KIF (Kent Information Federation) a charity, closed on the 28th February 2006.
KIF started in 1991, as one of the pilot schemes in the National Disability Information Project, funded by the Department of Health. It relied on funding from a variety of sources including KCC Social Services Directorate. KIF’s project funders included Lloyds TSB, the Community Fund and Urban Thames Gateway. KIF services were available across Kent and Medway.
KIF’s aim was to “make information work” by:
• Providing a central point for the collection, collation and dissemination of information through a computerised database.
• Producing a tri-annual newsletter, The Windmill, which was sent to over 1000 individuals, GP Surgeries, Kent Libraries and Shop mobility outlets.
• Through the provision of the highest quality information, acting as a focus for people and organisations concerned with improving the quality of life of disabled people, disadvantaged people, carers and those who work with them.
KIF was a specialist voluntary and community sector infrastructure organisation specialising in information management, and was expert in the business of the collection, collation and dissemination of information. KIF had a focus on disability, and was a user-led organisation.

KIF built up expertise over 14 years of developing and providing an information service, and specifically an information database. During that time KIF kept abreast of developments in the information field that influenced the provision of information recognising, for example, the growth in the use of the internet as an information source; the trend for centralised databases, which KIF had long-endorsed; and the trend for centralised government-led information services, such as NHS Direct, while conversely a recognition from central government of the value of local knowledge.

As the only service of its kind in Kent, with a long history of providing a high quality and well-respected service, KIF was ideally placed to provide a comprehensive searchable database that could be used by KCC, the health sector, the voluntary sector and individuals throughout Kent to provide specific, timely, relevant and up-to-date information. At the time of closure in February 2006, twenty-one voluntary and statutory organisations across Kent and Medway were using the KIF database.

KIF hosted many additional projects over the years, some of which are continuing despite the closure of KIF. The projects, which continue to run, are:

• Disability Equality Training Advice and Information. Tailor-made training and support to suit your needs. Contact Rachel Wilson 01474 743020 or 07986 500685 or email rachel@equalitytraining.com
• By All Means project, which is focusing on testing methods for increasing the numbers of disabled people visiting the countryside and taking part in countryside activities. For more information on this valuable project and to find out how to take part, please contact Belinda Davis: By All Means Project Co-ordinator on: 07910 345270