Stay informed on the KeepAbility News page for the latest updates for families and veterans, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.
A Community United: Our Remembrance Day Art InstallationRemembrance Day holds a profound meaning for our community, serving as a moment to reflect and honour all those who have given their lives or been affected by conflicts, past and present. This year, the spirit of togetherness and remembrance shone brightly through a truly special art installation.
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the milestones KeepAbility Kingston has reached since its launch in May 2024. This year has been filled with progress, community connection, and meaningful support for military families and veterans across Kingston. Here's a look back at what we’ve achieved together and what lies ahead.
In today's fast-paced digital world, being confident online is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your digital skills, learn something new, or simply get some tech help, these Digital Drop-In Sessions are here to help you thrive in the digital age.
Discover Connected Kingston: Supporting Military Families and Building a Stronger CommunityIntroducing Connected Kingston, your one-stop destination for discovering local activities and accessing essential services in the borough. Developed by the Royal Borough of Kingston Council and Kingston Voluntary Action, in partnership with local charities and organisations, this platform is designed to make life easier for you and your family.For military families new to Kingston or those already part of the community, Connected Kingston offers a range of services and activities tailored to your needs.
This Halloween, Thursday 31st, have fun with the kids and discover the Stanley Picker Gallery. The team at Stanley Picker Gallery are pleased to be holding a free Halloween creative drop-in (welcome anytime event) for children and young people of all ages, and their families. It's a relaxed open, SEND-only, between 10am-11am and is open to everyone from 11am-1pm. There will also be pumpkin carving with a pumpkin reserved for all who book through Eventbright.
For a recent KeepAbility session we spent some time looking at creating a LinkedIn profile, how to prepare job applications and write personal statements. The key takeaway from the session was to try using technology to find and get the job you want. For many of us in the Military Community it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of selling ourselves on our patchy work history, the frequent moving means long term employment and career progression can be challenging but AI is here to help. Using what you feed it, please be accurate, AI will help you realise you are indeed a competitive candidate, it is the ultimate cheerleader. So what are you waiting for?
Our Military children face a lot of challenges, with frequent moves to parents being away it’s not uncommon for our children to suffer with anxiety and stress so we are so pleased to let you know about the Education Wellbeing Practitioner with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in our local Kingston Schools. An Education Wellbeing Practitioner (EWP) is part of MHST a multi-disciplinary team of clinical specialists, mental health clinicians (psychotherapists, counselling psychologists, art psychotherapists, drama psychotherapists, dance movement psychotherapists).
The Royal Borough of Kingston Council offers a wealth of opportunities and support services to its residents, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. From employment and skills training to cost of living support, the council’s website is a treasure trove of information and assistance that is available to everyone. Here we give you a taste of what you can find but there is so much more to discover so whether you are new to The Keep or have been here for years this page has something for everyone.
Sick of missing Pinnacle or Vivo appointments because you didn't hear know they called. In the past, families have experienced missed calls from housing contractors because these calls often appeared as withheld or unknown numbers on their phones. To improve communication and ensure that no important calls are missed, we are pleased to announce that our housing contractors will now be using updated and easily recognisable numbers to reach you. This change aims to make it easier for you to identify and answer calls related to your housing needs without any confusion or hesitation.
Welcome to our occasional series where we shine a light on some of the incredible women, spouses, and businesses that call the Keep their home. Nestled in this vibrant community, you'll find a tapestry of inspiring stories, innovative ventures, and dedicated individuals making a difference. From entrepreneurs and artists to supportive partners and leaders, the Keep is a thriving hub of talent and passion. Join us as we explore the unique contributions and remarkable journeys of these amazing people, highlighting their successes and the vibrant spirit that makes the Keep a truly special place.
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, especially when finding a fulfilling career. Redeployable is designed to help veterans navigate this transition successfully. Veterans can join a skills-focused community of career-driven peers and access opportunities to level up their post-military careers.
On a poignant D-Day 80th anniversary, our first workshop cohort of military family members and spouses came together to mark the launch of the KeepAbility Kingston initiative. This significant event, held last night, represents the beginning of a journey towards empowerment and resilience for those in the military and the families who support our servicemen and women.
Having a staycation this year? Don't fret, food enthusiasts – Kingston has you covered! From a quick lunch to an indulgent al fresco dining experience, there's a culinary delight waiting for everyone in town this summer.
Meet Barry: Our Friendly Neighbourhood Postman with a Passion for Heavy MetalIn every community, there are certain individuals who become woven into the fabric of daily life, leaving an indelible mark with their kindness and warmth. For us, that person is Barry, our beloved postman who has been faithfully serving our Keep neighbourhood for over five years now.
The council has received a proposal (application number 24/00809/FUL) for a two-story, two-flat development on the green space at the entrance to The Keep. This application, if approved, would not only eliminate a vital green lung but also disrupt the harmonious symmetry that defines the entrance to The Keep. Additionally, it raises concerns about the inevitable increase in cars parking on the estate, further compounding existing challenges.It's crucial for residents and advocates of green spaces to voice their concerns and object to this proposed development. The deadline for expressing your opinion on the Council's website is 10th May, and all it requires is the application number.
For those aged 40 and above seeking to unleash their career potential, Room for Work presents an invaluable opportunity. Offering a free 12-lesson course tailored specifically to mature job seekers, Room for Work is the go-to resource for individuals navigating career transitions.
Moving to a new place, as a member of the armed services family, can be both exciting and challenging. As you settle into your new home in Kingston upon Thames, affectionately known as "The Keep," we want to extend a warm welcome and provide you with all the information you need to make this transition smooth and enjoyable.
With the support of No Wrong Door and its partner organizations, military spouses can navigate the complexities of education and training with confidence and clarity. By breaking down barriers and providing a network of resources, No Wrong Door ensures that every door leads to opportunity—a guiding light for military spouses on their journey to personal and professional success.
Have your say! For several years, residents of King’s Road, especially the stretch between Park Road and Queens Road, have voiced their concerns about the area's traffic conditions. Kingston Borough Council has actively engaged with the community to identify viable solutions.
Introducing No Wrong Door South London: Your Gateway to Seamless Skill NavigationNavigating the vast array of opportunities available can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. At South London Partnership, they recognise the challenges individuals and employers face in manoeuvering through the complex skills system. That's why they're thrilled to introduce No Wrong Door South London – your ultimate resource for overcoming these barriers.
Connecting and Empowering Military Families In Kingston
