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        <title>RSS News Feed</title>
        <link>https://www.westkent.org</link>
        <description>RSS News feed</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:27:28 EST</pubDate>
        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:33:48 EST</lastBuildDate>
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                    <title>
Your voice, Our action: helping a vulnerable resident stay warm at home                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/your-voice-our-action-helping-a-vulnerable-resident-stay-warm-at-home/</link>
                    <description>For&#xA0;our first&#xA0;Your voice,&#xA0;Our&#xA0;action story,&#xA0;we&#x2019;re&#xA0;sharing how our&#xA0;tenancy sustainment&#xA0;team and partner&#xA0;organisations supported a vulnerable resident through&#xA0;a tough period</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:55:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18345</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents get behind-the-scenes look at how Neighbourhood News is created                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/residents-get-behind-the-scenes-look-at-how-neighbourhood-news-is-created/</link>
                    <description>Earlier this month, some of our residents and staff travelled up to Leeds to visit Resource, the talented design agency behind our Neighbourhood News.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:36:05 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18342</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Supporting local wellbeing through partnership: peer support training programme helps Sevenoaks residents build new skills                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/supporting-local-wellbeing-through-partnership-peer-support-training-programme-helps-sevenoaks-residents-build-new-skills/</link>
                    <description>A 10&#x2011;week peer support programme by West Kent Mind helped local residents build confidence and use their lived experience to support others, thanks to funding from West Kent and Sevenoaks Town Council.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:10:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18331</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How our Enablement Service is supporting residents                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-our-enablement-service-is-supporting-residents/</link>
                    <description>Recent case studies highlighting the difference our service makes. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:47:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18304</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent named runner up at national Resolve ASB awards                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-named-runner-up-at-national-resolve-asb-awards/</link>
                    <description>We have been recognised as Runner Up in the Best Housing Provider category at the prestigious Resolve ASB Awards</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:55:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18290</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Welcome, Woodland Place residents!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/welcome-woodland-place-residents/</link>
                    <description>We have welcomed our first residents to Woodland Place in Allington, our largest land-led development to date and a project we are proud to deliver</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:49:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18288</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent residents complete Start Up programme and prepare to launch new businesses                      </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-residents-complete-start-up-programme-and-prepare-to-launch-new-businesses/</link>
                    <description>Our employability and training team&#xA0;and&#xA0;Sevenoaks District Council&#xA0;recently partnered up to launch a new Start Up programme to help&#xA0;local residents&#xA0;turn their business ideas into real ventures.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:45:49 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18286</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
From old garages to a new home                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/from-old-garages-to-a-new-home/</link>
                    <description>We recently completed a regeneration project in Sundridge, converting outdated garage plots into a new three-bedroom family home.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:36:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18284</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Your voice, our action                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/your-voice-our-action-strengthening-resident-voice-and-service-excellence/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re&#xA0;committed to ensuring every resident has a positive experience, feels heard, and takes pride in their home.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:29:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18282</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Building futures for our younger residents and community members&#xA0;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/building-futures-for-our-younger-residents-and-community-members/</link>
                    <description>Four young residents recently took part in a paid work experience programme with AD Construction Group</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:25:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18280</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Information for resident parents and carers following confirmed meningitis cases in Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/meningitis-outbreak-support/</link>
                    <description>In this article you will find more information about who to contact and what to do should you have concerns about the recent outbreak of meningitis in the Canterbury area of Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:37:05 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18278</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Get Faster, Specialist Support with Your Welfare Benefits                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/improved-welfare-benefits-support-to-help-you-sooner/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve strengthened our welfare benefits service to make sure you receive the right support at the right time. &#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:15:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18255</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
&#x1F31F;Celebrating International Women&#x27;s Day at West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>This Sunday (8 March) is International Women&#x2019;s Day, a global moment to recognise the&#xA0;achievements,&#xA0;contributions&#xA0;and impact of women everywhere.&#xA0;We&#x2019;re&#xA0;proud to mark the occasion by celebrating the incredible women who shape,&#xA0;strengthen&#xA0;and support our communities every day.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:28:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18247</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Autism &amp; ADHD Parent Support UK CIC: Empowering parents through community support                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/autism-adhd-parent-support-uk-cic-empowering-parents-through-community-support/</link>
                    <description>How a local parent support group is creating community, boosting wellbeing and offering advice for families of children with Autism and ADHD.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:26:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18195</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Welcome Ian, our new CEO                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/welcome-ian-our-new-ceo/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re&#xA0;pleased to welcome&#xA0;Ian Joynson as&#xA0;our&#xA0;new&#xA0;Chief Executive.&#xA0;&#xA;&#xA;Over the next few months,&#xA0;you&#x2019;ll see him visiting communities across Kent, chatting with residents, and listening to your ideas and experiences. Want to hear more from Ian himself? Watch his short video message.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:39:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18155</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help shape your community!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-shape-your-community/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re inviting residents to take part in our Community Strategy Consultation. This short survey is your chance to share your views on the challenges you and your community face, and what support you think is most needed. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:07:21 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18094</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Water outages in Kent                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/water-outages-in-kent/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re aware of the ongoing water outages across Kent. If you&#x27;ve been affected by this outage, South East Water can support you. Find out more in this article. </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:21:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18090</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Final chance to register for our StartUp programme                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/final-chance-to-register-for-our-startup-programme/</link>
                    <description>Ready to turn your idea into a business? We&#x2019;ve partnered with Sevenoaks District Council to offer a free eight-week programme designed to turn your business ideas into reality. </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:57:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18089</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
HOUSE closed today                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/house-closed-today/</link>
                    <description>Due to unforeseen circumstances and complications following the recent weather, HOUSE, our youth drop-in centre in Edenbridge, will be closed tonight (Tuesday, 6 January 2026).&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:33:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18087</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our top tips for staying warm and safe in your home                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-top-tips-for-staying-warm-and-safe-in-your-home/</link>
                    <description>To make sure you&#x27;re prepared for the cold weather, we&#x27;ve put together a list of helpful tips to help keep you safe and warm in your home.&#xA0; &#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:54:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18084</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Christmas and New Year opening times 2025/26                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/christmas-and-new-year-opening-times-202526/</link>
                    <description>We will be closed from 3pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 8.45am on Friday 2 January 2026.&#xA0;&#xA;&#xA;Please call 0800 169 1122 if you have an emergency during this period.&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA;&#xA;Have a great Christmas and New Year!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:15:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18076</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent retains G1/V2 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-retains-g1v2-rating-from-the-regulator-of-social-housing/</link>
                    <description>Following their annual stability check, the Regulator of Social Housing confirmed that West Kent has retained a G1/V2 grading.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:16:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18074</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Water outage in Tunbridge Wells                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/water-outage-in-tunbridge-wells/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re aware of the ongoing water outage in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. If you&#x27;ve been affected by this outage, South East Water can support you. Find out more in this article. </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:12:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/18052</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
StartUp business programme supports aspiring entrepreneurs in the Sevenoaks District                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/startup-business-programme-supports-aspiring-entrepreneurs-in-the-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re proud to partner with Sevenoaks District Council on our StartUp business programme that will help local residents turn their ideas into thriving businesses.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:05:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17990</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Building for a Sustainable Future                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/building-for-a-sustainable-future/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re proud to share the positive impact&#xA0;we&#x2019;ve made this year&#xA0;as we continue to invest in our communities&#xA0;and build high quality, sustainable homes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:01:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17958</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our new partnership with Better Housing Better Health (BHBH)                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-new-partnership-with-better-housing-better-health-bhbh/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve partnered with Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) to support you with your energy bills and keep you warm and safe in your home.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:52:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17951</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
System problems - 24 October 2025                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/system-problems-24-october-2025/</link>
                    <description>Our systems are having problems today, which is affecting our normal operations.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:20:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17932</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Awaab&#x2019;s Law is here                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/awaab-s-law-is-here/</link>
                    <description>Awaab&#x2019;s Law comes into force today, 27 October 2025, introducing new legal requirements for social landlords to&#xA0;fix emergency repairs within 24 hours and also investigate significant damp and mould cases within 10 days of being notified.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:19:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17925</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s communications and marketing team wins national award for &#x2018;Help for You&#x2019; campaign                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-communications-and-marketing-team-wins-national-award-for-help-for-you-campaign/</link>
                    <description>Our Help for You campaign has won Best Multi-Channel Campaign of the Year at the commsHERO Awards, recognising our creative, resident-focused approach to supporting communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:56:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17923</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Housing Association secures long-term refinancing deal with NatWest to support growth and investment plans                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-housing-association-secures-long-term-refinancing-deal-with-natwest-to-support-growth-and-investment-plans/</link>
                    <description>We have agreed a significant refinancing deal with NatWest, strengthening our long-term financial position and supporting our ambitious plans to build and invest in more affordable homes across Kent over the coming years.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:26:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17921</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Meet our new Board Members                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/meet-our-new-board-members/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re pleased to share the details of our new Board Member appointments.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:16:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17912</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Listening, learning, improving: Our 2024/25 Residents&#x2019; Influence and Impact Report                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/listening-learning-improving-our-202425-residents-influence-and-impact-report/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve published our newly named and refreshed Residents&#x2019; Influence and Impact Report for 2024/25. The report reflects our commitment to putting residents first, and to building successful communities across Kent.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:39:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17908</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x2019;ve been shortlisted for the Housing Provider of the Year award at The ASB Awards!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-ve-been-shortlisted-for-the-housing-provider-of-the-year-award-at-the-asb-awards/</link>
                    <description>Our community safety team has achieved brilliant results over the past year, leading to us being shortlisted for the Housing Provider of the Year award at The ASB Awards!</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:50:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17907</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our annual reports and accounts: Investing in homes, supporting communities&#xA0;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-annual-reports-and-accounts-investing-in-homes-supporting-communities/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve published our annual report and accounts for 2024/25 and it reflects a year of meaningful progress, shaped by our commitment to putting residents first.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:29:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17886</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Housing Association announces CEO successor                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-housing-association-announces-ceo-successor/</link>
                    <description>Following the announcement in April that our CEO Tracy Allison was planning to retire we&#x2019;re pleased to share that Ian Joynson has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of West Kent Housing Association, joining in early 2026.&#xA0;&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:55:49 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17880</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Complaints and service improvement report 2024/25                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/complaints-and-service-improvement-report-202425/</link>
                    <description>We want our customers to have a positive experience regardless of who they are, where they live or how and when they choose to interact with us. Our recently published Complaints and Service Improvement Report (2024/25) highlights how we&#x2019;re using complaints to make change and improve our services.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:08:15 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17865</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s Sean recognised at Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-sean-recognised-at-kent-housing-group-excellence-awards/</link>
                    <description>We are thrilled to share that Sean Richards, our Community Safety Manager, has been awarded Highly Commended in the Housing Professional Award category at this year&#x2019;s Kent Housing Group&#xA0;Excellence Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:38:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17859</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
UK Emergency Alert Test &#x2013; Sunday 7 September at 3pm                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/uk-emergency-alert-test-sunday-7-september-at-3pm/</link>
                    <description>At 3pm on Sunday 7 September 2025, every compatible mobile phone in the UK will receive a test alert from the government&#x27;s Emergency Alerts system.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:19:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17817</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Meet Iain, our resident ambassador                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/meet-iain-our-resident-ambassador/</link>
                    <description>Iain has been a resident at West Kent for the last ten years and has recently joined as a resident ambassador. Find out more about why he wanted to get involved.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:17:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17724</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A new community taking shape at Preston Fields                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-new-community-taking-shape-at-preston-fields/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re proud to share the first homes have been completed at Preston Fields, Faversham</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:41:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17712</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Progress at Woodland Place: homes taking shape and community plans underway                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/progress-at-woodland-place-homes-taking-shape-and-community-plans-underway/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re making great progress at Woodland Place, our new development in Allington, Maidstone.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:35:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17711</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Customer services staff training - 24 July 2025                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/customer-services-staff-training-24-july-2025/</link>
                    <description>Due to scheduled staff training today, 24 July 2025, our customer services team will be operating with a reduced number of team members. This means our response times may be longer than usual.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:30:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17700</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re commsHERO Awards finalists!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-commshero-awards-finalists/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve been shortlisted in this year&#x27;s commsHERO Awards in two categories for our &#x27;help for you&#x27; campaign</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:54:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17698</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
HOUSE opens new gaming room thanks to social value contributions                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/house-opens-new-gaming-room-thanks-to-social-value-contributions/</link>
                    <description>A big thank you to Wealdens, our cleaning&#xA0;contractor, for their social value contribution&#xA0;at HOUSE, Edenbridge.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:33:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17696</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Raglan Resident Action Group gets to work!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/raglan-resident-action-group-gets-to-work/</link>
                    <description>This spring, our newly set up Raglan&#xA0;Resident Action Group completed their&#xA0;communal garden improvement project.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:51:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17657</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Customer services staff training - 17 July 2025                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/customer-services-staff-training-17-july-2025/</link>
                    <description>Due to scheduled staff training today, 17 July 2025, our customer services team will be operating with a reduced number of team members. This means our response times may be longer than usual.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:25:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17653</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Supporting a resident through financial hardship                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/supporting-a-resident-through-financial-hardship/</link>
