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00:28Transcription by CastingWords
00:31Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight, live on KMTV. I'm Naila Mahamud and here are your top stories on Wednesday
00:3711th March.
00:38Project Parenting. Vulnerable mothers offered community in Swale ahead of Mother's Day.
00:43Being a young mum on the island way, way back, to actually come and be able to serve these mums
00:49and these children is such a privilege.
00:52Media in Medway. Journalism Diploma returns to Kent as KMTV gains national accreditation.
00:57What I love most about this job is the people you meet. You meet individuals from all walks of life.
01:03Business owners, campaigners, families, counsellors, each with their own perspective.
01:08And finally, artists for mental health. Creators and visitors come together in Rochester to celebrate the importance of art for
01:16well-being.
01:16You know, it's the thing that basically makes you stop and breathe.
01:32Your top story tonight. As Mother's Day fast approaches, a charity in Swale has been offering sessions for vulnerable mums
01:39to socialise and get support.
01:40The Princess Project operates regular groups across Kent for mothers needing additional support, whether through befriending service, parenting advice or
01:48clothing bank.
01:49Ahead of Mother's Day, they're dialing up the energy. And Chloe Bruce are headed to Sheerness to help with the
01:54setup.
01:55For many of us, Mother's Day is a day to spend gifting flowers and making or receiving breakfast in bed.
02:01But for some mums in Kent, it's just another day to get through.
02:05There are 1.3 million children living in poverty in the UK.
02:09And 94% of mothers say they feel lonely, at least some of the day.
02:14Charity The Princess Project hopes to change that.
02:17Through the community support groups across Sheppey, Maidstone, Gillingham and Tonbridge,
02:21they try to build mums a community while also offering crisis support and parenting resources.
02:27I headed to their Mother's Day celebration in Sheerness.
02:30So the Princess Project offers all kinds of support to mums who just need a bit of a helping hand.
02:35So one-to-one support through befriending, group support through our mums' hubs, which is what we've got happening here
02:42today.
02:42A lot of mums are quite isolated.
02:44So maybe are living away from family or don't have many friends in the same situation as them.
02:50A lot of mums struggling with their mental health.
02:53A lot of mums having difficulty with their finances because money is tight.
03:00We also support a lot of mums who've fled domestic abuse, families who are seeking asylum or refugee families.
03:10Here at the Salvation Army Hall in Sheerness, the Princess Project is expecting 25 mums to show up.
03:15Here they'll play with their children, meet other mums and get snacks and hot drinks.
03:19They'll even get a Mother's Day gift to take away.
03:22Being a young mum on the island way, way back, to actually come and be able to serve these mums
03:28and these children is such a privilege.
03:30Obviously, I've got the compassion.
03:31I've been there and felt this and been that where you feel that perhaps you don't fit in because you
03:39are a young mum and to have that community time and just have that chat with other people.
03:46So we really, really love Mother's Day at the Princess Project.
03:50We really love and value every single mum who comes through our doors.
03:53And I think it's a really amazing opportunity for us as a Christian charity to really extend the love of
03:59Jesus and to we make up little gift bags.
04:02We have amazing volunteers who make those up with us, for us.
04:07And they, yeah, usually the things that have been donated, which is amazing.
04:11And we gift those in the hope that that just shows our mums how much they're loved.
04:17Sometimes the gift bags that we give may be the only gift that they're given for Mother's Day.
04:23And so we just love to do that to show how much we value the mums that are part of
04:28our community.
04:29For some of the mothers here, their gift this Mother's Day will be the community they build.
04:33Chloe Brewster for KMTV in Sheerness.
04:37Now, the RNLI rescued a teenage boy after he was pushed out to sea on a sinking boat.
04:43The Whitsubble branch was called out to the incident near Laysdown on Tuesday afternoon,
04:47where a 17-year-old who was floating on a boat found by himself and his friends got carried out
04:53to sea by the offshore breeze.
