News and events

Members of the public are invited to attend the next meeting of the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board where they will be able to put their questions directly to the county’s health leaders.

There will be an update at the meeting from the Public Health Specialty Registrar who will present a report to the Board on cost of living pressures, and potential impacts on our local population’s health.

The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Thursday, 3 November from 10.30am in the Council Chamber at County Hall, in Chichester.

The Board works to improve the health and wellbeing of West Sussex residents. Since April this year it has met in-person, following nearly two years of virtual meetings.

The agenda includes a public forum where residents of West Sussex can submit their questions to the Board prior to the meeting and be there to hear the response from members. Those who are unable to attend, or who don’t wish to, can still submit questions to the Board and receive a response at a later date.

Questions for the Board can be submitted in advance by emailing Democratic Services Officer Erica Keegan at [email protected]

Also on the agenda for the next meeting is a formal quarterly update from the Children First Board, which is a sub-group of the Health and Wellbeing Board, and an update from Director of Public Health, Alison Challenger, on current public health matters.

The full meeting agenda is available on the county council’s website.

The meeting will also be available to watch live via the internet at http://www.westsussex.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

Advice and support relating to the cost of living is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk/CostOfLiving

Online scams have become more frequent and sophisticated over the past few years. And with cost of living pressures increasing, fraudsters are looking for new ways to exploit individuals all the time. 

The top online scams most consistently reported to Action Fraud in West Sussex include;

• Romance fraud – this scam involves people being duped into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship. They use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit so that requests for money do not raise alarm bells.
• Sextortion - where an individual is threatened with having sexual photos, videos or information published in exchange for money or even in exchange for the person doing something against their will.
• Investment fraud – this is usually where people are contacted out of the blue and asked to invest in schemes or products that are worthless or don’t exist. 

Some of the new scams which are now being seen are:

• Texts claiming to be from ‘Gov.org’ or the ‘DWP’ inviting applications or claims for cost of living payments.
• Bogus emails, texts or calls claiming to be from the local council requesting bank or card details so that council tax rebates can be paid.
• Emails, texts, or calls claiming to be sent by energy suppliers offering switching deals, cheaper tariffs, discounts on prepayment meters or rebates.
• Advertisements, emails, texts or social media posts offering either non-existent loans or those with incredibly high interest rates, to help you through a period of financial hardship.
• A general increase in ‘traditional’ scams offering great deals on tickets, holidays, vehicles, consumer goods, fashion, and other things you purchase online. What you buy is either non-existent or not as advertised.

To help residents combat these cyber crimes, West Sussex County Council has lots of support available to keep people scam savvy.

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “Scams, whether they’re online, by telephone or in person, are something which have sadly become more common, and unless we stay alert and up to date, fraudsters will continue to prey on the understandable worry and panic that these types of messages can cause. 

“To help residents deal with these cyber scams, we have a number of free support options that will educate people on the latest scams and help them understand how we can all prevent ourselves and loved ones from becoming victims of this type of crime.”

Residents who want to stay on top of the latest scams and online safety information can sign up to the Staying Safe Online e-newsletter, which can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/staying-safe-online.

For people who want to learn how to become scam aware and access training online, our Digital Safety Team, alongside West Sussex Trading Standards, run scam awareness webinars, which are suitable for both residents and professionals.

The next ones are listed below, and tickets can be booked for free by searching for ‘Staying Safe Against Scams’ on the Eventbrite website, with more due to be scheduled over the coming months.

• Wednesday 23 November 2022 from 10am-11.30am.
• Tuesday 7 February 2023 from 2pm-3.30pm. 

There is also a free online webinar running on Thursday 10 November between 10am and 11.30am which will solely focus on romance scams. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite and can be found by searching ‘Romance Scams’.

The County Council’s Digital Safety Team also work alongside Get Safe Online to offer free in person support through their Digital Ambassador volunteers. These individuals are able to offer 1:1 online safety support at libraries and can also deliver talks to local groups. For more information, you can email [email protected].

West Sussex County Council Libraries also offer free in person and remote digital support. The Library Digital Volunteers can give individuals one-on-one help with computer queries, from how to set up an email, Skype or Facebook account, to downloading an ebook or printing a document. 

A new recycling and general waste collection trial, that includes the separate collection of food waste and Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP), is underway in selected areas of Mid Sussex.

Residents in parts of Ashurst Wood, Burgess Hill and Lindfield are being provided with weekly kerbside collections of food waste and AHP as part of a trial being delivered in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council. Find out more about the trial, including useful tips on reducing food waste and making food go further on the link below.