                    <description>Earlier this year, Kelly, one of our residents, was referred to our fuel efficiency team as she was in an immediate financial crisis. Our fuel efficiency team knew that they had to act quickly to support Kelly. &#xA;&#xA;Read Kelly&#x27;s full story to find out how our fuel efficiency team supported her.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:57:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17651</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Rural Housing Week &#x2013; celebrating our commitment to new homes and communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/rural-housing-week-celebrating-our-commitment-to-new-homes-and-communities/</link>
                    <description>In recognition of Rural Housing Week (7-11 July), we&#x2019;re highlighting our high quality and much needed homes in the small Kent village of Weald.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:42:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17643</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New survey provider                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-survey-provider/</link>
                    <description>From Tuesday 1 July, an organisation called Acuity will be replacing Rant and Rave to deliver our transactional surveys.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:23:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17612</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x2019;s Home Ownership team recognised at Housing Heroes Awards                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-s-home-ownership-team-recognised-at-housing-heroes-awards/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x27;s Home Ownership team were recognised as a finalist for the &#x27;Team of the Year Award - 1,000-15,000 homes&#x27;, at this year&#x27;s Housing Heroes Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:20:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17608</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Tracy&#x27;s thoughts on West Kent&#x27;s milestones and achievements over the last 35 years                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-tracys-thoughts-on-west-kents-milestones-and-achievements-over-the-last-35-years/</link>
                    <description>As we reach the end of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, Tracy, Chief Executive at West Kent, shares her personal highlights and reflects on the key achievements which have allowed us to create spaces to live and give people space to grow.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:07:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17579</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A big thank you to Brenwards for their latest social value contribution                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-big-thank-you-to-brenwards-for-their-latest-social-value-contribution/</link>
                    <description>Brenwards, our electrical and building contractor, have transformed the garden of a supported scheme for women fleeing domestic abuse. </description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:04:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17576</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How our welfare benefits team unlocked much-needed financial support for a resident                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-our-welfare-benefits-team-unlocked-much-needed-financial-support-for-a-resident/</link>
                    <description>Rebecca, one of our residents, was struggling with her finances and didn&#x2019;t know about the different benefits she was entitled to. Our welfare benefits team stepped in to help Rebecca claim her pension credit and explore further benefits she had been missing out on.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 09:11:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17568</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Radio teleswitch service electricity meters are switching off                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/radio-teleswitch-service-electricity-meters-are-switching-off-on-30-june/</link>
                    <description>The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switch off from 30 June 2025.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:14:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17563</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Kevin shares how digital innovation allows us to deliver excellent services for our residents                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-kevin-shares-how-digital-innovation-allows-us-to-deliver-excellent-services-for-our-residents/</link>
                    <description>In this video, Kevin shares his thoughts on our digital innovation and how it has improved the services we provide to our residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:18:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17559</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Akin&#x27;s thoughts on the importance of innovation and sustainability in our homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-akins-thoughts-on-the-importance-of-innovation-and-sustainability-in-our-homes/</link>
                    <description>In this video, Akin reflects on how our commitment to innovation and sustainability has played a key role in the development of our new homes and will shape our plans for the future.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:41:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17533</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
VE 80                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/ve-80/</link>
                    <description>We will observe a two-minute silence at 12pm to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day).</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 08:25:43 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17527</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: How we are shaping the future of housing across Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-how-we-are-shaping-the-future-of-housing-across-kent/</link>
                    <description>As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re looking at how our upcoming development at Woodland Place reflects our vision of building innovative and sustainable homes across Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 11:02:48 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17521</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Regenerating 67 unused garages into 14 new, warm and affordable homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-regenerating-67-unused-garages-into-14-new-warm-and-affordable-homes/</link>
                    <description>As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re looking back on our innovative redevelopment, which turned 67 garages in Swanley into 14 new homes for local families.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:57:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17489</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Jean&#x27;s story of community and belonging                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-jeans-story-of-community-and-belonging/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x27;re proud to share Jean&#x27;s story.&#xA;&#xA;In this video, Jean, a resident for over 11 years, shares her thoughts on how West Kent has supported her though life changes and helped to build a sense of community in her local neighbourhood.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:58:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17480</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Energy Programme and Energy House                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-energy-programme-and-energy-house/</link>
                    <description>Our commitment to reducing running costs of our homes while lowering the environmental impact has been a focus of our work for years. Back in 1998 we began an extensive investment programme and in 2002 we built the award-winning &#x201C;Energy House&#x201D;. </description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:30:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17466</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Staff training - Tuesday 1 April                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/staff-training-tuesday-1-april/</link>
                    <description>Our customer services team will not be available from 8am to 1pm tomorrow, 1 April 2025, due to staff training.  &#xA;Our out of hours provider will take any emergency calls during this time. If you have an emergency, please call 0800 169 1122 as usual. </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:39:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17462</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent progresses the development of the new Woodland Place community, set to provide 106 new homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-progresses-the-development-of-the-new-woodland-place-community-set-to-provide-106-new-homes/</link>
                    <description>Woodland Place is the newly branded scheme in Allington, Maidstone, and sits on the land known as Castor Park.&#x202F;The new development is currently in construction and is set to provide over 100 new homes for with a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership tenures.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:32:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17440</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Megan reflects on how West Kent has supported her development and aspirations                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-megan-reflects-on-how-west-kent-has-supported-her-development-and-aspirations/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, Megan, a resident Board member, shared her reflections on how living in a West Kent community has supported both her personal and professional development as well as her aspirations. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:27:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17432</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: successfully meeting housing needs and preserving Kent&#x2019;s history in our communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-successfully-meeting-housing-needs-and-preserving-kent-s-history-in-our-communities/</link>
                    <description>As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re looking back on the excellent work our development team carried out in 2020 with the building of new homes at Faversham Lakes. </description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:50:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17374</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Tracy Allison, Chief Executive of West Kent announces retirement from her role in early 2026                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/tracy-allison-chief-executive-of-west-kent-announces-retirement-from-her-role-in-early-2026/</link>
                    <description>Tracy Allison, Chief Executive of West Kent announces retirement from her role in early 2026</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:59:08 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17367</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New housing provider consortium set to modernise thousands of homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-housing-provider-consortium-set-to-modernise-thousands-of-homes/</link>
                    <description>Seven social housing providers working together to maximise impact of Warm Homes: Social Housing (Wave Three) government funding and deliver retrofit at scale and at pace.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:03:15 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17358</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Supporting a resident through a very difficult period                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/supporting-a-resident-through-a-very-difficult-period/</link>
                    <description>Read about Stephen, one of our residents who we recently supported into a home to call his own. </description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:31:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17275</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Alex&#x27;s views on innovation and how it has shaped our evolution as a housing association                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-alexs-views-on-innovation-and-how-it-has-shaped-our-evolution-as-a-housing-association/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x2019;re reflecting on how innovation has played an important role in providing our residents places to live and space to grow.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:17:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17272</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Housing Association and London &amp; Quadrant agree transfer of 77 homes in Tonbridge &amp; Malling                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-housing-association-and-london-quadrant-agree-transfer-of-77-homes-in-tonbridge-malling/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and London &amp; Quadrant (L&amp;Q) have agreed a stock transfer of 77 homes in Tonbridge and Malling. The homes transferred are across a range of tenures including shared ownership, affordable rent, and freeholders. </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:07:52 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17257</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: How the West Kent Community Chest helps make change for residents and communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-how-the-west-kent-community-chest-helps-make-change-for-residents-and-communities/</link>
                    <description>As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re proud to recognise how we support our residents and local communities. One innovative way is through the West Kent Community Chest, a fund which provides financial assistance to help bring our residents and communities together and their ideas to life.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:04:53 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17231</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent secures &#xA3;30m of new loan funding from the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme to support ambitious plans to develop new homes                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-secures-30m-of-new-loan-funding-from-the-affordable-homes-guarantee-scheme-to-support-ambitious-plans-to-develop-new-homes/</link>
                    <description>The new &#xA3;30m funding is part of the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme from Homes England and will support our ambitions to build more affordable homes across Kent in the coming years.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:41:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17200</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: winning the Tpas &#x2018;Excellence in Tenant Communication Award&#x2019;                      </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-winning-the-tpas-excellence-in-tenant-communication-award-2/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x2019;re focusing on the support our teams have provided to our residents and communities. In 2021, we were proud to win the Tpas &#x2018;Excellence in Tenant Communication Award&#x2019; for a co-creation project that saw residents shaping our new domestic abuse policy.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:09:22 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17163</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Joanna&#x2019;s route to shared ownership                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-joanna-s-route-to-shared-ownership-1/</link>
                    <description>As part of 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re proud to celebrate some of the stories from our residents. Joanna, one of our residents moved into her home back in 2024. year ago.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:48:58 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17102</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Rodrick&#x2019;s &amp; Doreen&#x2019;s stories                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-rodrick-s-doreen-s-stories/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we are celebrating different stories from our residents. Rodrick and Doreen are residents at White Oak Court. White Oak Court in Swanley has been a vital part of the community for over 30 years. Since 2018, it has provided housing with extra care services, currently supporting over 56 residents.&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:06:09 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17030</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Katie&#x27;s role in developing communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-katies-role-in-developing-communities/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x2019;re showcasing the incredible people who make our work possible. Katie is one of our Community Development Officers and has been with us for two years. </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:44:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17022</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 Years of West Kent: Sophie&#x2019;s role in achieving 1,000 shared ownership homes                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-sophie-s-role-in-achieving-1-000-shared-ownership-homes/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x2019;re showcasing the incredible people who make our work possible. Sophie&#x2019;s home ownership team recently hit the milestone of 1,000 shared ownership homes, a major achievement in a challenging housing market.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:16:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/17013</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Rebecca&#x2019;s views to shared ownership and a brighter future                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-rebecca-s-views-to-shared-ownership-and-a-brighter-future/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we&#x27;re proudly celebrating different stories from our residents. Rebecca, one of our new residents, recently moved into her shared ownership home with her two children.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:47:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16997</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Supporting our residents through KEHFA                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-supporting-our-residents-through-kehfa/</link>
                    <description>As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re proud to reflect on the meaningful impact of our work and our commitment to providing excellent services across Kent. A foundation of this has been our involvement in the &#x2018;Kent Excellent Homes for All&#x2019; (KEHFA) contract, a landmark initiative that continues to deliver vital housing to communities across the county.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:40:46 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16984</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Staying scam aware - disrepair claims                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/staying-scam-aware-disrepair-claims/</link>
                    <description>We know there are several companies out there targeting our residents with false repair claim information and asking them to register on their websites. &#xA0;&#xA;&#xA;These companies are not associated with West Kent in any way, and we are urging residents to ignore any communications from them Including any registration requests.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:23:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16956</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Social Value Week &#x2013; spotlighting the Community Chest                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/social-value-week-spotlighting-the-community-chest/</link>
                    <description>Social Value Week is all about shining a light on social value, sparking discussions, sharing best practice, celebrating success stories, and honouring dedicated supply-chain partners. Running from 25 to 29 November, it&#x2019;s a great way to recognise important initiatives that help people &#x2013; and for us, our residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:58:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16953</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How we&#x27;re supporting residents through the cost of living crisis                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-were-supporting-residents-through-the-cost-of-living-crisis/</link>
                    <description>Hear from Mel, our Fuel Efficiency Advisor about how she supported resident, Ben*</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:47:46 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16934</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: Richard&#x2019;s role in building stronger communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-richard-s-role-in-building-stronger-communities/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign we&#x27;re celebrating the impact our teams have on our residents and communities. Richard, our Community Development Manager, has been a key part of this journey for the last five years. </description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:50:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16930</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: our investment in the communities we work in                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-our-investment-in-the-communities-we-work-in/</link>
                    <description>To celebrate 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re focussing on the fantastic support our community development team delivers across our neighbourhoods. &#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:47:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16925</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent marks Transgender Awareness Week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-marks-transgender-awareness-week/</link>
                    <description>This Transgender Awareness Week, we took a step toward in building inclusive communities by hosting a lunch and learn session. Led by Lio, a West Kent resident and member of the transgender community, the session was an eye-opening opportunity to explore the importance of trans-inclusion in our everyday lives.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:26:46 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16923</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Preparing for the cold weather: tips for staying warm and safe                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/preparing-for-the-cold-weather-tips-for-staying-warm-and-safe/</link>
                    <description>To make sure you&#x27;re prepared for the cold weather, we&#x27;ve put together a list of helpful tips to help keep you safe and warm in your home. </description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:17:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16921</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Abacus takes second place at Sevenoaks Business Awards                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/abacus-takes-second-place-at-sevenoaks-business-awards/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re delighted to share that Abacus Furniture Project was recently announced the runner up in the Sustainability in Business category at the Sevenoaks Business Awards.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:13:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16919</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Craig&#x2019;s Journey of growth and innovation                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-craig-s-journey/</link>
                    <description>At West Kent, we&#x27;re celebrating 35 years of transforming services to better support our residents and communities. Craig, our Business Design Lead, has been a key part of this journey for 28 years.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:48:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16851</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Montgomery Court&#x2019;s decade of independence and community                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-montgomery-court/</link>
                    <description>In celebration of 35 years of West Kent, we&#x2019;re reflecting on the incredible impact our extra care schemes have had on residents and communities. One standout achievement is Montgomery Court, which marked its 10-year anniversary earlier this year.&#xA0;&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:59:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16842</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent and Sevenoaks District Council sign three-year partnership agreement outlining the ongoing commitment to residents                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/three-year-partnership-agreement/</link>
                    <description></description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:59:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16840</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents&#x27; Annual Report 2023/24                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/residents-annual-report-202324/</link>
                    <description>The West Kent residents&#x27; annual report provides an overview of our performance about finance, complaints and safety. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:09:18 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16837</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Dawn&#x2019;s role in improving employability opportunities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-dawn-s-role-in-improving-employability-opportunities/</link>