04:54Once the boat began to sink, the teenage boy dialed the Coast Guard, who were able to promptly send a
04:59lifeboat and rescue him.
05:01RNLI Helm Olly Myhill said that there's an obvious safety message here in that people finding a derodic craft on
05:07the beach should leave it well alone.
05:10Now, a man was airlifted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a train smashed into his car.
05:17Kent police are investigating the incident, which took place at a level crossing on Richborough.
05:21He was sandwiched yesterday at 4.32pm.
05:24Passengers on board the train described him a loud bang and feeling a sudden stop at the time of the
05:28accident.
05:29No other injuries were reported and inquiries are still ongoing to determine the origin of the crash.
05:34Rail operator Southeastern have said that the line is now clear.
05:39Next, new data has revealed a 20% increase in the number of people seeking help over concerns about their
05:46own or someone else's online sexual behaviour towards children.
05:49Over 300,000 people looked for support through Stop It Now, a child sexual abuse prevention service run by the
05:56Lucy Faithful Foundation.
05:57Earlier today, I spoke to Stuart Allardyce, director of the foundation, to discuss more about what this meant for Kent.
06:03And a quick warning, this report does contain themes that some viewers may find distressing.
06:09So, Stuart, your new figures show that a 20% rise in people are seeking help over concerns about their
06:14own or someone else's online sexual behaviour towards children.
06:18What does this increase mean for families and young people here in Kent?
06:23So, I think what we're seeing across the UK, including in Kent, is increasing numbers of people being arrested for
06:33online sexual offences.
06:37Across the UK, about four or five years ago, there were around 800 individuals being arrested every year.
06:42Now it's up about 1,200.
06:45But we also see increasing numbers of individuals who are reaching out for help, particularly at the early stages of
06:52offending behaviour.
06:53And do you see this as a worrying trend or is it more positive that more people are coming forward
06:57for this help?
07:00So, if we unpack this a little bit, I think it's obviously concerning that we're seeing more online harm, more
07:09circulation of sexual offences with children.
07:13And this is clearly a priority for law enforcement at the moment.
07:19But it is heartening that services such as our Stop It Now helpline are seeing an uplift in the number
07:26of people who are looking for help.
07:29But we're very keen to see the numbers for those looking for help at an early stage increasing as much
07:35as possible.
07:35And how did you gather and analyse these new figures, this 20%?
07:39And do you have a sense of what the picture might look like specifically in places like Kent?
07:45So, the figures are drawn from a couple of different sources.
07:49I mean, one is those who are going to our online self-help materials.
07:55And some of it is individuals who are phoning our Stop It Now UK helpline.
08:02So, we're seeing kind of an uplift across kind of all aspects of our services in relation to individuals who
08:09are worried about,
08:11if you like, problematic behaviour online, particularly problematic use of pornography and that tipping into behaviour that is illegal.
08:23If you or anyone you know have been affected by any of the themes discussed in this report,
08:27you can find support at stopitnow.org.uk.
08:31And now, shocking footage in Favisham has shown the moment a senior bank executive hacked down a neighbour's CCTV with
08:38an axe.
08:39The HSBC executive, James Gavin, used a tool as well as a shotgun to damage the recording device on land
08:45opposite his property in Selling.
08:47His antics were caught on another camera nearby footage, which landed him in court last week.
08:52And Chloe Brewster is in the studio with me now to discuss this further.
08:55Now, Chloe, this is a bit of a bizarre story, isn't it?
08:58Can you just take us through it from the beginning?
09:01So, Canterbury Crown Court heard how 50-year-old James Gavin, who you can see just there,
09:06he's a high-flying HSBC executive.
09:09He first shot down a camera installed on land opposite his home in July last year.
09:14Then, less than a week later, after that camera had been replaced,
09:19the new replacement equipment became James' newest target.
09:23As well as armed with a gun, Gavin decided to go even more hardcore,
09:28bringing a drill and an axe along to help pull the camera down, as we can see in this footage
09:32here.