New ‘1-2-3’ Recycling and Rubbish Collection Trial - Mid Sussex District Council

A new ‘food rescue’ pilot, designed to reduce food waste and help people with the rising cost of their weekly shop, has begun in parts of West Sussex.

Working with UKHarvest, district and borough councils, and other partnerships and charities, West Sussex are running the pilot for six months in Bognor Regis, Crawley (Broadfield area), and Southwick (in Adur). The idea behind the project is to encourage people to take advantage of surplus food rescue services and learn how to reduce the amount of edible food which ends up in their household rubbish bins.

New scheme aims to reduce edible food waste and promote food rescue services - West Sussex County Council

Christmas may be a time to remember family and friends - but Dogs Trust Shoreham is also asking local dog owners to remember their four-legged friends this festive time, with a Canine Care Card.

The Canine Care Card is a free service, which helps to ensure your dog’s future, in the event of you either passing away, receiving a life-changing diagnosis, or moving into a care home. This can often be a great concern to some people, who perhaps do not have a family member or friend in a position to look after their dog, should the worst happen. Therefore, by signing up to the service, Dogs Trust can offer peace of mind, reassuring you that your faithful friend will be well cared for by the charity.

It is easy to sign up to the service, which simply asks for some information on your dog, including their likes and dislikes, as well as your dog’s medical history and your vet details. It also asks for you to confirm who you would like as your Dog Guardian. This should be someone you trust, like a friend, family member, solicitor, neighbour, or vet, who can sign over ownership of your dog to Dogs Trust on your behalf, should you become seriously ill or pass away.

You can register online by going to www.dogstrust.org.uk and searching for ‘Canine Care Card’ - or if you do not have access to the internet, you can request a paper version of the application form. Once the form is submitted, Dogs Trust will then write to you, to confirm when your application has been processed.

Once signed up, should your card ever need to be activated, Dogs Trust will then arrange with your Dog Guardian for your dog to come into the rehoming centre or into foster care. With a team of vets, trainers and behaviourists on hand if needed, your dog will then be welcomed, loved, and well cared for by the charity, who will work tirelessly to find a loving new home for your much-loved canine companion.

If you would like further information about the Canine Care Card, or to request a paper application form, please contact Dogs Trust Shoreham’s Supporter Relations Officer, Jennifer Cruse, at [email protected] or phone 01273 466971.

Cuckfield Bonfire Procession  

Saturday 5^th November 2022 

Applications now open for school starters

Applications are now open for children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 who start in reception classes at primary and infant school in September 2023. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2023.

Make the most of autumn in West Sussex

Breathe in the beauty of our county this autumn and gain some seasonal inspiration from our Experience West Sussex website. As well as things to see, do and explore in the county, you’ll also find details of some more unusual ways to enjoy autumn, including leaf peeping

Must See in West Sussex | Experience West Sussex

Have a happy half term

It’s half term, so if you need to keep the kids or grandchildren entertained, we’ve got some ideas:

• Join in with the free family activity ‘Sporty Stars’ at one of our libraries, where sporting figures will be celebrated with stories and crafts. Most libraries have limited spaces so booking is required.
• Libraries also run regular events for young children including Rhyme Time and Story Time, as well as special events, which you can find on our library website.

There’s a whole host of family fun-filled events highlighted on our Experience West Sussex website.

If you’re 50 years or over, you are now eligible for a free flu vaccine and a Covid-19 booster.

The vaccines are also offered to those most at risk from flu and Covid-19. Find out if you are eligible here.

Getting both vaccines is important because more people are likely to get flu this winter and Covid-19 remains in our communities with cases currently increasing.

It's safe to have both vaccines at the same time, but you need to book them separately.

To arrange a Covid-19 vaccine, use the National Booking Service or call 119.

For the flu vaccine, book an appointment with your GP practice or a local community pharmacy. We should all continue to protect ourselves and each other from Covid-19, colds, and flu viruses this winter by taking these simple steps: get vaccinated, wash hands, wear a face covering in crowded indoor settings, avoid crowded places and meet people outside if possible, open doors and windows to let in fresh air and stay at home if you are unwell.

Covid-19 and flu vaccinations - Sussex Health and Care (ics.nhs.uk)

West Sussex County Council are here to help and support residents who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Working with district and borough councils and charities, they will get help to those most in need, using the £4.8 million Household Support Fund from government, to provide a package of financial and practical assistance this winter.

The Community Hub continues to offer direct support to vulnerable households, providing essentials such as food and supplies, as well as grants to those who are eligible.