                    <description>Dawn is the Employability Training Manager at West Kent. Since joining in 2019, her dedication to helping residents gain the skills and confidence they need has been truly inspiring. As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we want to highlight her team&#x2019;s work and how it reflects our vision and values.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:05:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16835</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 Years of West Kent &#x2013; our staff share their experiences of working at West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-our-staff-share-their-experiences-of-working-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35th anniversary celebrations, we asked staff at our summer all-staff event in July 2024 to share what it means to work at West Kent and what makes it special.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:57:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16759</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
An update for those receiving Universal Credit                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/an-update-for-those-receiving-universal-credit/</link>
                    <description>This financial year, there are 53 weeks rather than 52. This means there is an additional week of rent charged for your home that won&#x27;t be covered by Universal Credit.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:15:05 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16739</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; supporting young people across the Sevenoaks District                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-supporting-young-people-across-the-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>This year, we&#x2019;re not only celebrating 35 years of West Kent, but also the achievement of our youth services team who have been supporting those aged between 8 - 19 for 20 years.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:33:33 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16725</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Diane&#x2019;s Journey of Support and Compassion                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-diane-s-journey-of-support-and-compassion/</link>
                    <description>Hear from Diane, Income Manager at West Kent, who has worked here for 25 years. Diane shares her journey from starting as a support worker visiting residents&#x2019; homes to becoming a qualified counsellor, all while helping to manage services for vulnerable residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:03:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16720</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Become a resident ambassador                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/become-a-resident-ambassador/</link>
                    <description>Interested in working more closely with us to improve our services?</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:35:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16702</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent hosts a construction careers event for job seekers and students in Swanley                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-hosts-a-construction-careers-event-for-job-seekers-and-students-in-swanley/</link>
                    <description>We recently hosted a construction careers insight event in Swanley, drawing in almost 50 people, including job seekers and students from Orchards Academy, to speak with several employers.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:26:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16648</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 Years of West Kent - Kerry&#x27;s Career Journey Over 20 Years: How West Kent&#x2019;s Support Shaped Her Success                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-kerrys-career-journey-over-20-years-how-west-kent-s-support-shaped-her-success/</link>
                    <description>Explore Kerry Elliman&#x2019;s 21-year journey at West Kent. Her story highlights how our commitment to diversity and a supportive workforce has fueled her professional growth. See how West Kent&#x2019;s positive culture has shaped her success throughout her career.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:28:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16621</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent secures &#xA3;50m of new funding from Nationwide to support ambitious plans                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-secures-50m-of-new-funding-from-nationwide-to-support-ambitious-plans/</link>
                    <description>The new &#xA3;50m revolving credit facility from Nationwide will support our ambitions to build more affordable homes across Kent in the coming years.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:52:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16619</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Melanie&#x2019;s Fresh Start: Celebrating Our 1,000th Shared Ownership Home                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-melanie-s-fresh-start/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re celebrating a major milestone with the sale of our 1,000th shared ownership home in Church Road, Otham. Melanie, a resident there, shares how our scheme provided her with a perfect three-bedroom home.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:39:53 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16615</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Become a Member of the West Kent Community Chest Panel                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/become-a-member-of-the-west-kent-community-chest-panel/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re seeking passionate individuals to join our panel, which decides on funding for community projects. &#xA;This voluntary role involves reviewing applications, attending online meetings, and contributing to community support. Full training provided. For details and to apply, email residentinvolvement@wkha.org.uk.&#xA;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:32:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16613</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Grounds maintenance and fly-tipping                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/grounds-maintenance-and-fly-tipping/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re aware some grounds maintenance work hasn&#x27;t been done on time, or to our standards. We&#x27;re sorry for this and understand it&#x27;s disappointing for residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:56:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16596</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 Years of West Kent: What makes White Oak Court so special?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-what-makes-white-oak-court-so-special/</link>
                    <description>White Oak Court in Swanley has been a cornerstone of the community for over 30 years, providing housing with extra care services to over 56 residents since 2018. As part of our 35 Years of West Kent campaign, this article highlights personal stories and staff dedication, showcasing how White Oak&#x27;s supportive environment and responsive care transform residents&#x27; lives.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:33:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16589</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent - Angela George&#x27;s journey of resident involvement                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-angelas-journey-of-resident-involvement/</link>
                    <description>Angela George, a devoted resident board member, recounts her impactful journey with West Kent, highlighting her proactive role in improving Swanley. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:49:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16585</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent - Melvin&#x2019;s Path to Housing Stability                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-melvin-s-path-to-housing-stability/</link>
                    <description>With housing stability being a challenge for many, West Kent remains committed to providing inclusive homes residents can be proud of. &#xA;&#xA;Melvin, a resident living in Edenbridge for over 30 years, shares his journey to finding a stable home and strong sense of community.&#xA;</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:37:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16581</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent: reflecting on our commitment to provide excellent and adapted services to our older residents.&#x202F;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-reflecting-on-our-commitment-to-provide-excellent-and-adapted-services-to-our-older-residents/</link>
                    <description>As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign we are reflecting on the milestones that have shaped us over the years, including the impact of our sheltered schemes for our residents.&#xA0;&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:15:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16576</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Staff training - Friday 5 July                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/staff-training-friday-5-july/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ll be closed on Friday 5 July for staff training. We will reopen after the weekend, on Monday 8 July at 8.45am.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:46:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16573</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Complaints and service improvement report 2023                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/complaints-and-service-improvement-report-2023/</link>
                    <description>Read our 2023 Complaint and Service Improvement Report</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:10:11 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16571</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A General Election will be held on Thursday 4 July 2024.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/general-election-4-july-2024/</link>
                    <description>A Parliamentary General Election has been called and will be held on Thursday 4 July 2024.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:46:12 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16532</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Fen&#x27;s story&#x9;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-fens-story/</link>
                    <description>Fen is one of our members of the scrutiny panel and has been a West Kent resident since 2003. In this video she shares her experiences over the years and how important resident feedback is to West Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:30:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16529</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Yorkie Zeb is bringing the pawsitivity to White Oak!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/yorkie-zeb-is-bringing-the-pawsitivity-to-white-oak/</link>
                    <description>Meet Zeb, a Yorkshire Terrier living at White Oak Court with his owner, Brenda. </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:20:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16513</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent, working in partnership to make a difference                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-working-in-partnership-to-make-a-difference/</link>
                    <description>West Kent partners with Brenwards and local organisations to create a sensory garden in Ramsgate.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2024 12:38:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16511</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; Veronica&#x27;s story                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent-veronicas-story/</link>
                    <description>In our next story for our history and legacy theme, hear from Veronica, who has over 30 years of service at West Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 13:22:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16490</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Mental Health Awareness Week marks two years of wellbeing walks at Beeches!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/mental-health-awareness-week-marks-two-years-of-wellbeing-walks-at-beeches/</link>
                    <description></description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:06:43 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16488</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent to bring new net-zero carbon ready family homes to Swanley                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-to-bring-new-net-zero-carbon-ready-family-homes-to-swanley/</link>
                    <description>West Kent to bring new net-zero carbon ready family homes to Swanley</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2024 10:10:11 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16478</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
35 years of West Kent &#x2013; our proud history                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35-years-of-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Featuring possibly Britain&#x27;s first ever purpose-built social housing homes, Pioneer Cottages.</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 09:57:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16476</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent hosts community fun day for residents during the school holidays                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-hosts-community-fun-day-for-residents-during-the-school-holidays/</link>
                    <description>During the half-term, our teams held a special community fun day for residents in Walmer, Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:25:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16309</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent celebrates ten years of Montgomery Court                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-celebrates-ten-years-of-montgomery-court/</link>
                    <description>On Friday 22 March, partners, staff and residents came together at Montgomery Court in Rochester to celebrate ten years of the scheme.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 15:13:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16272</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent partners with Redrow to provide new homes in new Ebsfleet Garden City                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-partners-with-redrow-to-provide-new-homes-in-new-ebbsfleet-garden-city/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re proud to announce the development of 57 new homes in Stonehaven Park, Ebbsfleet, as part of its new Garden City. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 11:29:52 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16271</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent celebrates successful completion of building work at Queens Court                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-celebrates-successful-completion-of-building-work-at-queens-court/</link>
                    <description>West Kent celebrates successful completion of building work at Queens Court&#xA;&#xA;Earlier this month colleagues, partners and residents came together at Queens Court in Edenbridge to celebrate the completion of building works and the difference it has made.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:49:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16222</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Estate services review                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/estate-services-review/</link>
                    <description>Tell us what you really think</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:02:22 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16205</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent celebrates success with a win for &#x2018;Best Cyber-Security&#x27; at the Housing Technology Awards                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-celebrates-success-with-a-win-for-best-cyber-security-at-the-housing-technology-awards/</link>
                    <description>West Kent celebrates success with a win for &#x2018;Best Cyber-Security&#x27; at the Housing Technology Awards &#xA;&#xA;The award highlights West Kent&#x2019;s commitment to developing cyber security resilience over the last few years, which helps to provide excellent and more secure services to residents across Kent.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 17:29:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16173</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent partners with Chartway to deliver new homes in Manston                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-partners-with-chartway-to-deliver-new-homes-in-manston/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re delighted to announce a new partnership project with Chartway Partnerships Group to develop 27 new homes for the community of Manston.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:10:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16125</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent announces biggest development of homes in three decades                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-announces-biggest-development-of-homes-in-three-decades/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has announced a new development at Allington in Maidstone, which is set to provide 106 new homes over the next three years. </description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:54:40 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16045</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Let us know if you own an XL Bully                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/let-us-know-if-you-own-an-xl-bully/</link>
                    <description>We know XL Bully dogs are owned by residents and need you to let us know if you own one, to ensure we can give you the best support and guidance.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:43:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16036</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Brr, it&#x27;s chilly!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/brr-its-chilly/</link>
                    <description>Here are some top tips on how to stay warm during this week&#x27;s cold weather</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:34:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16025</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Get involved with resident involvement!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/get-involved-with-resident-involvement/</link>
                    <description>There are several exciting resident involvement opportunities in 2024, and we&#x2019;d love you to take part in as many as you can.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:06:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16020</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help for You - new cost of living animations launched                      </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-for-you-new-cost-of-living-animations-launched/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve been working with Citizens Advice in North and West Kent to create five new videos that you can access online to help you with the cost of living.  </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:26:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16018</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent delivers 280 new homes in 2023 providing a range of housing options for residents                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-delivers-280-new-homes-in-2023-providing-a-range-of-housing-options-for-residents/</link>
                    <description>West Kent delivers 280 new homes in 2023 providing a range of housing options for residents </description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:06:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/16008</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent retains G1/V2 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing following annual stability check                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-retains-g1v2-rating-from-the-regulator-of-social-housing-following-annual-stability-check-1/</link>
                    <description>West Kent retains G1/V2 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing following annual stability check</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:25:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15994</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent retains G1/V2 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing following annual stability check                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-retains-g1v2-rating-from-the-regulator-of-social-housing-following-annual-stability-check/</link>
                    <description>West Kent retains G1/V2 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing following annual stability check</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:23:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15993</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re wildlife friendly!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-wildlife-friendly/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve been busy planting new wildlife hedges in Hillingdon Avenue, Sevenoaks.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:16:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15990</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve produced new damp and mould videos to help residents                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/weve-produced-new-damp-and-mould-videos-to-help-residents/</link>
                    <description>Earlier this year, we updated our damp and mould policy and procedure to support you if your home has damp and mould.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:35:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15988</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent completes &#xA3;2.8m redevelopment of Swanley brownfield site                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-completes-28m-redevelopment-of-swanley-brownfield-site/</link>
                    <description>A development of 14 new West Kent homes has replaced 67 old garages across three sites in Swanley.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 10 Nov 2023 10:42:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15980</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Top tips for staying scam aware                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/top-tips-for-staying-scam-aware/</link>
                    <description>There are well known scams at this time of year where people try to impersonate organisations or companies. Please take the following steps when speaking to our staff on the phone, online or in person to help keep yourself safe.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:32:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15964</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Storm Ciar&#xE1;n                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/storm-ciaran/</link>
                    <description>Due to Storm Ciar&#xE1;n, power cuts and local flooding is possible from rivers and surface water this week in the South East of England.&#xA0;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:31:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15961</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Happy Halloween!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/happy-halloween/</link>
                    <description>Here are some top tips for safe and fun trick or treating this evening.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:06:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15958</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Important information about rent balances                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/important-information-about-rent-balances/</link>
                    <description>We are currently making some updates to our systems, which we expect to be completed by Friday 28 October. Until then, your rent account will be showing the balance as of Thursday 12 October.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15490</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent and Civica welcome students to tech careers                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-and-civica-welcome-students-to-tech-careers/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and Civica are running a successful programme to educate young people about the world of work.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:50:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15489</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Black History Month 2023 &#x2013; saluting Angela George for her commitment to resident involvement                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/black-history-month-2023-saluting-angela-george-for-her-commitment-to-resident-involvement/</link>