09:34However, due to an ironic twist of fate, another hidden wildlife camera caught Gavin doing the damage,
09:40as you can see there, and running away from the scene, footage which later ended up getting him arrested.
09:46Now, why exactly did he do this?
09:49So, when questioned by police, he immediately confessed to his crime,
09:53explaining his behaviour was triggered by his concerns over the fire risks posed by the owner storing wooden pallets on
09:58the land close to his timber home.
10:01But Gavin, who has a salary of £10,000 per month, freely admitted to police that this was a, quote,
10:08ridiculous thing for him to have done.
10:10He subsequently pled guilty to two offences of damaging property and two offences of possessing a shotgun gun at the
10:17time of committing criminal damage.
10:19And what was the sentence in the end?
10:20So, Gavin was spared prison when he appeared in court last week after a judge was told that being put
10:28in prison could cost a dad of two his really successful job.
10:31But Gavin, who had held a firearm certificate for about 13 to 15 years at the time,
10:36was said to appear immortal and disappointed in his interview.
10:40But in a victim impact statement read to the court,
10:42Miss O'Shea, who rented the land where the camera was on for her horse, described as being in constant fear
10:48while James Gavin was around and while she was in the field nearby.
10:54And she said she was petrified the situation could escalate.
10:59James Gavin's lawyer explained that what happened was related to Gavin's struggles with his mental health, where he had been
11:05diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
11:07He'd also been experiencing vivid nightmares of fire in his home.
11:12So, he explains a little bit about why he did this.
11:16Also, the lawyer said that what happened had been a combination of frustration and a lack of judgment.
11:22In the end, though, he did receive a 12-month jail term suspended for 12 months and a £2,000
11:27fine.
11:28And he was also ordered to complete up to five rehabilitation activity requirements and 180 hours of unpaid work.
11:35Thank you so much for joining us today, Chloe.
11:38And now it's time for a short break.
11:40But coming up, we'll be hearing from Andy Richards, our Channel Director here at KMTV,
11:44and Level 5 apprentice Maisie Walker about the Year in Journalism programme.
11:48We'll also be taking a look at the weather and still hearing more about Student 101.
11:52All that and more after the break.
11:54We'll see you soon.
25:23And what would you say,
25:24thank you,
25:43you know, you know,
26:13thank you.
26:38And now, you know,
31:15And a reminder of our top story tonight.
31:34As Mother's Day fast approaches, a charity in Swale has been offering sessions for vulnerable
31:39mums to socialise and get support.
31:41The Princess Project operates regular groups across Kent for mothers needing that support,
31:45whether through their befriending service, parenting advice or clothing bank.
31:50And ahead of Mother's Day, they're dialling up the energy.
31:52And Chloe Brewster headed to Sheerness to help the set up.
31:55For many of us, Mother's Day is a day to spend gifting flowers and making or receiving breakfast in bed.
32:02But for some mums in Kent, it's just another day to get through.
32:05There are 1.3 million children living in poverty in the UK and 94% of mothers say they feel
32:12lonely at least some of the day.
32:14Charity, the charity, the Princess Project hopes to change that, through the community support groups across Sheppie, Maidstone, Gillingham and
32:21Tonbridge, they try to build mums a community while also offering crisis support and parenting resources.
32:27I headed to their Mother's Day celebration in Sheerness.
32:31So the Princess Project offers all kinds of support to mums who just need a bit of a helping hand.
32:36So one-to-one support through befriending, group support through our mums' hubs, which is what we've got happening here
32:42today.
32:43A lot of mums are quite isolated.
32:45So maybe are living away from family or don't have many friends in the same situation as them.
32:51A lot of mums struggling with their mental health.
32:53A lot of mums having difficulty with their finances because money is tight.
33:00We also support a lot of mums who've fled domestic abuse.
33:05Families who are seeking asylum or refugee families.
33:10Being a young mum on the island way, way back, to actually come and be able to serve these mums
33:16and these children is such a privilege.
