putting in bottles or coffee cups will get you a 5p off coupon for snacks and drinks. Trewin Restorick ...
2m Jun 19, 2018
2m
Listen: Susan Jordan has received an apology from Kent's Chief Constable - 19/06/2018
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/police-apology-for-handling-of-cyclists-death-184825/
2m Jun 19, 2018
2m
Listen: Labour councillor Alex Paterson is in favour of the idea of a Pride event in Medway - 19/06/2018
Talks are due to take place about the idea of a Pride event in Medway. It comes just weeks after thousands of people descended on Canterbury for their annual parade and festival - and ahead of one in Faversham this weekend. A meeting looking at whether to press ahead with plans is taking place next week.
3m Jun 18, 2018
3m
The Update - 18/06/2018
The bodies of a woman and child - thought to be from #Kent - have been found near cliffs in Sussex. Police and coastguards were called to Beachy Head at about 7 this morning. They're understood to be a 42 year-old from #Maidstone and her 5 year-old son. The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
5m Jun 18, 2018
5m
LISTEN: Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council - 18/06/2018
The health secretary Jeremy Hunt says plans to inject an extra £384 million a week into the NHS in England will mean taxes going up - but hasn't said which ones or by how much. Leader of KCC Paul Carter told us what he thinks the money should be spent on.
2m Jun 18, 2018
2m
Listen: Kent coach Matt Walker on reaching the final of the One Day Cup at Lords
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/sport/kuhns-century-sees-kent-through-to-final-184787/
2m Jun 18, 2018
2m
Listen: Dalton Leong is the chief exec of The Children's Trust who've launched a £100k fundraising campaign - 18/06/2018
A charity supporting children in #Kent who've suffered a brain injury say they need to raise £100 thousand pounds to make sure they and their families get the support they need. The Children's Trust say enquiries about their services have almost trebled in the last year and they need the cash to carry on providing respite.
2m Jun 18, 2018
2m
LISTEN: Clara Lee from Kent Union talks about the Uni handing out anti-spiking kits to keep students safe
Anti-spiking kits are being handed out at a uni nightclub in Kent to help keep students safe on campus. The Venue at the Uni of Kent at Canterbury is dishing out the detection strips to customers who fear they may have had something added to their drink. It comes as part of a wider zero tolerance policy towards sexual assaults on the campus there and in Medway. Clara Lee is vice-president of we...
2m Jun 15, 2018
2m
The Update - 15/06/2018
A 20 year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing during an alleged break-in in #Folkestone. Emergency crews were called to a property in Biggins Wood Road on Wednesday evening - a man in his 20s is still in a London hospital with serious injuries.  George Mee from Cromwell Park Place in the town is also accused of aggravated burglary.
5m Jun 15, 2018
5m