                    <description>Angela George, one of our resident board members shares her experiences with us as we celebrate Black History Month.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15488</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Temporary changes to some of our services during October 2023                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/temporary-changes-to-some-of-our-services-during-october-2023/</link>
                    <description>Due to our IT upgrade we&#x2019;ve extended our out-of-hours service temporarily until Monday 9 October.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15487</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Beeches scheme hosts successful summer BBQ, fostering community and inclusivity                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/beeches-scheme-hosts-successful-summer-bbq-fostering-community-and-inclusivity/</link>
                    <description>In the heart of our Beeches community, residents came together for a summer BBQ providing food, community and conversation.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15486</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Class of 2023 Youth Apprentices celebrate successful completion of two-year journey with West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/class-of-2023-youth-apprentices-celebrate-successful-completion-of-two-year-journey-with-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Our Youth Services team carry out transformational work with children and young people across our communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15485</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve undergone a transformational refinance exercise                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-has-undergone-a-transformational-refinance-exercise/</link>
                    <description>We have secured a total of &#xA3;399m funding with multiple lenders to support investment plans for homes and support residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15484</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
An update on grounds maintenance work                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/an-update-on-grounds-maintenance-work/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re sorry that grounds maintenance work hasn&#x2019;t been completed in the time scale and in some cases, to the quality we expect.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:50:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15483</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Responding to recent news around Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/responding-to-recent-news-around-reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-raac/</link>
                    <description>Responding to recent news around Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15482</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
My West Kent access this September                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/my-west-kent-access-this-september/</link>
                    <description>From 22 September, you&#x2019;ll no longer be able to access your current My West Kent online account.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15481</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re supporting Starts at Home Day                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-supporting-starts-at-home-day/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re supporting Starts at Home Day on 1 September 2023.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:50:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15480</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Read our 2022 Residents Annual Report                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/read-our-2022-residents-annual-report/</link>
                    <description>Would you like a quick summary of all that we got up to last year?</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15479</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Let&#x27;s stay fire safe!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/lets-stay-fire-safe/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re supporting Kent Housing Group&#x2019;s (KHG) fire safety campaign this summer.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15478</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s happy homeowners!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-happy-homeowners/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve had some wonderful feedback from residents moving into our two newest developments in Greenhithe and Hoo.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15477</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Scrutiny panel at national conference                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/scrutiny-panel-at-national-conference/</link>
                    <description>The scrutiny panel works collaboratively with teams across West Kent, meeting once a quarter to scrutinise our performance information, ask questions, and make suggestions for service improvements.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15476</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
White Oak Court summer fete success!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/white-oak-court-summer-fete-success/</link>
                    <description>Tombola stall, bouncy castle, an ice cream van and much more -White Oak Court knows how to put on an event!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15475</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Grounds maintenance update                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/grounds-maintenance-update/</link>
                    <description>Our new grounds maintenance contractor, CGM has started to complete lots of work across our homes and communities in Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:49:40 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15474</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent secures new &#xA3;50m funding deal to build more affordable homes across Kent in years to come                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-secures-new-50m-funding-deal-to-build-more-affordable-homes-across-kent-in-years-to-come/</link>
                    <description>The &#xA3;50m flexible loan facility from The Housing Finance Corporation has been announced today. The deal will support West Kent&#x2019;s ambition to build more affordable homes across Kent in the coming years.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15473</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Mystery shoppers report great results!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/mystery-shoppers-report-great-results/</link>
                    <description>Our resident involvement and customer service team recently worked together with residents to establish a new mystery shopping programme.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15472</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s Sophie named runner up in &#x2018;Professional of the Year&#x2019; award                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-sophie-named-runner-up-in-professional-of-the-year-award/</link>
                    <description>Sophie Palmer, West Kent&#x27;s Head of Home Ownership, was named runner-up for the &#x2018;Professional of the Year&#x2019; award.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:30 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15471</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Employability Day                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-employability-day/</link>
                    <description>Today is Employability Day! The day highlights the fantastic work of those supporting people in their search for employment.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15470</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Grounds maintenance summer work                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/grounds-maintenance-summer-work/</link>
                    <description>Our new grounds maintenance provider, CGM is settling into their new contract. However, this means there will be some delay in planned work taking place as usual over the summer months.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:49:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15469</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Customer services closure - 28 June                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/customer-services-closure-28-june/</link>
                    <description>Our customer services team will not be available on 28 June due to staff training.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15468</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help for you &#x2013; new money and energy advice sessions this summer                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-for-you-new-money-and-energy-advice-sessions-this-summer/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and Citizen&#x2019;s Advice Nort West Kent have come together to provide money saving and energy advice sessions.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15467</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent hosts Coronation &#x2018;After Party&#x2019;                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-hosts-coronation-after-party/</link>
                    <description>We hosted a Coronation &#x2018;After Party&#x2019; on Thursday 1 June, open to all residents of the White Oak area of Swanley.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15466</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re announcing our new grounds maintenance contractor                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-announcing-our-new-grounds-maintenance-contractor/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re pleased to announce that we&#x27;ve chosen The CGM Group to complete grounds maintenance in our communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15465</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re supporting Pride Month!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-supporting-pride-month-1/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re supporting&#xA0;&#xA0;this June.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15464</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Community Chest supports Swanley Shed                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-community-chest-supports-swanley-shed/</link>
                    <description>The West Kent Community Chest is one way we support our residents and local groups to build successful and resilient communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15463</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x2019;re supporting Volunteer&#x2019;s Week!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-re-supporting-volunteer-s-week/</link>
                    <description>1-7 June is Volunteer&#x2019;s Week, an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:49:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15462</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Teaching tech employment skills to the next generation                      </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/teaching-tech-employment-skills-to-the-next-generation/</link>
                    <description>Civica hosts workshop for school pupils in Kent in partnership with West Kent Housing Association.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15461</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent collaborates with Resident Scrutiny Panel to develop new &#x2018;How to Videos&#x2019;                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-collaborates-with-resident-scrutiny-panel-to-develop-new-how-to-videos/</link>
                    <description>We work closely with our resident scrutiny panel on incorporating their feedback into our services, as well as how we communicate with our residents on a range of topics.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15460</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x2019;s Head of Home Ownership shortlisted for Women in Housing Awards                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-s-head-of-home-ownership-shortlisted-for-women-in-housing-awards/</link>
                    <description>Sophie Palmer has been shortlisted for the &#x2018;Professional of the year &#x2013; housing association&#x2019; award at the 2023 Women in Housing Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15459</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating our partners during Social Value Week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-our-partners-during-social-value-week/</link>
                    <description>During Social Value Week, we are recognising the social value contributions of some of our partners, including Wealdens, our cleaning contractor and Ian Williams, our decorations contractor.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15458</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating Social Value Week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-the-social-value-contributions-of-our-partners-brenwards/</link>
                    <description>During Social Value Week, we are recognising the social value contributions of some of our partners, including Brenwards, our electrical and building contractor.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15457</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
 How our youth services make a difference                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-our-youth-services-make-a-difference/</link>
                    <description>We are proud of our dedicated youth services team that work in secondary and primary schools. The team deliver various programmes that benefit children and young people in our homes and communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:40 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15456</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our scrutiny panel meets for first quarterly meeting of 2023.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-scrutiny-panel-meets-for-first-quarterly-meeting-of-2023/</link>
                    <description>On Wednesday 22 March our resident scrutiny panel met for their first quarterly meeting of 2023.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15455</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve announced new board members                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-board-members-2023/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re pleased to share the news that we have appointed four new board members.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15454</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
National test of the UK Emergency Alerts service                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/national-test-of-the-uk-emergency-alerts-service-23-april/</link>
                    <description>On Sunday 23 April 2023, there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service to all UK mobile phones and tablets.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:30 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15453</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve produced a new damp and mould policy                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/weve-produced-a-new-damp-and-mould-policy/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re here to help if your home has damp and mould.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:48:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15452</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating ten years of HOUSE                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-ten-years-of-house/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re celebrating ten years of our HOUSE project in Edenbridge.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15451</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating International Women&#x2019;s Day 2023                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-international-women-s-day-2023/</link>
                    <description>We kicked off International Women&#x2019;s Day 2023 celebrations with a Women at West Kent breakfast in our Sevenoaks office. The breakfast session was a chance to get together to celebrate the amazing women we have here at West Kent, hear some of their stories, and discuss the 2023 theme of #EmbraceEquity.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15450</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
One-minute silence for Ukraine                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/one-minute-silence-for-ukraine/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re participating in the one-minute silence on 24 February at 11am.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15449</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Rent and service charges 2023                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/rent-and-service-charges-2023/</link>
                    <description>Each household will receive a detailed personal letter in the next few days to let them know their rent and service charges for the coming year.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15448</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve launched a new cost of living campaign                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/weve-launched-a-new-cost-of-living-campaign/</link>
                    <description>The &#x2018;Help for you&#x2019; campaign goes live this week and sets out a range of support and advice for West Kent residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15447</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve appointed a new Executive Director, Property Development and Partnerships                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-executive-director-property-development-and-partnerships/</link>
                    <description>Anabel Palmer set to become West Kent&#x2019;s new Executive Director of Property Development and Partnerships from 6 March 2023.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15446</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help us shape how we communicate with you                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-us-shape-how-we-communicate-with-you/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re launching a telephone survey to residents that will run from early February until early March 2023.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15445</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents help choose next grounds maintenance contractor                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/residents-help-choose-next-grounds-maintenance-contractor/</link>
                    <description>A group of West Kent residents have been working hard to help choose a new grounds maintenance provider</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:48:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15444</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Spotlight on Resident Involvement                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/spotlight-on-resident-involvement/</link>
                    <description>Each month, Tpas invites one of their members to share their resident involvement achievements, tips and ambitions, allowing other members to keep up to date with what others are up to across the sector.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15443</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x2019;s resident scrutiny panel needs your views!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-s-resident-scrutiny-panel-needs-your-views/</link>
                    <description>The resident scrutiny panel have had a busy start to 2023 and have launched a new survey for residents to share their views.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15442</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent and Brenwards come together to help residents celebrate Christmas and the New Year                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-and-brenwards-come-together-to-help-residents-celebrate-christmas-and-the-new-year/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and Brenwards come together to help residents celebrate Christmas and the New Year</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:47:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15441</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Top tips for looking after your home this winter                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/top-tips-for-looking-after-your-home-this-winter/</link>
                    <description>We know the extreme weather and the cost of living are making heating homes more challenging than before. To help you keep warm and look after your home, we have a list of top tips to help you this winter.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15440</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent responds to viability regrade                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-responds-to-viability-regrade/</link>
                    <description>West Kent responds to viability regrade from the Regulator of Social Housing.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15439</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Collaborating with our scrutiny panel to improve our repairs service                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/collaborating-with-our-scrutiny-panel-to-improve-our-repairs-service/</link>
                    <description>Our resident scrutiny panel has been working hard to review residents&#x2019; experience with the repairs service.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:40 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15438</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Adapting our services to cold weather and snow                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/adapting-our-services-to-cold-weather-and-snow/</link>
                    <description>The cold weather is expected to continue for most of the week, so we&#x2019;ve put plans in place to adapt our ways of working while providing services with as little disruption as possible. Our priority is to keep both you and our teams as safe as possible.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15437</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How our training and employment team make a difference                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-our-employment-and-training-team-makes-a-difference/</link>
                    <description>How our training and employment team make a difference. The &#x2018;Mums into Business&#x2019; course is a new initiative developed by the team to help mums in Swanley set up and run their own business.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15436</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We are committed to tackling cases of damp and mould at West Kent.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-are-committed-to-tackling-cases-of-damp-and-mould-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>We are committed to tackling cases of damp and mould at West Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:47:30 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15435</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Second national award shortlist for Faversham Lakes!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/second-national-award-shortlist-for-faversham-lakes/</link>
                    <description>Our award-winning development, Faversham Lakes has been shortlisted for its second national award as part of the 2023 Housing Digital Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15434</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New homes in picturesque village near Sandwich                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-homes-in-picturesque-village-near-sandwich/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re excited to be in construction, on 28 shared ownership, affordable and social rent homes on a land-led package in the village of Eastry, Sandwich</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15433</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help for you - cost of living support for residents                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-for-you-cost-of-living-support-for-residents/</link>
                    <description>Our residents are facing unprecedented cost of living challenges. We&#x27;re currently supporting our residents at this time, and introducing a number of additional measures.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15432</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Changes to our services to better support residents                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-new-offer-for-communities/</link>
                    <description>Over the last year, we&#x2019;ve been reviewing our offer to communities for all the neighbourhoods we work in.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15431</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Door and window replacements                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/door-and-window-replacements/</link>
                    <description>Following feedback from our residents, we&#x2019;re prioritising door and window replacements in our homes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15430</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Shining a light on our youth services                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/shining-a-light-on-our-youth-services/</link>