33:18Obviously, I've got the compassion. I've been there and felt this and been that where, you know, you feel that
33:26perhaps you don't fit in because you are a young mum.
33:29And to have that community time and just have that chat with other people.
33:35So we really, really love Mother's Day at the Princess Project.
33:39We really love and value every single mum who comes through our doors.
33:42And I think it's a really amazing opportunity for us as a Christian charity to really extend the love of
33:48Jesus.
33:48And we make up little gift bags. We have amazing volunteers who make those up with us, for us.
33:55And they, yeah, usually the things that have been donated, which is amazing.
34:00And we gift those in the hope that that just shows our mums how much they're loved.
34:06Sometimes the gift bags that we give may be the only gift that they're given for Mother's Day.
34:12And so we just love to do that to show how much we value the mums that are part of
34:17our community.
34:18For some of the mothers here, their gift this Mother's Day will be the community they build.
34:22Chloe Brewster for KMTV in Sheerness.
34:26And as always, here in Kent, there's plenty of news from across the county.
34:29And today's news features reports of a Maidstone restaurant with a zero star hygiene rating,
34:34as well as controversial plans for a new housing development.
34:38Jay Blakeslee joined me earlier to tell me all about it.
34:41Well, thank you so much for joining us on The Sover today, Jay.
34:43Can you tell us a little bit about your first story?
34:46So a restaurant located in Lower Stone Street in Maidstone has recently been given a poor hygiene rating
34:51on account of some worrying discoveries found in their kitchen.
34:55The Bulgarian dining establishment used to have a three star rating after it was discovered
34:59that they used falsified rating reviews in their window.
35:02But it is now a zero star establishment on account of some moldy and out of date food,
35:08including carrots, uncovered octopus and illegally imported pork products.
35:11It was also mentioned that the cooking space was not adequately maintained or cleaned,
35:17featuring hops covered in old grease and burnt and melted floor coverings.
35:21The owners of the business were contacted for a response,
35:25but they have yet to give one as of this time.
35:27Right, I see.
35:28And can you tell us a little bit about your next story, please?
35:30Of course.
35:31So the widow of a Ramsgate builder has recently won an extensive legal battle
35:36after some financial complications arose after her late husband's passing.
35:41Ms. Joanne Mapp found herself having to pay completely out of pocket
35:45for the builders that were under her late husband's employ.
35:48This was because their client at the time, Mr. Michael Elson, refused to pay.
35:53We actually have Ms. Mapp's response to the situation right here.
35:58The adjudicator found a clear breach of contract.
36:01And the awful thing was that the client paid the money within 24 hours.
36:09So he had the money.
36:10He knew that he owed it.
36:12Why didn't he just do the decent thing?
36:14And can you tell us a little bit about your final story?
36:17Of course.
36:18The McManus family have provided an outline for their new planning application off Camer Road.
36:23The designs plan to involve space for 725 new home spaces.
36:28And 50% of those they actually claim should be affordable housing for first-time buyers.
36:34Exact numbers are yet to be provided, but the applicants have suggested that there should be at least 72 one
36:39-bedroom spaces,
36:41228 two-beds, 327 three-beds, and 138 more.
36:45I see.
36:46Well, thank you so much for joining me on The Save Today, Jay.
36:49Now, the NHS has set forth a halt on prescriptions for cross-sex gender hormones for under-18s.
36:55This decision has faced some scrutiny from LGBTQ plus rights groups, including the Medway Pride Radio.
37:01And on Monday, I spoke to Hilary Cook from the Medway Gender and Sexual Diversity Centre.
37:07Puberty isn't dependent on a specific age as a group.
37:11It's dependent on the individual.
37:15And any treatment given to anybody needs to be given at the right time for that individual person.
37:23Because every child deserves medical treatment, and that includes transgender people.
37:31And to give us more information about the changes in hormone treatments, we're now joined by our health expert, Dr.
37:38Julian Spinks.
37:46So, hi, Julian.
37:47Can you first explain what this pause by NHS England actually is, and what this means for those looking for
37:53gender affirmation?
