Needs Analysis 2022 FLIP - Manual / Resource - Page 29
DEPRIVATION
27
Swale is ranked 2nd most deprived district in Kent and
Medway.
A rank of 1 on the table below, is the most deprived.
There are 333 local authorities in England.
273
253
250
Being a carer can be isolating and can have implications
on work life, family life, physical and mental health, and
relationships.
4. Babies, early years, and parent support
Swale had the second largest live births across Kent and
Medway in 2019141 and the second highest number of
conceptions for under 18’s in Kent with a rising trend.142
Breastfeeding initiation is also the worst in Kent and
Medway with only 64.7% giving their children breastmilk
at any time after birth.143
r of identified young carers in Kent and
185
188
Maidstone
98
Tunbridge Wells
Ashford
Dartford
Gravesham
Medway
Folkestone & Hythe
Swale
Home-Start Sittingbourne & Sheppey offer
support to help the development of children, and
the health and welfare of families.
A mum at 17, Shelby was the only one of her
friends with a baby and felt isolated and alone.
Attending Home-Start reduced her feelings of
isolation and gave her the confidence to think
about her future.
CASE STUDY
3. Parent and carer support
Swale has the highest number of identified young carers
in Kent and Medway.138 This will not be the full picture
as many young carers do not identify with the term.
Overall, nearly 15,000 people in Swale see themselves
as carers with just less than a third claiming carer’s
allowance.139 There are the second highest number
of lone parent households in Swale across Kent and
Medway.140
Thanet
0
34
50
84
69
100
SEN, only second proportionally to Thanet.137 Although
the numbers of specific needs are relatively small
within the population, the difference that integration
and inclusion will make to these children and young
people and their families will be significant. Challenging
attitudes and perceptions is good for the local
community and society at large and supports inclusion
at a much broader level.
Canterbury
119
145
152
150
107
4,253
Dover
Children eligible for free
school meals136
236
200
Sevenoaks
2,828
300
Tonbridge & Malling
Children in absolute
low-income families living
in lone parent families135
“It was a total shock when I found out I was pregnant.
I was at college and was scared about what might
happen to my life. Not many people I knew had a
baby, and my friends were going out and shopping
– something I could no longer do. It was hard for my
friends to understand what I was going through, and
I felt isolated. My key worker introduced me to Boost,
a class run by Katie for young mums. I was excited
to meet the other mums and having people I could
relate to made such a difference and has helped to
reduce how isolated I feel.
“As a new mum, I was scared to breastfeed Nailah in
public, so I’d always bring a bottle. Katie showed me
how to feed discreetly and reassured me it was okay.
Attending Boost helped me bond with Nailah and,
Katie’s support, helped me to be a better mum.
“Now we have a routine, and everything is settled,
I’m focused on my future. I’m going back to college in
September and want to become a midwife and build
the best life for Nailah and me.”
NEEDS ANALYSIS
