A knitted poppy appeal has been launched in Dover District to help commemorate Remembrance Day. We are working with the Royal British Legion, Dover Arts Development and Dover Big Local to create a carpet of knitted or crocheted poppies - and we are inviting people to get out their knitting needles to support the project. 

The knitted poppies will be used to create a display in the run up to Remembrance Day, as part of a Kent-wide initiative.

• Kent Knitted Poppy Appeal

An inspiring initiative has helped over 500 young people - and the success of the scheme, called the Inspire Fund, has been celebrated in a new video.

The fund was set up in 2016 to help young people who are facing struggles in their lives. It introduces them to activities to help them develop new skills, build confidence and create new friendships.

The fund is administered by DDC, working with more than 100 referral partners. 

• More on the Inspire Fund 

Grants and loans are available now to help people across the district with repairs and improvements to their homes. The range of grants is now even more inclusive, with a revised Housing Assistance Policy, including changes to help more householders.

The revised policy has been agreed to help improve housing in the district, to help people live independently at home for longer, to help people out of hospitals and back into their homes, and to bring empty homes back into use.

• More on promoting independence

We have launched a new Community Directory and local clubs, sports clubs and community groups are invited to get involved. The directory aims to help local groups reach out to new members and connect to the community.

The online directory is a simple to use, searchable map, which show the locations and contact details of sports and community organisations.  Make sure your group is on the map.

• More on Community Directory 

It's September, and colder weather is on its way, so now is a great time to see if you could save money on your energy bills.

The latest round of our collective energy switching scheme, Energy Deal, is now open. Energy Deal is a free to join scheme, which gives residents the chance to make savings on their energy bills by registering to take part.  To take part this time, please register by Monday 9 October.

• More on Energy Deal

With autumn upon us, now's a great time to enjoy a trip to our fantastic parks and open spaces, and to take in some of the amazing landscapes in White Cliffs Country.

Work continues on the £3m restoration of Kearsney Parks, and events are lined up for the autumn, including a photography workshop on 5 September, and a Big Tree Climb on 16 September. You can also take part in our Visitor Survey. We're also reminding people that feeding bread to ducks can be bad for the birds. For more details, see the Kearsney Parks site.

• More on White Cliffs Country  

Keeping physically active improves your health and quality of life, and can help you live longer. Why not slot more exercise into your life by simply going for a brisk ten minute walk every day - download the free 'Active 10' app here 

See our Get Walking pages for more information on walking in Dover District. We're also welcoming news that the new Dover Leisure Centre has been granted planning consent. 

The Big South Kent Coast Health Check runs until 11 September - drop in to get advice on living a healthier lifestyle.

• More on health and wellbeing