KentOnline

Addiction in the UK is affecting people in the UK more than ever. A report by the Centre for Social Justice revealed about 1 in 3 drug deaths by overdose that occur in Europe happen in the UK. 
Jamie Cheney opened a private rehabilitation centre called The Recovery Lodge in Sittingbourne after suffering the throes of addiction himself.
Mr Cheney found himself addicted to alcohol and drugs, spiralling out of control and ending up in prison for brief stints before getting clean. 

The family of a former school teacher from West Malling are concerned her killer could be released in a matter of months.Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr had twice been sentenced to death after being found guilty of murdering Lauren Patterson in 2013, but it’s since been reduced to ten years in prison.Now an attempt by her family to extend the jail term has been unsuccessful.Also in today’s episode: the mum of a young man who has a rare genetic disorder has been telling us how he’s getting on in his new job, and Gillingham are getting ready for their FA Cup first round replay against Sunderland tonight.
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A 16 year-old boy has denied murdering a young man who was stabbed to death in Maidstone.
11 people have appeared in court today after 21-year-old Andre Bent died following a disturbance in the town centre in August.
Also in today’s episode: hundreds of people have taken part in an illegal rave at a former carpet store, a young politician is speaking out against social media abuse, Gillingham’s win has helped them climb the league one table, and a dramatic game at Ebbsfleet ended in a draw.
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This week Oliver Kemp and our political editor Paul Francis break down everything that  happened in the constituency of Canterbury over the last week, including scuffles between the Liberal Democrats and a racy gambling advert. 

This week is inter faith week, a practice which has been steadily growing across the UK for the past ten years. 
The idea is people of all different religions – and even those who have no religion – should reach out to one another and come together despite their differences. 
To discuss why it might be important to open a dialogue between religions, we were joined by Imam Safeer Khan of Nasir Mosque in Gillingham, Saju Muthalay, vicar of St. Marks Church and Dalia Halpern-Matthews, representing Chatham Memorial Synagogue.
 

A new food hall in west Kent is being hailed a success after boosting the number of people visiting the town.Ely Court in Tunbridge Wells is said to have increased footfall by 10% around the rest of the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, and owners now say there’s been more interest from business to move into the high street.Also in today’s episode: Kent could soon be producing red wine, Gillingham are getting ready for their league one match against Lincoln City, and the first women’s football weekend is getting underway.
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NHS statistics show just 81% of A&E patients in Kent were seen within four hours last month, which is below the national figure for October of 83.6%.The government target is 95% – but across England that hasn’t been met for over four years.Also in today’s episode: climate change is leading to flooding fears, a food redistribution charity is asking for more volunteers, and we hear from Dartford Football Club’s new manager.
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A man’s starting a life sentence in prison today for murdering a man at a caravan park near FavershamThe 30 year-old victim was stabbed to death at the site in Dunkirk earlier this year, and now 48 year-old Dumitru Palazu has been told he’ll spend a minimum of 30 years behind bars.Also in today’s episode: more people than ever before are relying on food banks in Kent, a recovering alcoholic has spoken out as part of an awareness week, and we get reaction to Gillingham’s win in the EFL Trophy.
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In our first episode of Talking Points, co-hosts Paul Francis and Oliver Kemp discuss political alliances in the wake of the winter election and the abuse faced by women in politics. 

Pregnant women in Kent are being urged to get the flu jab as figures show just 4 in 10 got it last year.Catching the virus could lead to complications for mums-to-be as their immune systems are already weaker.Also in today’s episode: a former cricketer is starting a new career as a firefighter, a dog’s been rescued from an abandoned badger sett, and a Kent Paralympian is setting her sights on a new sport.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/