37:55Well, we've already had a stop on puberty blockers, and that's in younger teenagers, typically.
38:01We're talking about ones around the 17-18-year-old age group.
38:04And these are giving them estrogen if they're trying to move from being male to female, and testosterone if it's
38:14going back the other way.
38:16The problem that's come up is that the evidence behind the drugs for safety in particular over long term is
38:24just not there.
38:26There's very limited amount of evidence, and they've paused so they've got a chance to have a look more closely
38:33at what's going on.
38:34So, it's not a permanent stop. It's really a safety measure.
38:38But I do feel for people who are in the middle of transitioning, late teenagers and so on, because it
38:45is going to cause problems.
38:47It's been a bit of a mess, really, over the last few years as to what happens with this, where
38:52we've swung between being incredibly enthusiastic and giving lots of treatment to children, sometimes possibly unwisely, to going the other
38:59way, where now people who genuinely need it are going to have difficulty getting it.
39:03So, I can only hope that the people who are doing the review will do it quickly.
39:07And you've already mentioned the impact it will have on safety, but how else could it affect people who are
39:12either partway through treatment or those who are on the way to getting that treatment?
39:16The good news is the ones who are partway through treatment will continue to get the treatment.
39:21They're not stopping people midway, because that could cause all sorts of strange effects, like menopausal style effects.
39:28But people who are just about to start, they're not going to get it.
39:32So, it's going to delay that transition from happening, because they're given things like oestrogen if they're becoming female, because
39:39it will then produce things like breast development and so on.
39:42And testosterone, again, is for things like deepening the voice and so on.
39:46So, it's a very important part of that transition process.
39:49And so, this pause only applies to the NHS at the moment.
39:52It's still available in private clinics.
39:55Does that create a risk of there being unequal access to this care, depending on whether families can afford this
40:01treatment?
40:02It definitely does.
40:04And there aren't many private clinics that are doing this.
40:07So, it is going to be difficult to find that private support, but the cost is going to be significant.
40:12And it means that if you are less well off, then you'll not be able to get that treatment until
40:17the pause has stopped.
40:19And now, we want to move on to this new drug for menopause.
40:22And so, it's called Vioza, and it's now been approved by use for the NHS.
40:28Can you explain what the treatment is and how exactly it works?
40:31Yes, this has been around for actually coming up for three years, but it hadn't been approved.
40:36So, it's gone through the NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process.
40:40The drug blocks receptors in the brain, which are to do with temperature control.
40:45And it turns out, if you do that, you can get rid of the flushes.
40:48So, it's specifically for hot flushes in menopause, it doesn't treat the other symptoms of menopause.
40:55And it's only really being recommended for people who can't take hormone replacement therapy.
41:00That is a better treatment because it treats the underlying cause rather than that one symptom.
41:05But there are some people who can't take HRT.
41:08It may be that they've had a lot of thrombosis.
41:11They may have other contraindications to it.
41:14And so, this is another option for those people.
41:18Unfortunately, the people who are most likely not to be able to take HRT are people who've had breast cancer
41:24or other hormone-dependent cancer.
41:25And that still is not going to be the case with this drug because it's not licensed in that situation.
41:30But it's a step forward.
41:32And I hope that sooner or later some research will come out will say it's OK.
41:36It's safe in people who've had breast cancer or who have breast cancer because it does give an option to
41:41get rid of a very unpleasant side effect.
41:43Well, thank you so much for joining us today, Julian.
41:52And now it's time for our final break and we'll see you very soon.
46:27We're covering postgraduate life today and how to begin that job search.
46:32What should students try to do after leaving university?
46:35So obviously it is really tough for students out there.
46:38From the Office of National Statistics, unemployment for youth, that being 16 to 24-year-olds, is up to 16
46:45% as of the end of 2025.
46:48The first thing I would say is to get on those job search websites.
46:51Another time-saving tip, leave your chopped up ingredients on the baking sheet and season directly after.