WSCC have 36 libraries across the county offering a warm welcome to all visitors. Staff can help and advise people on a range of topics, from money management to energy saving, job seeking and benefits guidance. On their ‘Here to help - Cost of living’ webpages, you’ll find lots more advice and information about local and national support, including with finances, food, transport, energy, employment and wellbeing.

Cost of living - West Sussex County Council 

We are in need of:

- Puddings

- Soups

- Long life fruit juices

Thank you for your support

A casual vacancy exists in the Office of Councillor for the Cuckfield Parish Council.

Come and support the poppy appeal at the Queen's Hall

West Sussex County Council is working in partnership to support people and families who are struggling the most with the rising cost of living.

The County Council is using its £4.8 million Household Support Fund, from Government, to provide a package of financial and practical assistance to people this winter. Working closely with district and borough councils and charities we will get help to those most in need.

Our Community Hub continues to offer direct support to vulnerable households, providing essentials such as food and supplies, as well as grants to those who are eligible.

Our 36 West Sussex libraries offer a warm welcome to all visitors. Friendly library staff are on hand to help and advise people on a range of topics, from money management to energy saving, job seeking and benefits guidance. Regular library events like Story Time are free for families of young children.

On our ‘Here to help - Cost of living’ webpages, people can find lots of practical advice and information about how to apply for extra local and national support.

Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Families and households across our county are understandably worried about increasing cost-of-living pressures, in the face of rising energy prices, inflation and interest rates.

“These are national issues, driven in part by international factors, and in response the government has introduced a range of measures to help reduce the pressures on UK households.

“This includes the £4.8m this council has been allocated through the Household Support Fund, which will be going to households most in need and those who support them this winter.

“Together with our partners, we are here to help anyone who needs it, so I would urge those who are struggling to seek the support that is available to them.”

The Council is using part of the £4.8m Household Support Fund to provide food vouchers for every West Sussex child who receives benefits-related free school meals this October half-term. Over 17,000 children will be given a £15 supermarket voucher through their school, supporting around 10,000 households.

Household Support Funds will also be available through a range of different distribution methods, including via district and borough councils, direct support through applications via the Community Hub and also distributed in partnership with other organisations including Citizens Advice and Food and Fuel Banks.

Over the Christmas school holiday, the Council will again be running its popular Holiday Activities and Food programme for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Over the summer, 2,395 eligible children took part, and this Christmas we will be offering a range of free holiday club places where all children will be given a nutritious meal.

This year South East Water is bringing their key stakeholders together to discuss the huge challenges customers may be facing this winter. Through a fantastic group of speakers, you'll hear the latest advice on the cost of living crisis across various sectors. South East Water is working with the Collaboration Network to bring you relevant industry experts and guest speakers including:   

• National Energy Action
• Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RIDC)
• Saga
• Consumer Council for Water (CCW)  

South East Water's Head of Customer Experience and Strategy, Andy Clowes, will be providing an update on the impacts of the cost of living crisis across their supply area, and ways they can work together to support customers in the challenging times ahead.

The session is virtual and will run from 10am - 5pm on Thursday 9th November.

The Collaboration Network will be sending official invite shortly to register to attend.

Please see details of the emergency closure of Brainsmead below.

Even if there’s no hint of icy weather, gritters will be taking to the county’s roads this Saturday (15 October). West Sussex County Council will be deploying its fleet of 19 gritters to test its winter readiness for when temperatures do drop.

The annual “dry run” prepares the County Council to keep safe main roads and approaches to hospitals, schools/colleges and busy bus routes.

Drivers from contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places check the vehicles and equipment are in good working order and it is an opportunity to familiarise themselves again with the routes.

They also note any problems, such as overgrown hedges, that need attention ahead of severe weather later in the year and see if there are ways to make the runs more efficient.

There is more information online about our winter planning, including our gritting routes and how we decide which roads to grit.

Residents can follow us on Twitter @WSHighways #GritterTwitter to see our daily decision on whether to send the gritters out.

To grit, or not to grit – a daily decision:

• We monitor the weather closely from 1 October to 30 April and will make a daily decision on whether we need to grit (salt). 
• The gritting routes cover nearly 1,700km of highway, including all A and B roads, and include routes of local importance such as major bus routes, access to emergency service bases, hospitals and large industrial establishments.
• We start the winter season with around 8,000 tonnes of salt in our stores and monitor stocks carefully throughout the season.
• We support town and parish councils which have local winter plans by topping up grit bins at the beginning of the winter season.
• Whilst we’re out spreading, grit takes time to work on the roads and we always ask drivers to please take their time and always drive to the conditions.

