KentOnline

A woman who was in an abusive relationship for 10 years has told her story in a bid to help others.Sadie – not her real name – now helps to run refuges in west Kent.She’s spoken of the moment she realised what she was putting up with wasn’t right and how she finally made the decision to leave.Also in today’s podcast, the row over the tier system after lockdown continues – hear from the chief exec of Hever Castle who says people in the west of the county are being unfairly punished.There’s been a rise in the number of people home schooling during the pandemic – a mum tells us how it’s going for her.And we have reaction to Gillingham’s exit from the FA Cup.

It’s Black Friday and we’re being urged to support local traders in Kent who’ve faced one of the toughest ever years.
While many have adapted to selling online during the pandemic – some have struggled against big names like Amazon.
And while they might be able to reopen when lockdown ends next week, it’s feared takings will still be well down at what is normally the busiest time of the year.
Also in the podcast, the Tier debate causing an east / west divide in Kent.
A family speak after their house was destroyed by fire.
The Margate Film Festival gets under way.
And, we hear from Gillingham’s Dominic Samuel ahead of their FA Cup clash this weekend.

Kent will be in Tier 3 when lockdown ends next week.
Hear from health secretary Matt Hancock and find out what it will mean for you.
We’ve also got reaction from MP’s Sir Roger Gale and Rosie Duffield plus the owner of Adventure Kidz soft place centre in Aylesford.
Also in the podcast, a homeless shelter opens in Gravesham with a warning they’re likely to have a waiting list of people wanting beds.
Jax Jones has been speaking to our sister radio station kmfm.
And, the Gillingham boss says football just isn’t the same without the fans – he hopes they can be back in stadiums soon.

Forget baubles, it’s all going to be about Christmas bubbles this year.The government have confirmed an easing of coronavirus restrictions over the festive period – find out who you’ll be allowed to see and for how long.Also in today’s podcast – pub owners in Kent say they’re being unfairly punished for the high Covid rate as they face having to stay shut if the county is put into tier 3 after lockdown.We’ve been speaking to a landlord in the borough with the highest infection rate in the country, and one which has among the lowest levels in Kent.Hear from an artist who says Covid has changed the way she thinks and works as she launches a virtual exhibition.And we’ve got reaction from Gillingham’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield.

The wait is on to find out which tier Kent will be placed in when lockdown is lifted.
The government is due to announce its decision on Thursday after confirming three new levels of restrictions will come into force next week.
It’s widely thought the county will be in Tier 3 which will still mean no visiting friends or family in their home and pubs will have to stay closed.
But there are some calls for districts to be put into different tiers rather than restrictions covering the whole county – hear what the PM’s had to say.
Also in the podcast, a homeless charity fears potential cuts in funding could significantly affect rough sleepers in Kent.
Should animal theft be made a specific offence? We reveal how many dogs have been stolen in Kent and exactly how many suspects have been charged.
And, we look ahead to Gillingham’s game tonight with player Jack Tucker.

The dad of a disabled woman who’s looked after at a care home in Deal is calling on the government to urgently roll out rapid Covid testing kits.Brett Martin from Thanet has only been able to see Charlotte, 33, once since March.He’s been speaking to the KentOnline Podcast along with the chief executive of Martha Trust.Also today, the area of Kent that now has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the country.The latest schools to be affected by the virusAnd, we hear from Gillingham’s assistant boss following their draw with promotion chasing Charlton in league one.

It’s a massive talking point at the moment – should restrictions be lifted enough so we can see friends and family at Christmas?Some experts say if they are, we face another coronavirus lockdown in January.But others are desperate to be reunited after a year of cancelled birthdays, postponed holidays and re-arranged weddings.We’ve been speaking to experts and some of you.Also in today’s podcast, students share their thoughts on going home for the festive season.And, we hear from Gillingham Vadaine Oliver ahead of their game against Charlton this weekend.

The wife of a man who died from coronavirus after contracting it at a Kent hospital has said she’ll continue to fight for answers.
Paul Tucker passed away at Medway Maritime in Gillingham a week ago – his widow Sam has spoken about what happened.
Also in today’s episode, Swale now has the second worst coronavirus infection rate in England.
Plans for how to deliver the Covid vaccine in Kent have been announced.
Why a Bake Off star from Kent has been hitting back at twitter trolls.
And, we’re being urged to buy a few extra items while shopping to help out foodbanks in Kent – we’ve got the full details.

Swale now has the third highest Covid infection rate in the country.
New figures have been revealed as Kent’s biggest hospital also reveals it’s under increased pressure due to the number of coronavirus patients being treated there.
In today’s podcast, hear from the leader of Swale Borough Council along with the Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP.
We’ve also been speaking to the Kenward Trust in Yalding as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
There are fears more of us are drinking during lockdown – their chief exec says they’ve had a rise in calls for help.
And, Dover’s players missed out on a day off after suffering a 5-1 defeat last night – we were at the game and have reaction from manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Public health bosses in Kent say they’re monitoring the number of coronavirus cases on a daily basis to see if lockdown 2 is working.
There have been real concerns over a significant rise in infection rates in Swale and Thanet.
Hear from Andrew Scott-Clark on what he thinks could happen if lockdown ends as planned on December 2nd, and what the council thinks about the idea of mass testing.
Also in today’s podcast, police have been called following a disturbance at a former army barracks being used to house asylum seekers in Folkestone.
And a mum who gave birth to twin boys at just 23 weeks pregnant has been telling her story to mark world prematurity day.