46:57This can also help lower your clean-up time in the kitchen.
47:00Once seasoned, add in juice of one lime and a tablespoon of olive oil and mix.
47:06The spices used include a combination of cumin, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
47:13Place into the oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, but make sure to keep an eye on it to
47:17avoid burning.
47:23A small train ride away from Medway, Milton Creek Country Park in Sittingbourne may not be a student's first choice
47:30for a relaxing day out given its distance,
47:32but it is no less a beautiful site, ripe for exploration.
47:39Now, the site that would later become the country park has a surprisingly detailed history of use dating back to
47:45the Victorian era.
47:47Then, the region was used for barge building and gravel extraction for brick making.
47:52One of the main things that people will notice while watching the trailer, outside of the comedy, obviously, are some
47:58of the stunning visuals.
48:00Currently, we are on location for where you shot some of the film.
48:03So, what made Kent the perfect filming location?
48:07I think, I mean, this, Kent itself has history with apple farming, which I didn't know as I was about
48:12to make the film.
48:13But I reached out to a few people and they knew about the history of farms in Kent.
48:18And we actually got to shoot on an apple farm or apple orchard not too far from here.
48:40And Julia Dreamer joins me in the studio now.
48:44And so, Julia, for viewers who haven't seen the show before, what is Student 101 all about?
48:48So, Kent Student 101 is a student focused show that focuses on different aspects of student life across the county.
48:56The aim is to give students helpful information while also showcasing the creativity, opportunities and experiences that exist within the
49:04student community.
49:05It's really about helping students make the most of their time at university while highlighting what makes studying in Kent
49:11unique.
49:12And can you tell us a little bit about the different segments of the show?
49:15Yeah, so the show features several different segments that each highlight different aspects of student life.
49:23And Created by Kent is one of the segments that highlights art and creative projects produced by students in Kent.
49:31We also have Macro Meals, which gives students healthy and affordable meal ideas and shows them how to make these
49:36meals.
49:37And we have another segment called We Try Out and that explores activities that students can take part in outside
49:44of their studies.
49:45While Walking in the Garden shows some of the best places around Kent where students can go for walks and
49:51enjoy the county.
49:53And another segment you have is How to Adult. Can you tell us a little bit about that, please?
49:58Yeah, so that segment is all about helping students navigate the practical side of living independently.
50:03For a lot of students when coming to university, it's their first time that they've had to manage things like
50:09budgeting and accommodation or everyday responsibilities.
50:13So the segment provides some simple tips and guidance to help make that transition a bit easier for students when
50:19they first arrive at university.
50:21And why are shows like these so important for these students who may not have lived away from home before?
50:27I think it's important because it shows that student life involves more than just studying.
50:34Students are building independence and discovering new interests and becoming part of a wider community.
50:40So a show like Kent Student 101 highlights those different experiences and helps students feel more connected, whether that's through
50:49discovering new places in Kent or learning useful life skills or seeing the creative work that other students are producing.
50:57I feel like it really helps to make us feel a lot more connected.
51:01And what's been the most enjoyable part about being on the show?
51:05One of the best parts about being on the show has been collaborating with other students who are passionate about
51:12media.
51:13And it's really rewarding to see all of our ideas come together to create something that represents student life in
51:22Kent.
51:23And we've also had the opportunity to explore different parts of the county and meet a lot of other talented
51:28students, which has been a really fun experience.
51:32Do you have a favourite episode of Student 101?
51:36I think the first episode was one of my favourites, especially the segment we try out where they did the
51:43K-pop dancing.
51:44And yeah, I found that really fun.
51:46Well, thank you so much for joining us here today.
51:49Thank you for having me.
51:53And now time for the weather.
52:01Highest of 10 across the county here in Dartford, lowest of 6 in Ashford into tomorrow morning.
52:09It's highest of 18 across the county, Maidstone 10 degrees, lowest of 9.
52:13Into the afternoon, you've got highest of 26 degrees, lowest of 11 in Margate, 10 in Ashford.