                    <description>#YouthWorkWeek is about celebrating the positive impact youth work has on young people.&#xD;&#xA;&#xD;&#xA;We are fortunate to have a fantastic youth team that delivers services to young people in Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15429</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating the one-year anniversary of Repton Court                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-the-one-year-anniversary-of-repton-court/</link>
                    <description>Repton Court residents came together with staff from West Kent and partners who helped with the development of the scheme, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its opening in October 2022.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15428</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Black History Month 2022                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-is-proud-to-be-supporting-black-history-month-this-october/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is proud to be supporting Black History Month this October</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:47:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15427</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Double success at Kent Housing Group Awards                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/double-success-at-kent-housing-group-excellence-awards/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re celebrating success after winning two top awards at this year&#x2019;s Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:47:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15426</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Update following emails from Swale Heating on 1 October                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/update-following-emails-from-swale-heating-on-1-october/</link>
                    <description>Update following emails from Swale Heating on 1 October</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15425</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Swale Heating emails                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/swale-heating-emails/</link>
                    <description>We are aware some residents have been contacted by Swale Heating asking them to set up an account on their customer portal.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15424</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
National award shortlist for impressive Faversham scheme                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/national-award-shortlist-for-impressive-faversham-scheme/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and one of the UK&#x2019;s leading property development and construction companies have been shortlisted for their work on a development set in a vast country park.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15423</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
The funeral of Her Majesty the Queen                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/the-funeral-of-her-majesty-the-queen/</link>
                    <description>Monday 19 September will be a bank holiday to commemorate the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15422</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A statement from Tracy Allison, West Kent&#x2019;s Chief Executive                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-statement-from-tracy-allison-west-kent-s-chief-executive/</link>
                    <description>A statement from Tracy Allison, West Kent&#x2019;s Chief Executive on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15421</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Copperfields Sensory Garden                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/copperfields-sensory-garden-now-open/</link>
                    <description>A new sensory garden has been developed in Copperfields, an over-55&#x27;s scheme in Ramsgate.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15420</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Census - what happens next?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-census-what-happens-next/</link>
                    <description>You might remember we sent a census to every West Kent household earlier this year to make sure the details we hold on our systems are up to date and accurate.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15419</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Community RePaint Sevenoaks and West Kent celebrate 18 years of brightening communities                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/community-repaint-sevenoaks-and-west-kent-celebrate-18-years-of-brightening-communities/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s Abacus Furniture Project is celebrating the 18th year of their Community RePaint scheme.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15418</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New homes in Ashford ready for residents!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-homes-in-ashford-ready-for-residents/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is proud to unveil a new site in Ashford, which is ready for residents!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15417</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Hear from our scrutiny panel                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/hear-from-our-scrutiny-panel/</link>
                    <description>We work closely with our residents to help shape improvements across our services.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15416</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Free family fun days across the Sevenoaks District                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/free-family-fun-days-across-the-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>The summer holidays are in full swing, so you might be wondering how to entertain your children over the next few weeks - without breaking the bank.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15415</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Adapting our services during the extreme heat                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/adapting-our-services-during-the-extreme-heat/</link>
                    <description>The summer heatwave is expected to bring temperatures close to 40 degrees across Kent during July.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:21 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15414</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Staying safe in the heat                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/staying-safe-in-the-heat/</link>
                    <description>Many parts of the UK are experiencing a heatwave across July. Across various parts of Kent weather is predicted to reach close to 40 degrees.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:18 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15413</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Japanese Knotweed                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/japanese-knotweed/</link>
                    <description>Please let us know if you have Japanese Knotweed growing in your garden.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15412</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent launches community development pilot in Swanley                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-launches-community-development-pilot-in-swanley/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve launched a community development pilot in Swanley, speaking to residents about the issues that are most important to them in their neighbourhood.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:11 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15411</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
&#xA3;6,000 funding awarded to youth services team                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/6-000-funding-awarded-to-youth-services-team/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x27;s youth services team has been awarded funding to provide activities for young people in Westerham.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:08 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15410</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent retains G1 and V1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-retains-g1-and-v1-rating-from-the-regulator-of-social-housing/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has once again been awarded the highest rating  by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15409</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re supporting Pride month!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-supporting-pride-month/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is supporting Pride month this June</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:46:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15408</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents and staff across West Kent come together to celebrate the Queen&#x2019;s Platinum Jubilee.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/residents-and-staff-across-west-kent-come-together-to-celebrate-the-queen-s-platinum-jubilee/</link>
                    <description>The last few weeks have been full of celebrations across the nation for the Queen&#x2019;s Platinum Jubilee. We know residents across our homes and schemes celebrated in a range of ways over the Jubilee Weekend and we wanted to highlight some of the amazing parties full of community spirit!</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:45:58 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15407</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Together with Tenants                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/together-with-tenants/</link>
                    <description>In March, West Kent&#x27;s Board approved the adoption of Together with Tenants.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15406</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Chief Executive visits &#xA3;2.8m Sevenoaks regeneration project                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-chief-executive-visits-28m-sevenoaks-regeneration-project/</link>
                    <description>Tracy Allison visits new development, Kettlewell Court in Swanley.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15405</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Storm Eunice                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/storm-eunice/</link>
                    <description>The Met Office has issued an amber warning for this weekend.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:48 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15404</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Ground-breaking moment for Faversham Lakes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/ground-breaking-moment-for-faversham-lakes/</link>
                    <description>We recently attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the start of works on the second phase of 65 social rent and shared ownership homes in Faversham.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15403</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Coronavirus update                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/coronavirus-update/</link>
                    <description>Following yesterday&#x2019;s announcement from the Prime Minister, we can confirm that all our services will be continuing as usual and in line with government guidance.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15402</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New Executive Director of Finance                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-executive-director-of-finance/</link>
                    <description>Maria Organ will be joining West Kent in March 2022.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15401</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent census                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-census/</link>
                    <description>From Friday 3 December, we&#x27;re contacting all residents to make sure the details we hold on our systems are up to date and accurate.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15400</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Scrutiny panel successfully complete first review!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/scrutiny-panel-successfully-complete-first-review/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s newly established scrutiny panel completed their first review on the employment and training service.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15399</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Energy efficiency and net zero at West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/energy-efficiency-and-net-zero-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re pleased to announce that Neil Diddams, West Kent&#x2019;s Property and Asset Management Director has become the chair of Kent Housing Groups new asset management group.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15398</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent goes back to the future!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-goes-back-to-the-future/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has welcomed back staff to the newly refurbished Sevenoaks office after 18 months of home working.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15397</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Black History Month at West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/black-history-month-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>West Kent staff and residents celebrated Black History Month throughout October.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:22 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15396</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent surveys                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-surveys/</link>
                    <description>We know there are lots of surveys being sent to our residents this year. We wanted to explain what they are, and why we&#x27;re carrying these out, and who will contact you.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15395</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Tpas win for West Kent!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/tpas-win-for-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has won Tpas &#x2018;Excellence in Tenant Communication Award&#x2019; for a project that saw residents shaping a new domestic abuse policy.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:45:15 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15394</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent awarded Gold Housing Footprint!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-awarded-the-gold-housing-footprint-in-rspcas-pawprints-awards/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve won Gold for the ninth year running.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:12 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15393</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Summer success in the Sevenoaks district                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/summer-success-in-the-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>The youth team was back in full fun day flow this summer attending seventeen events across the Sevenoaks district and hosting two residentials.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:09 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15392</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent has been shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-has-been-shortlisted-for-two-uk-housing-awards/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re so proud to have been shortlisted for campaign of the year and digital landlord of the year.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:05 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15391</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New development in Faversham wins Best Large Development award                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-development-in-faversham-wins-best-large-development-award/</link>
                    <description>The Anderson Group has won an award at the First Time Buyer Awards 2021 for the development at Oare Lakes, created in partnership with West Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:45:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15390</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Green fingers and cooking connoisseurs                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/green-fingers-and-cooking-connoisseurs/</link>
                    <description>Money donated from Stanhope Community Centre has given Lantern House residents the skills to plant, grow and cook their own food.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15389</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Worried about the end of furlough?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/worried-about-the-end-of-furlough/</link>
                    <description>With the furlough scheme ending at the end of September, we know people might be worried about the future.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:56 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15388</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Rant and Rave!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/rant-and-rave/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re working with a company called Rant and Rave to find out how we&#x2019;re doing through regular text message and email surveys.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:52 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15387</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Financial statement and accounts for 2020                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/financial-statement-and-accounts-for-2020/</link>
                    <description>Read our full Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for 2020</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:44:49 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15386</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve been shortlisted for TWO TPAS awards!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/weve-been-shortlisted-for-two-tpas-awards/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x27;s communications and engagement team and domestic abuse campaign have been shortlisted for this year&#x27;s awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:44:46 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15385</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New domestic abuse policy and procedure goes live                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-domestic-abuse-policy-and-procedure-goes-live/</link>
                    <description>A new policy, procedure and publicity campaign has been launched to tackle abuse</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:44:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15384</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Brenwards donate &#xA3;10k to Abacus                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/brenwards-donate-10k-to-abacus/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s electrical and building contractor, Brenwards has pledged &#xA3;10,000 towards a new delivery van for Abacus Furniture Project.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15383</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent to mark UK&#x2019;s first ASB Awareness Week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-to-mark-uk-s-first-asb-awareness-week/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve joined a national campaign that is bringing together people and organisations from across the country to take a stand against anti-social behaviour and make communities safer.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15382</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Coronavirus guideline changes from 19 July                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/coronavirus-guideline-changes-from-19-july/</link>
                    <description>Details about how our staff will be working from 19 July</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:33 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15381</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Star pupil: apprentice to undergrad                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/star-pupil/</link>
                    <description>Our youth apprentice Tom is off to university!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15380</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Customer phone lines                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/customer-phone-lines/</link>
                    <description>Our phone line opening hours are changing from 12 July</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15379</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
System issues - Wednesday 30 June                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/system-issues-wednesday-30-june/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re currently experiencing major issues with our systems due to a network fault.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15378</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Social Impact Report 2020                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/social-impact-report-2020/</link>
                    <description>Our 2020 Social Impact Report is out now!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15377</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
&#xA3;35K funding boost for youth work                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/35k-funding-boost-for-youth-work/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s youth services are celebrating this week after the award of not one but two generous grants towards providing their vital work in the community.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15376</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents&#x27; annual report                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/residents-annual-2020/</link>
                    <description>Read a summary of our services and performance in 2020</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15375</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Kent Housing Group celebrates the extraordinary across Kent and Medway                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/kent-housing-group-celebrates-the-extraordinary-across-kent-and-medway/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve received a Kent Housing Group Extraordinary Award for our organisational effort in responding to Covid-19 over the past year.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15374</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Amazing Albie!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/amazing-albie/</link>
                    <description>Young resident Albie learned about our online guitar course and was really keen to sign up.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15372</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Home adaptations give Faith her independence                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/home-adaptations-give-faith-her-independence/</link>
                    <description>Partnership funding provides &#xA3;44,480.92 worth of home adaptations to give one little girl independence and a new lease of life.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:44:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15371</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrity DIY vlogger gives facelift to forgotten furniture                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrity-diy-vlogger-gives-facelift-to-forgotten-furniture/</link>
                    <description>BBC and ITV presenter and professional upcycler Georgina Burnett visited Abacus Furniture Project to give some donated items a new lease of life.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15370</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A stress-free new start in Faversham for 25 families                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-stress-free-new-start-in-faversham-for-25-families/</link>
                    <description>Our goal is to make the moving process as seamless and stress free as possible.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:53 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15369</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Old garages make way for new homes in Swanley                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/old-garages-make-way-for-new-homes-in-swanley/</link>
