We'd like to invite you to host a session to talk about mental health with your members and communities - Join our information session to find out more.

We're working on a VCS mental health strategy and as part of that, we want to speak to people who live and access support in our boroughs, about what they need for their mental health. Many of you joined us for an open session to plan for this engagement back in October, thank you again for your input!

The Council are looking for views on their budget consultation, with key proposals on the draft budget for 2026/27 including:

•    raising council tax by five per cent each year
•    reviewing changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme
•    considering introducing a Council Tax premium on second homes
•    setting fees and charges for 2026/27

The deadline to take part in the consultation is Friday 9 January 2026.

Childhood Neglect is one of the priorities for the London Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP), therefore they have chosen to focus their next FREE on-line conference on this topic.  

The conference is a whole day conference, taking place online over two half days.

You will hear from an exiting line-up of speakers (see agenda below).

The council announced last week that it had experienced a cyber attack, and have released the following statement clarifying the situation:

"We can confirm that we are now investigating a data breach as a result of a cyber attack earlier this week at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

After discovering unusual activity first thing Monday morning, we have been taking all necessary steps to shut down and isolate systems and make them as safe as possible.

Join a panel discussion - Thursday 27 November, 6.30pm to 7.45pm at Kensington Central Library and online.

Learn how to influence political decisions and become an active citizen. Join the launch of a free conversation series exploring how citizens can shape political decisions beyond the ballot box.

The first session - led by experts from UCL’s Constitution Unit, Operation Black Vote and Unlock Democracy - will unpack what democracy means, how it developed and the challenges and alternatives it faces today.

A new Disability Forum is being launched for Kensington and Chelsea, a space for disabled residents and local organisations to shape services and influence decisions. The forum will be co-chaired by Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea, and Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Residents of the council’s social housing living with disabilities, their carers, or relatives are invited to join the Disability Forum.

The forum aims to:

Bags of Taste is a non-profit organisation that helps people gain control over their food choices, health, and household budgets. They're currently running a free home cooking and mentoring programme for residents in the Earl’s Court area, and they are keen to share this opportunity with families connected with local school communities.

About Bags of Taste

Ubuntu Pledge are inviting three organisations per borough, Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, RBKC, and Westminster (a total of 15 partners) to join a free NHS App Training Programme.

This initiative supports digitally excluded residents, the elderly, English as a second language speakers and those living in deprivation, helping them gain confidence using the NHS App and accessing online digital health services safely.

The following will be provided:

Nominations for the Mayor’s Awards 2026 are now open!

Nominations can be submitted via the online form at Make a Mayor’s Awards nomination | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea until 5pm on Monday 19 January 2026. 

The Good Things Foundation have announced this week the National Device Bank is now open for applications! It will be a little bit different this time…
They are expanding the service over the next three years with a new approach: successful hubs will now receive devices such as ‘phones’, ‘laptops’ or ‘tablets’over a 12-month period, starting from the award date.
Some may receive multiple batches without reapplying.
Deadline: Thursday 20 November, 12pm
Early applications are encouraged, as allocations are limited.