52:20Your outlook for the rest of the week, it's 10 on Friday, 10 degrees on Saturday, a bit cloudy and
52:2611 on Sunday with a bit of sun.
52:36And finally, our reporter Alia Pritchard went down to Rochester to visit its yearly art fair.
52:41She spoke with several of the artists behind the event, asking about their creations and how art can support our
52:47wellbeing.
52:48So let's see what she found out.
52:49Last weekend, artists and visitors gathered in Rochester's Corn Exchange for Rochester Art Fair.
52:55I spoke to director Eva Page to find out more.
52:58I felt that there was nothing in Medway.
53:01I was hoping to bring a fair to Medway and allow artists to express themselves and to be seen.
53:10And we are growing now and it's just to prove that everyone actually needs that in Rochester.
53:17Eva also told me about her new art installation called The Rocking Chair.
53:21Visitors could sit and contemplate.
53:23The ward is in a really fast pace.
53:25So just to sit down and rock in a chair, which you're very welcome to.
53:31And just kind of forget everyone is here and then just kind of have a bit of contemplation and then
53:35reflection time.
53:36This fair was set up to connect artists directly to the public.
53:41Let's find out the behind the scenes process of setting up this event.
53:44I started last year.
53:46So all the planning and poly artists to exhibit and logistics and setting up this exhibition
53:55and working with a venue with Medway Council local communities and just to get everyone together to enjoy.
54:02I also spoke to some of the many artists here about the kind of art they make and the meanings
54:07behind them.
54:08The art I make is all about celebrating who we are basically.
54:11So I paint for emotion.
54:13And what I've worked out over the years of doing this, I don't think I'm painting the emotion that I
54:17feel in the moment.
54:18It's the emotion that I need.
54:20So this art here is actually based on real stories and lived experiences.
54:26This piece is particularly special to me.
54:29Basically, I was diagnosed with MS in 2022.
54:34But since having that diagnosis, I've turned that into a positive.
54:37So I take every day as it comes.
54:39And it's all about just adjusting that crown and just not letting it dampen me and myself.
54:44Art is often said to be a creative outlet that is important to people's wellbeing.
54:48But what do these artists think?
54:50So important to my wellbeing.
54:52I struggle with my mental health for a long time.
54:55And I talk openly about it.
54:56And I think the way I did it was I escaped into art.
54:59Art saved me.
55:00I think art is an incredible outlet for that.
55:03Whether you're buying and looking at it every day and it gives you that feeling.
55:07Or you're immersing yourself in it and doing it yourself as well.
55:09You know, it's the thing that basically makes you stop and breathe.
55:19And quickly before we go, residents from Maplewood Court's care home in Maidstone underwent a fabulous transformation, dressing up in
55:27flamboyant wigs and sunglasses for photo shoots.
55:31The organizers Laura Taylor and Jo Morgan said that they wanted to give the residents the opportunity to go over
55:38the top and feel fabulous.
55:40One hundred year old resident Hilda Howes shared that she loved the experience and that they made her look 80
55:46instead of 100.
55:47And she had so much fun.
55:49The team at the care home are hoping to organize an exhibition to share the joy with family and friends.
56:01Now you've been watching Kent tonight live on KMTV and there's more news made just for Kent throughout the evening.
56:08And don't forget, you can always keep up to date with the latest news across your county by logging on
56:13to our website, kmtv.co.uk.
56:15You can also keep us on your social timelines by liking us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
56:21And if you have a story you think we should be covering, then do get in touch.
56:24We also have a series of special programmes, you know, Invictus Sport, based in Kent, Children 101.
56:30We've just heard from Julia now about the show which is being aired right after Kent tonight.
56:34And Kent Film Club tomorrow, which you can watch throughout the week or catch up with on our website.
56:40And we've had a brilliant amount of stories on our social media as well.
56:43You can see another video about the CCTV axe attacker.
56:49But for me, for now, have a good evening and we'll see you tomorrow.
56:52Goodbye.
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