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Free slippers, new vaccine available, free half term fun, have your say, and more

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Residents' eNewsletter

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.


Slipper swap

Positive Ageing Month free events at our libraries

Selected libraries across West Sussex are hosting free events and health checks during October and there’s still time to check out what's taking place.

East Grinstead, Shoreham-by-Sea, Bognor Regis, Worthing, Crawley and Broadfield are among libraries that have events.

There are talks on ageing well, hearing checks, wellbeing assessments (which need to be pre-booked), drop-ins where you can speak with local organisations, and of course plenty of books on ageing well.

You can pick up a free pair of non-slip slippers (while stocks last) to help reduce slips, trips and falls at:

  • Bognor Regis Library 22 October
  • Worthing Library 23 October
  • Broadfield Library 25 October.

Find all event details and booking information here.

Positive Ageing Month

become a councillor

Could you Be A Councillor?

Are you passionate about local issues and want to make a difference in your local community?

West Sussex County Council will be holding elections on 1 May 2025 and is inviting people to find out more about becoming a councillor.

County councillors are elected by the people of West Sussex to represent their interests and ensure they have a voice when decisions are being made around vital services such as social care, roads and transport, education, waste and recycling, and libraries.

We're holding an information session on 13 November 2024 at County Hall, Chichester, from 6pm to 7.30pm, or you can join online.

To request a place, or a link to join online, email democratic.services@westsussex.gov.uk

Become a county councillor

have your say

Have your say!


coroners court opening

Family and friends’ needs at heart of new court

Attending an inquest can be daunting and stressful for friends and family.

To ensure the best possible environment is available for those attending an inquest a new West Sussex Coroner’s Court has officially opened in Horsham.

The location of the new court has been chosen as it is well served by public transport and reasonably central within the county.

The new facilities include a private family room where families can take a break away from the two court rooms.

More information

library events

'Spooktacular' half term fun!

Our libraries have a full programme of free activities planned for families during October half term, including recycling workshops, 'spooktacular' storytime and craft sessions, and events specially for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Places are limited and pre-booking is required for all half term activities. Check the individual event listings for more details.

Don't forget - regular library activities continue to run throughout the school holidays too, so you won't miss out on the usual Storytimes, Construction Clubs and more.

Find a free activity near you

vaccines

Vaccinations update

Anyone eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccinations can now book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online. Find out if you’re eligible for Covid-19 vaccination and flu vaccination.

For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab is available to those aged 75 to 79,  and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child. Find out more about RSV.

For those adults eligible for both flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the NHS will make them available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit.

However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or Covid-19 vaccinations.


kinship carers


Support available for kinship carers

Are you caring for a family member or friend’s child who is aged under 18?

Kinship care is when a child lives full time, or most of the time, with a relative or friend.

Our Kinship Care team provides a range of support, including advice regarding family contact time and guidance around education and health.

They also provide training and specialist therapeutic intervention workshops, peer mentoring and regular coffee mornings.

If you, or someone you know, might benefit from speaking to the team, or would like more information, click the button below.

Read more about kinship care

digital switchover

Get help with the digital switchover

Our libraries, in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch and BT Group, are hosting free drop-in events to help residents understand the Digital Switchover.

By 2027, all telephone providers will switch from analogue landlines to fibre, which may affect telecare devices and landline use during power cuts.

Volunteers and experts will be available to explain the changes and offer advice on online safety at the free sessions, which will take place at the following libraries:

Your phone provider should be in touch with details specific to your area.

If you are unsure or want further information, please contact your phone provider directly, who will be able to explain the necessary steps to maintain service after the switchover.

More information

more news

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.


did you know

It’s Flood Action Week (14 to 20 October) this week which aims to increase awareness of the risk of flooding and what you can do to prepare.


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