                    <description>67 garages will be demolished to build 14 new affordable rent homes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15367</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Local homes for local people                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/local-homes-for-local-people/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re working with partners to deliver new homes in Weald for people who otherwise would not be able to afford to live locally.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15366</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent aims high with first low energy homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-aims-high-with-first-low-energy-homes/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is seeking to be one of the first housing associations in Kent to build nearly low energy homes for its residents</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:40 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15365</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A cuppa and a concert                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-cuppa-and-a-concert/</link>
                    <description>Jazz duo serenades residents at an outdoor concert at their homes in Dartford.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15364</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Sing into spring!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/sing-into-spring/</link>
                    <description>New singing group aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Edenbridge.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15363</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New board members                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-board-members/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re pleased to be able to share the details of our new board member appointments.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15362</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
The Kickstart 2021 needed                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/the-kickstart-2021-needed/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve joined a partnership to deliver jobs for young people across Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15361</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating 2020                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/celebrating-2020/</link>
                    <description>A short video highlighting what we achieved in 2020.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:24 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15360</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Low Carbon Homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/low-carbon-homes/</link>
                    <description>West Kent Board Member Brian, and Consultant Richard are speaking at the upcoming Low Carbon Homes Kent online event.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:21 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15359</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
What a way to kick off the year!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/what-a-way-to-kick-off-the-year/</link>
                    <description>The employment and training team are starting 2021 with lots of new training opportunities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:18 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15358</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Scrutiny panel off to a flying start                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/scrutiny-panel-off-to-a-flying-start/</link>
                    <description>Our newly formed resident scrutiny panel met for the first time to complete a training session.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15357</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Social Housing Regulator success!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/social-housing-regulator-success/</link>
                    <description>The Regulator of Social Housing has once again awarded us their highest rating, G1 and V1.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:11 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15356</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Lakeside living in Faversham                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/lakeside-living-in-faversham/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re thrilled to share that we will build 99 (30 shared ownership and 69 affordable and social rent) homes in Faversham.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:08 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15355</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Covid-19 - an update on our services (January)                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/covid-19-an-update-on-our-services-january/</link>
                    <description>Following the Prime Minister&#x27;s announcement on 4 January we set out here what you can expect from us over the coming weeks while we are in lockdown.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:05 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15354</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Please stay at home this Christmas and New Year                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/please-stay-at-home-this-christmas-and-new-year/</link>
                    <description>We know this Christmas is going to be different, but we&#x27;re urging residents to stay at home this Christmas and New Year to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in our communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:43:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15353</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Covid-19 &#x2013; an update on our services                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/covid-19-an-update-on-our-services/</link>
                    <description>Following the Prime Minister&#x27;s announcement about the new Tier 4 restrictions, we have been reviewing our services and making plans.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:58 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15352</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our Winter 2020 Neighbourhood News is out now!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-winter-2020-neighbourhood-news-is-out-now/</link>
                    <description>It&#x2019;ll be landing on each and every one of our residents&#x27; doorsteps soon. But, if you&#x27;re not a resident or just can&#x27;t wait for it to be delivered, you can read it on our website too.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15351</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Foodbanks support the community during the coronavirus pandemic                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/foodbanks-support-the-community-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/</link>
                    <description>The need for foodbanks this year has risen sharply because of the coronavirus.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:52 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15350</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x2019;s Young Influencers prize                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-s-young-influencers-prize/</link>
                    <description>Do you dream of making a difference? Do you love to think creatively, come up with ideas and solve real-world problems?</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:49 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15349</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s Chief Executive speaks at the Housing Forum&#x27;s Masterclass event                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-chief-executive-at-the-housing-forums-masterclass-event/</link>
                    <description>Tracy Allison speaks about West Kent&#x27;s future plans at The Housing Forum&#x27;s latest event.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15348</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Temporary parking restrictions near Knole Park, Sevenoaks                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/temporary-parking-restrictions-near-knole-park-sevenoaks/</link>
                    <description>From 27 November, a no waiting at any time order has been implemented due to dangerous parking by visitors to Knole Park.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15346</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
NHS test and trace scam                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/nhs-test-and-trace-scam/</link>
                    <description>Scammers are using the NHS test and trace service to get personal or financial details from people.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15345</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Successful funding bid to support rough sleepers in Medway                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/successful-funding-bid-to-support-rough-sleepers-in-medway/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve secured an additional &#xA3;140,000 to continue delivering support for rough sleepers in the Medway area.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15344</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Covid-19 - an update on our services                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/covid-19-an-update-on-our-services/</link>
                    <description>Following the Prime Minister&#x27;s announcement about the lockdown, we have been reviewing our services and making plans.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15343</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Free school meals during half term                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/free-school-meals-during-half-term/</link>
                    <description>Kent County Council&#xA0;(KCC) are offering food vouchers during the October school holiday if your child is eligible for free school meals.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15342</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Top QAF results for the Medway support team                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/top-qaf-results-for-the-medway-support-team/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s floating support team based in Medway has been awarded top grades in their 2020 Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) assessment.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15341</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Annual partnership agreement                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/annual-partnership-agreement-our-ongoing-commitment-to-help-residents-together/</link>
                    <description>Our ongoing commitment to help residents together</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15340</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Stakeholder Newsletter - Autumn                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/stakeholder-newsletter-autumn/</link>
                    <description>Our Autumn stakeholder newsletter is available to download.</description>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:42:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15339</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A new name for 8-12s                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-new-name-for-8-12s/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve changed the name of our 8-12s project in response to feedback from parents, young people and partner orgnaisations .</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15338</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent awarded RSPCA Gold Housing Footprint for eighth year                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-awarded-rspca-gold-housing-footprint-for-eighth-year/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re proud to have been awarded the Gold Housing Footprint in the 2020 RSPCA PawPrint awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15337</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Training our residents in what employers need                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/training-our-residents-in-what-employers-need/</link>
                    <description>The employment and training team have pulled out all the stops recently to get people the training they need to land a job by offering free accredited training.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15336</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent makes a stand against domestic abuse                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-makes-a-stand-against-domestic-abuse/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has recently launched an ambitious review of its domestic abuse policy and procedures to help keep communities safe.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:42:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15335</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New approach to rent arrears receives huge response                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-approach-to-rent-arrears-receives-huge-response/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has changed the way it contacts residents who are in arrears and sent a clear message-help and support is available if times are tough.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:42:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15334</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Bowles Lodge holds Covid-friendly MacMillan Coffee Morning                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/bowles-lodge-holds-covid-friendly-macmillan-coffee-morning/</link>
                    <description>Residents at Bowles Lodge enjoyed their latest coffee morning in a whole new way</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15333</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New executive team appointments                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-executive-team-appointments/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re pleased to be announcing our new executive appointments</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15332</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent grant funds Halstead walking group                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-grant-funds-halstead-walking-group/</link>
                    <description>Halstead Walking Group has received a &#xA3;375 grant from West Kent&#x2019;s Linda Hogan Community Fund to help invite new walkers to their historic and picturesque village.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15331</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent goes east!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-goes-east/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re building 66 new homes for rent and shared ownership in Walmer</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15330</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Our Summer 2020 Neighbourhood News is out now!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/our-summer-2020-neighbourhood-news-is-out-now/</link>
                    <description>It&#x2019;ll be landing on each and every one of our residents&#x27; doorsteps soon. But, if you&#x27;re not a resident or just can&#x27;t wait for it to be delivered, you can read it on our website too.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15329</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New &#x2018;net zero&#x2019; homes coming to West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-net-zero-homes-coming-to-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is about to apply for planning permission to build 13 new environmentally friendly homes in Seal.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15328</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
NatWest supports West Kent with &#xA3;60m new funding                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/natwest-supports-west-kent-with-60m-new-funding/</link>
                    <description>West Kent Housing Association has secured &#xA3;110m of funding from NatWest to support the development of new homes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15327</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
TikTok trend tempts retirees                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/tiktok-trend-tempts-retirees/</link>
                    <description>Residents at our over 55s scheme Montgomery Court, Rochester, take to TikTok.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15326</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Employment support makes a comeback in Sevenoaks                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/employment-support-makes-a-comeback-in-sevenoaks/</link>
                    <description>After five months, our employment and training team held their first face to face job hub in Sevenoaks.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:41:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15325</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re supporting &#x27;Homes at the Heart&#x27;                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/homes-at-the-heart/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re supporting the National Housing Federation&#x27;s &#x27;Homes at the Heart&#x27; campaign.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15324</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New youth assembly for Sevenoaks District                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-youth-assembly-for-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks District sees the launch of a new youth assembly to give young people a platform to have their voices heard.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15323</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Who the Linda Hogan fund has helped this year                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/who-the-linda-hogan-fund-has-helped-this-year/</link>
                    <description>Find out which charities and community groups the Linda Hogan fund has helped this year.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:21 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15322</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Changes ahead at West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/changes-ahead-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>We are saying goodbye to Mark Leader, after 18 years at West Kent, and welcome to a new director.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:15 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15320</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A statement from our Chief Executive and Chair of the Board                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-statement-from-our-chief-executive-and-chair-of-the-board/</link>
                    <description>A statement from our Chief Executive and Chair of the Board</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:12 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15319</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Fires at Hollytree Avenue and Sycamore Drive                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/fires-at-hollytree-avenue-and-sycamore-drive/</link>
                    <description>Over the last week, several fires have taken place at Hollytree Avenue and Sycamore Drive, Swanley</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:08 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15318</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Young person smashes logo competition                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/young-person-smashes-logo-competition/</link>
                    <description>Ellie, a HOUSE attendee, came a fantastic second place in a logo competition.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:41:02 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15316</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How to stay safe while work is carried out in your home.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-to-stay-safe-while-work-is-carried-out-in-your-home/</link>
                    <description>If you&#x27;re having a repair carried out in your home, these are a few things that we&#x27;ll do and what we&#x27;re expecting from you.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15315</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
A new reality for repairs at West Kent                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/a-new-reality-for-repairs-at-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Residents have given the thumbs up to a new &#x27;virtual repair&#x27; service that puts safety and efficiency first.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:56 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15314</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Don&#x27;t make tough times tougher                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/dont-make-tough-times-tougher/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re asking our residents to talk to us if they&#x27;re having problems paying their rent, to stop tough times getting tougher.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:52 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15313</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re working through the repairs backlog                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/were-working-through-the-repairs-backlog/</link>
                    <description>From 1 and 15 June, we&#x27;ll be starting routine repairs and compliance checks. We have quite a backlog, so we&#x27;re expecting things to take a while until they&#x27;re back to our normal timescales.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:49 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15312</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
An update on our repairs service                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/an-update-on-our-repairs-service/</link>
                    <description>From 1 and 15 June, we&#x27;ll be resuming home surveys and routine repairs.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:46 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15311</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
What we&#x27;ve been doing                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/what-weve-been-doing/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve been working hard to continue to provide our services, while keeping you and your home safe.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:43 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15310</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Resident involvement goes digital!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/resident-involvement-goes-digital/</link>
                    <description>Lockdown hasn&#x27;t stopped residents getting their voices heard.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15309</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Tenant superheroes!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-tenants-share-their-stories/</link>
                    <description>West Kent tenants who are working on the front line, or volunteering in their communities, share their stories.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15308</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Help us keep your home safe from electrical fire                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/help-us-keep-your-home-safe-from-electrical-fire/</link>
                    <description>We still have to carry out electrical checks in your home to keep you safe, even during the lockdown.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:33 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15307</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Brenwards to start external works                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/brenwards-to-start-external-works/</link>
                    <description>Brenwards are resuming external works from Monday 4 May.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:30 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15306</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Empty homes transformed                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/empty-homes-transformed/</link>
                    <description>Teams at West Kent worked together to make sure tenants will have a safe place to stay if there is a further crisis. such as a fire or flood.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:27 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15305</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Thank you Sevenoaks super-mums!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/thank-you-sevenoaks-super-mums/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;ve partnered up with The Hygiene Bank and Soap and Glory to deliver care packages to super-mums in the Sevenoaks district.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15304</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Stress Awareness Month                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/stress-awareness-month/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re supporting Stress Awareness Month and making information and support available to anyone that might need it.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15303</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Please stay at home this bank holiday weekend                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/please-stay-at-home-this-bank-holiday-weekend/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re urging residents to stay home this bank holiday weekend to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in our communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15302</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How much?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-much-energy-savings/</link>
