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

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.

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

Have your say!

• As part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan, we introduced the “16 to 20 Bus Saver” discount on bus fares for young people across the county.  As we continue to enhance bus services, we’re calling on people aged 16 to 20 to take part in a passenger survey to share their views on the bus journeys they take.Five respondents will win a £50 gift voucher in the survey's prize draw. Survey closes on 31 October 2024. 
  
  
• We want to hear from autistic people, their families and carers and professionals to help us make the county a better place for those with lived experience of autism. The consultation is open until 16 December and will be made up of in-person workshops and online surveys.
  
  
• Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is asking for views on the risks that concern people living and working in the county the most. The questionnaire is part of the planning process for the service’s next Community Risk Management Plan which will run from 2026 to 2030. The results of the survey will help the service plan the resources it needs to continue to help ensure West Sussex remains a safe place to live, work and visit. You can complete the questionnaire online, or if you would like a printed survey call 01243 786211. Survey closes 15 December 2024.
  
  

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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:

• Billingshurst: Wednesday 30 October, 10am to 12.30pm
• Rustington: Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 12pm
• Littlehampton: Tuesday 5 November, 2pm to 4pm
• Burgess Hill: Friday 8 November, 10.30am to 1pm
• Midhurst: Monday 11 November, 10am to 1pm
• Steyning: Wednesday 20 November, 10.30am to 1pm.

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.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• Following an invitation from central government, we have submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, an expression of interest on devolution. The council says in the letter that it has enthusiasm and openness for the opportunities that devolution can offer, such as additional local decision making on budgets and funding for the area rather than them being made by central government.
  
  

• Inspectors have highlighted the improvements our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has made in the latest report published today by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. The report has rated the service as ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ in all areas, with inspectors removing any previous causes for concern. This is the first report WSFRS has received with no causes of concern or any grading judgements of ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ since the inspectorate obtained responsibility for fire and rescue services in 2018.

• Our Recycling Centres across West Sussex have switched to autumn and winter opening times, which will last until 31 March 2025.
  
  
• Low income households without gas central heating can get funding to help improve their home’s energy efficiency. Register your interest before 31 October 2024.
  
  

• Are you aged 66 or over? Pension Credit could give you extra financial support such as the Winter Fuel Payment and access to other benefits such as free NHS prescriptions. Check your eligibility here.

• Increase your skills and awareness on the road as a biker, pillion rider and/or general road user by attending a free Biker Down course on 24 October in Shoreham.

• Are you looking to kickstart your career in Children’s Services or looking for a change or promotional opportunity? If so, come along to our Children, Young People and Learning recruitment event on 14 November to learn more about what our incredible teams across our services are all about and the career opportunities they have across West Sussex. Book a space here for this free event in Southwick.
  
  

• Applications are now open for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 who are eligible to start school in September 2025. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online and the deadline is 15 January 2025. If you need help with the application call 033 301 42903 or send an email.

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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