                    <description>Top tips to reduce energy bills in your household.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:14 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15301</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Community volunteer scheme for Sevenoaks District                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/community-volunteer-scheme-for-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks District Council has been working to establish a volunteer register scheme for those wishing to volunteer.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15299</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
COVID-19 scam warning                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/neighbourhood-watch-covid-19-advice/</link>
                    <description>Kent police and Neighbourhood Watch have been made aware that criminals are attempting to scam those who are vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15298</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Job club closures                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/job-club-closures/</link>
                    <description>West Kent Works is no longer running their Swanley and Sevenoaks job clubs.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:40:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15297</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Youth clubs closed                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/youth-clubs-closed/</link>
                    <description>All youth clubs run by West Kent are no longer running.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:58 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15296</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Are you experiencing financial difficulty due to coronavirus?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/are-you-experiencing-financial-difficulty-due-to-coronavirus/</link>
                    <description>We can help you to manage your rent and other household bills.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:55 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15295</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Coronavirus (COVID-19)                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/coronavirus-covid-19/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re planning for the likely spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15294</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
My West Kent update                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/update-to-my-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Some exciting changes are coming to My West Kent, our tenant portal.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:48 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15293</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We are recruiting two new Directors                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-are-recruiting-two-new-directors/</link>
                    <description>We&#x2019;re going places &#x2013; and we are looking for talented people to help us go even further.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15292</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;ve now reached 1000 likes on Facebook!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/weve-reached-1000-likes-on-facebook/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve reached 1000 likes and 1,160 followers on Facebook!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15291</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Storm Ciara                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/storm-ciara/</link>
                    <description>The Met Office has issued a weather warning for this weekend.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15290</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Painting and decorating success                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/painting-and-decorating-success/</link>
                    <description>Seven residents tried their hand at painting and wallpapering, at our second successful painting and decorating workshop.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15289</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Sevenoaks Kent Shed opens its doors for a third day                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/sevenoaks-kent-shed/</link>
                    <description>Popular woodwork project at West Kent&#x27;s Abacus warehouse now open three days a week.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15288</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How to keep the water in your home healthy                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/water-safety/</link>
                    <description>We want to make sure the water supply to your home is healthy and bacteria free. Harmful bacteria can build up in your taps, shower head and pipes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15286</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Opening hours over Christmas and New Year                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/christmas-opening/</link>
                    <description>Opening hours over Christmas and New Year</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15284</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residents celebrate Kingswood Court refurbishment                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/kingswood-court-refurbishment/</link>
                    <description>Kingswood Court, an extra care scheme in West Kingsdown has had a major transformation and residents celebrated with afternoon tea.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15283</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Free panto tickets for Facebook group                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/free-panto-tickets-for-facebook-group/</link>
                    <description>Residents who joined a new West Kent discussion group enjoyed free tickets to a fun and festive pantomime.  And there are still more tickets up for grabs....</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15282</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Partner celebration to mark 30 years of West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/partner-celebration-to-mark-30-years-of-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Partner organisations that have contributed to the success of West Kent over the last 30 years were welcomed to an event at Leeds Castle recently.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15281</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Sevenoaks reception closure                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/sevenoaks-reception-closure/</link>
                    <description>Our Sevenoaks office will be closed from 19 December to 5 January (re-opens 6 January) for improvement work</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15280</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Apprentices ace assessments                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/apprentices-ace-assessments/</link>
                    <description>This year, three apprentices, who trained with West Kent, recently joined us as full-time employees.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15279</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New online discussion group launched                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/fancy-a-chat-and-free-panto-tickets/</link>
                    <description>Would you like tickets to the panto? Join our online panel and tell us what you think about our services</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:39:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15278</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Get ready to go to the polls this December                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/get-ready-to-go-to-the-polls-this-december/</link>
                    <description>Make sure you&#x27;re registered to vote for the general election this December</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15277</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent Winners                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-winners-1/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re celebrating after receiving highly commended and winning at the this year&#x27;s Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15276</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Contacting us on 31 October                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/contacting-us-on-31-october/</link>
                    <description>On Thursday 31 October, our main phone number, 01732 749400 will not be available until 12 noon.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15274</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Mills Crescent, Seal, Public Consultation                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/mills-crescent-seal-public-consultation/</link>
                    <description>West Kent will be hosting a public consultation evening on Wednesday 30 October to promote the development of the land to the rear of Mills Crescent, Seal.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15273</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Mayor opens new shop at Montgomery Court                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-shop-at-montgomery-court/</link>
                    <description>A new shop, run by Medway League of Friends, has opened at Montgomery Court, Wainscott.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15272</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Test your heating now!                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/turn-your-boiler-on-now/</link>
                    <description>It&#x27;s important to check your boiler and radiators are in good working order before winter hits. Our guide and self-help videos can help you with this.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15271</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New Housing Director                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-housing-director/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x27;s new Housing Director Cathy McCarthy joins on 11 November</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:34 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15270</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re celebrating Gas Safety Week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/gas-safety-week/</link>
                    <description>This week we&#x27;re celebrating Gas Safety Week, which sees organisations from across the UK working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15269</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Sevenoaks District Council to highlight Silver Sunday events for older people                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/sevenoaks-district-council-to-highlight-silver-sunday-events-for-older-people/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks District Council is promoting nine days of free events for older people to celebrate Silver Sunday on 6 October 2019.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15268</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Gold Housing Footprint awarded from RSPCA                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/gold-housing-footprint-awarded-from-rspca/</link>
                    <description>We are proud to have been awarded a Gold Housing Footprint in the RSPCA&#x27;s 2019 Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15267</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating Starts at Home Day                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/starts-at-home-day-2019/</link>
                    <description>Residents and guests at our over 55&#x2019;s scheme, Bowles Lodge, Hawkhurst, enjoyed a celebratory coffee morning to mark Starts at Home Day.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:22 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15266</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New Ash Green family fun day                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-ash-green-family-fun-day/</link>
                    <description>Great success at the New Ash Green family fun day</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:12 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15263</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Pop Up Job Club comes to Swanley                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/pop-up-job-club-comes-to-swanley/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve teamed up with The Learning Shop in Bluewater to hold three Pop Up Job Clubs this September, helping you find your dream job in retail or hospitality.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15261</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Work experience that works for you                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/work-experience/</link>
                    <description>Are you or someone you know between 15-18 and looking for work experience?</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:38:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15260</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Sevenoaks District Council launch new noise app                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/sevenoaks-district-council-launch-new-noise-app/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks District Council has launched a new app making it quick and easy for residents to report noise related complaints.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:59 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15259</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New Chief Executive for West Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-chief-executive-for-west-kent/</link>
                    <description>Tracy Allison has been appointed as Chief Executive of West Kent to replace Frank Czarnowski, who retires at the end of the year.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:56 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15258</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Popping up in Edenbridge                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/popping-up-in-edenbridge/</link>
                    <description>Where would you find a clinical psychologist, a waste management expert and a photographer all in a room at the same time? At a PopUp Business School of course!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:53 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15257</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Pets welcome in West Kent homes                     </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/pets-welcome-in-west-kent-homes/</link>
                    <description>More residents can now enjoy all the benefits of owning a pet. Find out why West Kent wanted to become more pet friendly.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:37:50 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15256</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Pop up with Sue                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/pop-up-with-sue/</link>
                    <description>Check out the amazing work Sue at Age UK is doing in your local area</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15255</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Breaking the law? Hand your keys in and we won&#x27;t ask questions                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/key-amnesty-june-2019/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve joined June&#x27;s Key Amnesty to persuade tenants who are defrauding the association to hand in their keys, no questions asked. But if someone else tells us first, it will be a different story....</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15253</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Fun day raises &#xA3;1200 for Memory Caf&#xE9;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/fun-day-raises-1200-for-memory-caf&#xE9;/</link>
                    <description>The dedicated and tireless team of volunteers at Wellfield community centre came together to mark  Dementia Awareness week, raising &#xA3;1200 for the Memory Caf&#xE9; held at the hall.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:37 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15252</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x2019;re supporting Communities that Work week                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-re-supporting-communities-that-work-week/</link>
                    <description>West Kent, like other housing associations, doesn&#x2019;t just provide homes, we provide a host of other community services, including helping people to find work. We&#x2019;re celebrating that work by supporting Communities that Work week.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:31 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15250</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent moves into Walderslade                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-moves-into-walderslade/</link>
                    <description>Abacus Furniture Project has opened their third store in the heart of Walderslade Village, bringing the busy precinct its first charity shop.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:28 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15249</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x27;s Chief Executive to retire at end of year                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kents-chief-executive-to-retire-at-end-of-year/</link>
                    <description>Frank Czarnowski, Chief Executive at West Kent will retire at the end of 2019.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15248</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Direct debits - making paying your rent easier                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/direct-debits-making-paying-your-rent-easier/</link>
                    <description>We are now offering &#x2018;any day Direct Debits&#x2019; for people that pay their rent monthly, giving you more choice and control about when you pay your rent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15246</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Fantastic QAF results for the Medway support team                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/fantastic-qaf-results-for-the-medway-support-team/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x2019;s floating support team based in Medway have been awarded top grades in their Quality Assurance Framework assessment.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15245</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Edenbridge youth success                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/edenbridge-youth-success/</link>
                    <description>Edenbridge Youth Forum have been awarded Community Action in the Sevenoaks District at this year&#x2019;s Try Angle Awards. Nia Brown, a member of the Edenbridge Youth Forum and HOUSE project also received the Good Friends and Carers award.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15244</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New year, new director                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/heather-brightwell/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re welcoming new director Heather Brightwell, replacing Will Campbell-Wroe as Communities Director who left in December 2018.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:37:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15243</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Oh yes they did!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/oh-yes-they-did/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks residents and their families were treated to free tickets to this year&#x2019;s Pantomime Dick Whittington at The Stag Theatre on Friday 21 November 2018.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15242</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Inter-generational fun at Wellfield Memory Caf&#xE9;                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/inter-generational-fun-at-wellfield-memory-cafe/</link>
                    <description>Young and old are coming together as a group of two and three-year olds from a  group named &#x2018;Albie&#x2019;s Ark&#x2019; have started regularly visiting Wellfield Memory Caf&#xE9;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15241</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Cheryl wins prestigious UK Youth award                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/cheryl-wins-prestigious-uk-youth-award/</link>
                    <description>Cheryl Banks, Leader in Charge at our popular HOUSE project in Edenbridge recently won UK Youth&#x2019;s prestigious &#x2018;Youth Worker of the Year&#x2019; award, for her many years of hard work and dedication to young people in the Sevenoaks district.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15240</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Free tickets!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/free-tickets/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve got our hands on a number of tickets for the Pantos at:&#xD;&#xA;The Stag, Sevenoaks and Christ Church Community Hall, Ashford. To get your hands on them all we are asking is for you to complete an online questionnaire that should take no more than ten minutes.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:47 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15239</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Official opening of Woodlands Court, Swanley                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/woodlands-court-official-opening/</link>
                    <description>Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon did the honours at our new over 55s scheme at Woodlands Court, Swanley, where we have built 31 smart new apartments.</description>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:36:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15238</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent winners                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-winners/</link>
                    <description>West Kent has scooped awards again in the annual Kent Housing Group (KHG) and Kent Joint Policy and Planning Board (JPPB) for Housing Excellence Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15237</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We are on Instagram!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-are-on-instagram/</link>
                    <description>Earlier this summer we launched our Instagram page with a social media competition for young people.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15236</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Tell us what you really think...                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/resident-workshops/</link>
                    <description>We are running a series of resident workshops giving you a chance to tell us what you really think of our services and tell us how we might improve.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15234</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
We&#x27;re saying goodbye to back boilers                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/boiler-replacement-programme/</link>
                    <description>Our iNHomes team are coming to an end of their five-year programme, where they have replaced 350 back boilers.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15233</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent&#x2019;s Youth Services team to attend Family Fun Days in Sevenoaks District                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/west-kent-s-youth-services-team-to-attend-family-fun-days-in-sevenoaks-district/</link>
                    <description>Parents looking for free activities to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays can find lots of fun on their doorstep. West Kent&#x2019;s Youth Services team will be attending Free Family Fun Days over the Sevenoaks district this summer. The events are organised and run by Sevenoaks District Council, with help from Imago and Town and Parish Councils.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:25 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15232</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Another inspirational business event                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/maidstone-mall-pubs/</link>
                    <description>Sonya Okubule put her new-found marketing skills to good use when she provided healthy lunches for fellow would-be entrepreneurs.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:22 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15231</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Reptile visit for Edenbridge 8-12s                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/reptile-visit-for-edenbridge-8-12s/</link>
                    <description>Our Edenbridge  8-12s group enjoyed a visit from RepTylers, who brought with them a range of animals including snakes, a chameleon, bearded dragon and a hairless Guinea Pig!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15229</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Leigh hosts Rural Housing Week celebrations                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/leigh-hosts-rural-housing-week-celebrations/</link>
                    <description>West Kent and Sevenoaks District Council will celebrating Rural Housing Week with an event at Leigh village green on Friday 6 July, 10am-12 noon.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15228</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Fancy running your own business?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/maidstone-pubs-preview/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re backing another PopUp Business School with the aim of helping tenants turn their dream of working for themselves into a reality. This one takes place in Maidstone from July 2 to 13.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15227</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Universal Credit arrives in Kent                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/universal-credit-arrives-in-kent/</link>
                    <description>Universal Credit has started to roll-out throughout the country and will start to replace a range of benefits for working age people. Read more...</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15226</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Inspirational event designed to encourage entrepreneurs                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/tovil-pubs-event/</link>
                    <description>Our PopUp Business School event in Tovil, Maidstsone, proved to be inspirational for many of those who attended.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15225</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Working to support the community                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/moats-sittingbourne-hub-launch/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve been asked to provide community support for local people living near to a new &#x27;hub&#x27; opened by Moat in Cavell Way, Sittingbourne.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:36:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15224</guid>
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                    <title>
Celebrating the opening of Shepway&#x27;s new Abacus store                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/official-opening-of-shepway-abacus/</link>
                    <description>There was a great response to the official opening of our new Abacus Furniture Store in Shepway on Tuesday (6 March), when shoppers enjoyed a ten per cent discount as well as cake!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:57 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15223</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Brrrrr it&#x27;s turned chilly!                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/bad-weather-warnings/</link>
                    <description>We may have to change our normal repairs service in bad weather. Know how you can be prepared and avoid costly disasters.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15222</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Grab a bargain and a slice of cake at our new Abacus store                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/shepway-abacus-opening-event/</link>
                    <description>Our new Abacus store in Shepway is holding a celebration day next week. Join us for 10% off all pre-loved items and a slice of cake.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15221</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Abacus is back in business in Shepway                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/new-abacus-store-in-shepway/</link>
                    <description>Our new Abacus shop sells furniture, clothing, home furnishings and other items at prices designed to help people build a home without breaking the bank.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:35:44 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15219</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
CCTV picks up good things, too.                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/swanley-tenant-spotted-tidying-bin-store-on-cctv/</link>
                    <description>Being spotted on CCTV is not usually a good thing - except if you&#x27;re helping to keep your neighbourhood tidy. Read how Richard practices &#x27;Love where you live&#x27;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15217</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How HOUSE changed Olivia&#x27;s life                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/try-angle-winner-olivia-williams-house-tribute/</link>
                    <description>An Edenbridge youth group changed Olivia Williams from an &#x201C;anxious, withdrawn and socially awkward&#x201D; 13 year-old into a busy confident young woman.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15215</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Giving the gift of financial advice this Christmas                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/financial-well-being-sessions-for-older-people/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;re heading out to communities across west Kent over the next month to help them enjoy a safe and affordable  Christmas.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:35:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15214</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Library House photographs go on tour                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/library-house-photographs-go-on-tour/</link>
                    <description>Residents at our mental health move-on scheme in Ramsgate see their photographic skills displayed in a unique exhibition set to tour the county.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15213</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Volunteering is its own reward                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/volunteering-fourth-case-study/</link>
                    <description>Fourth in a series of case studies on the people who volunteer to help in libraries across the county, Christine Court shares her experience.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15212</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Photographic exhibition set to tour extra care schemes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/library-house-photographic-tour/</link>
                    <description>Residents at our mental health move-on scheme in Ramsgate took a series of photographs that will feature in a travelling exhibition.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15211</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Community team builds more than homes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/how-west-kent-builds-communities-not-just-homes/</link>
                    <description>Building homes is important to West Kent, but so is building communities - and we&#x27;ve had a busy summer doing just that.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15210</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Volunteering - it&#x27;s habit forming                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/volunteering-its-habit-forming/</link>
                    <description>Third in a series of case studies on the volunteers who help in libraries across the county, Shannon Phillips reveals how it&#x27;s become a habit.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15209</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Presenter Steve Brown highlight of West Kent&#x2019;s Well-fest events                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/well-fest-events/</link>
                    <description>Former Paralympics wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown captivated audiences at events promoting mental, physical and financial wellbeing.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:09 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15208</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Volunteering - it&#x27;s for any age                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/volunteering-no-age-boundaries/</link>
                    <description>Second in a series of case studies on the volunteers who help in libraries across the county, 12 year-old Milly Gibbons tells us how she got involved.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:06 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15207</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Volunteering - the ultimate win-win?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/volunteering-the-ultimate-win-win/</link>
                    <description>In the first of a series of case studies on the volunteers who help in libraries across the county, Anna Kibble from Mersham shares her experience.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:03 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15206</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating a triple success at the Kent Housing Group Awards                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/kent-housing-group-awards/</link>
                    <description>We&#x27;ve been celebrating success after scoring a hat trick of wins at the Kent Housing Group 2017 Excellence Awards.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:35:00 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15205</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Residential fun for West Kent&#x2019;s 8-12 club members                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/8-12-club-residential/</link>
                    <description>Groups of children from some of the communities where we have homes enjoyed an exciting residential trip to Thriftwood Scout camp in Essex.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15203</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
The air smells of sweet success at Montgomery Court                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/montgomery-court-smokefree/</link>
                    <description>The air smells of sweet success at Montgomery Court in Medway, after five of their tenants and staff have successfully quit smoking.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:34:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15202</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Government must commit ongoing funding to supported housing                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/starts-at-home-wellfield/</link>
                    <description>Chief executive Frank Czarnowski stressed the need for continuing government funding for supported housing at an event held at our scheme in Wellfield to mark Starts at Home day.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:34:48 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15201</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Cookery skills provide food for thought                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/come-dine-with-us-at-eynsford/</link>
                    <description>Youngsters at Eynsford took part in one of our first Summer FunFest events, and enjoyed lunch as part of the deal (though they had to cook it themselves). Places are still available on lots of other great courses.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15200</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Positive result against anti-social behaviour                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/positive-result-against-anti-social-behaviour/</link>
                    <description>Residents from one of our estates, who had been enduring repeated anti-social behaviour from a neighbour, are relieved after a judge ordered the family responsible to move.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:41 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15199</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Re-housed, helped and happy                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/re-housed-helped-and-happy/</link>
                    <description>The keen eye and extra interest taken by one of our support staff helped an older resident find contentment and company in a new  extra care flat in Swanley.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:38 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15198</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
&quot;Welcome to Beeches&quot; - a sign of a great community                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/beeches-opening/</link>
                    <description>Youngsters from a nearby school used Makaton sign language to welcome guests to the opening of Beeches in Dover, the fifth of the new Kent Extra Care schemes to be opened.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:35 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15197</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
From dinner to diabolos - learn new skills at FunFest                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/summer-funfest-events-2017/</link>
                    <description>From circus skills to cookery and from urban art to drama, we&#x27;ve got summer covered.  Free events in five locations are offering young people to have fun and learn something new.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:32 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15196</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Work starts on new homes at Northview, Swanley                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/northview-swanley-start-of-work/</link>
                    <description>We may have just officially opened the fifth of the new extra care schemes we are managing across the county, but we&#x27;re not taking it easy. Work has now started on a great new scheme for older people in Swanley.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:34:29 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15195</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New extra care scheme is already part of the community                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/spires-tenderden-post-opening/</link>
                    <description>The fourth of five new extra care schemes we are managing on behalf of a county council-led partnership was unveiled at the end of June. Spires in Tenterden is already proving to be home from home for residents.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:34:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15194</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Fire at Grenfell Tower                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/fire-at-grenfell-tower/</link>
                    <description>We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower and our thoughts are with all those affected.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15193</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
School visits a boost to young and old                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/whitfield-aspen-children-visit-beeches-dover/</link>
                    <description>Youngsters from Whitfield Aspen School regularly visit their friends at Beeches in Dover to read to the residents, sew together and show off the latest playground craze.</description>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:34:19 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15192</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
How we made Stacey better off                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/helping-you-to-benefit/</link>
                    <description>As the case study here demonstrates, our aim is to provide support and guidance to help families deal with the cut in benefit by getting back into work - often ending up better off.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:16 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15191</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Celebrating our 2,000th new build                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/2000th-home-celebrations-at-ryeland-way-ashford/</link>
                    <description>When we realised that a block of six homes in Ryeland Way, near Ashford, included our 2000th new home, we asked our new tenants to share in the celebrations.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:13 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15190</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
West Kent supports calls for new Supported Housing Allowance                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/we-support-calls-for-new-supported-housing-allowance/</link>
                    <description>Our response to a government Select Committee on the future of supported housing, which recommends the government should scrap plans to base rent allowances for supported housing tenants on rates used for claimants in the private rented sector.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:10 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15189</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Enjoy reading? Why not help others do the same?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/summer-reading-challenge-appeal-for-volunteers/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is looking for volunteers to help support this year&#x27;s Summer Reading Challenge in libraries across Kent.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:07 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15188</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Free fun day will provide inspiration for young people in Edenbridge                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/youth-fest-at-edenbridge/</link>
                    <description>Local youngsters who have &#x27;made it&#x27; will be sharing their secrets at a free Edenbridge event aimed at providing fun, learning and inspiration in equal measures next weekend.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:04 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15187</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Board Chairman Colin welcomes MP to Cedar Court                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/mp-tom-tugendhat-visits-cedar-court/</link>
                    <description>Local MP Tom Tugendhat paid a private visit to Cedar Court just days after it opened, and was impressed with what he saw.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:34:01 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15186</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Cedar Court rises like a phoenix from the ashes                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/cedar-court-rises-like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes/</link>
                    <description>Chief Executive Frank Czarnowski joined VIPs on a tour of the facilities following the opening of our impressive new scheme at Cedar Court</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:58 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15185</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
VIPs try Tai Chi at Bowles Lodge opening                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/bowles-lodge-opening-event/</link>
                    <description>Two VIPs who unveiled the plaque to open Bowles Lodge in Hawkhurst found themselves trying a new hobby during a tour of the impressive facilities.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:54 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15184</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Independent living with care on hand                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/opening-of-strawberry-hill-dartford/</link>
                    <description>Fred Fordham is delighted with his new home at Strawberry Hill, Dartford - and son David loves knowing that his dad is happy and safe.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:51 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15183</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Could you be a library volunteer?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/library-volunteers-needed/</link>
                    <description>West Kent is responsible for recruiting volunteers to libraries across Kent - and they are making a real difference to people&#x27;s lives.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:48 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15182</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Tasting success at Strawberry Hill                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/strawberry-hill-photo-winner/</link>
                    <description>Every picture tells a story. This one says: &quot;life is good as a West Kent tenant.&quot;</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:45 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15181</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
New homes in Ramsgate officially opened                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/opening-of-copperfields-ramsgate/</link>
                    <description>A musical turn from residents stole the show at the official launch of Copperfields in Ramsgate.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:42 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15180</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Changes to our repairs service                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/changes-to-our-repairs-service/</link>
                    <description>From 1 February 2017 our repairs service is changing. We reviewed our repairs service and consulted with residents about what improvements they would like to see.  We are changing the way we work with you to keep your home in good condition.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:39 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15179</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Gizmo the cat loves his new home in Hawkhurst                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/pets-policy-story-from-bowles-lodge-hawkhurst/</link>
                    <description>When Eileen moved into her extra care home, she missed feline company. Gizmo, meanwhile, was going short of warmth and affection...</description>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 13:33:36 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15178</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
You can see us coming                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/van-livery/</link>
                    <description>Our newly painted repair vans are out and about spreading the West Kent message as well as bringing tradesmen to your door to sort out any niggles with your home.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:33 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15177</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Get ready for winter                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/get-ready-for-winter/</link>
                    <description>Don&#x2019;t get caught out this winter &#x2013; Check your boilers now! As we are approaching colder weather, checking your boiler is working is key to a cosy, warm home. We carry out yearly checks to ensure your boiler is working correctly and safely but if it has not been in use for a few months parts can seize up!</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:30 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15176</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Are you a bit of a hoarder?                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/are-you-a-bit-of-a-hoarder/</link>
                    <description>If you, or someone you know, hangs onto an excessive number of things, keeping them in a chaotic manner, hoarding may have become a problem.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:26 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15175</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Supporting the county&#x27;s volunteering drive                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/supporting-the-countys-volunteering-drive/</link>
                    <description>Strong community links and a focus on working with volunteers have helped West Kent Communities win an impressive countywide library volunteer development contract.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:23 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15174</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Royal visitor tours Swanley Link                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/royal-visitor-tours-swanley-link/</link>
                    <description>West Kent&#x27;s Swanley team had the privilege of meeting royalty on Wednesday, when Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester KG GVCO performed the formal opening of the town&#x27;s new Link building.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:20 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15173</guid>
                </item>
                <item>
                    <title>
Make time for the unsung heros in your home                    </title>
                    <link>https://www.westkent.org/about-us/news-events/news/articles/make-time-for-the-unsung-heros-in-your-home/</link>
                    <description>Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is renewing its appeal to residents to have smoke alarms fitted on each floor of their homes and to test them weekly to ensure they will work when they are needed.</description>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:33:17 EST</pubDate>
                    <guid>https://www.westkent.org/15172</guid>
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