Come along to Cuckfield Skatepark on Wednesday 26th October 10am to 3pm.

For children starting school in West Sussex next year, it’s now time to apply for places.

Applications are now open for children who start in reception at primary and infant schools in September 2023. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2023. Children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 are eligible to start school next September.

Children who are currently in Year 2 at infant school will also need to apply for a place to start junior school in September next year.

It is strongly advised that parents and carers apply on time, before 15 January 2023, so as to give themselves the best chance of being offered one of their three preferences. Those who apply late are far less likely to get a place at one of their three preferred schools and will still need to apply, as they will not automatically be given a place.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Helping people and communities to fulfill their potential is one of the key priorities in Our Council Plan and our schools play a significant role in helping to achieve this.

“When considering your three preferences, I encourage families to do as much research into the schools as possible. Please look at a school’s website and make contact with schools directly to ask questions and find out about their open days.”

All of the information about applying is on the Council website. Free use of computers with internet access is available in all West Sussex libraries, there’s no need to book. Those unable to apply online can request a form through the post by calling 033 301 42903.

Parents/carers are advised:

• to include three preference schools on your application, listing them in order of preference.
• Parents/carers who want their child to go to their catchment school will need to include that school as a preference for it to be considered.
• If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools.

County Council admissions staff are available for those who need help with their application. Contact the admissions team by phoning 033 301 42903 or emailing the admissions team north: [email protected] or the admissions team south: [email protected]

Secondary school applications are currently open for September 2023 and close on 31 October 2022.

Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in West Sussex to join more than 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched a decade ago in 2012.

Smoking remains the number one cause of preventable illness and premature death in England and is a major risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. With approximately 77,000 adult smokers in West Sussex, we’re encouraging everyone to have conversations about smoking and promote the free support available to help people quit.

This year's Stoptober mass quit attempt is as important as ever, with quitting being one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to join the thousands of others who are giving quitting a go for the month of October – making it to 28 days smoke free means you’re five times as likely to quit for good.

Smokers can find free help and support on the Stop Smoking services page on the West Sussex Wellbeing website.

Quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily - and save you more money. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco. That means they could save around £2,000 a year by quitting.^[1]

Quitting with others, together with the range of support offered, means that Stoptober can trigger resolve and boost confidence, motivation and readiness, making smokers realise that they are stronger and better prepared than they think and setting them up for long term success.

Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said: "Stoptober presents a great opportunity for people who have been thinking about giving up smoking to take on the challenge. Not only will they notice the health benefits immediately, but financially they will be better off, at a time when many people are struggling with their finances.

"I would encourage smokers in West Sussex who want to quit to take advantage of the free help and support available as research shows that smokers are three times more likely to quit with the help of a stop smoking advisor."

Every day, thousands of people across West Sussex use buses. Buses are a sustainable way to travel and help you...

• Save money on fuel and transport running costs
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Travel to school, work or the shops
• Maintain your independence

We’ve pulled together all you need to know in this special newsletter, including two fantastic opportunities to win £100 supermarket vouchers and an invitation to let us know what you think about bus travel in West Sussex!

Get onboard for new adventures!

Where will you travel by bus? We have some great tips and ideas of where to visit by bus on our Experience West Sussex website. 

Then check your most convenient bus routes and timetables using our handy route planner below. We also have a page with the latest discounts on bus and coach travel.

Pensioners apply for or renew, your free bus pass!

Residents who are of state pension age (currently 66+) can travel off-peak free of charge on local buses anywhere in England as far and as often as they like.

Apply for or renew your pass before 16 December 2022 and you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £100 of supermarket vouchers.*

Jaki (73) from Petworth said: “Using my free bus pass has many benefits. I still work twice a week and the free bus pass saves me on car parking costs, petrol and car wear and tear. It’s more relaxing than driving and means I don’t have to travel on my own. It’s also very sociable and you get to meet all sorts of people".

Apply now online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/buspass or call 0330 222 6222.

Disabled residents can also find information online. *Your need to be 65+ and living in West Sussex to take part. Winner announced week commencing 19 December.

Take part in our ‘Bus It!’ survey and you could win £100 of supermarket vouchers

We're seeking feedback from all West Sussex residents aged over 65.
Whether you love traveling on the bus and use them all the time, or perhaps you aren't a convert yet, we want to hear from you.
Our survey is open until 4 November 2022 and all participants will have the option to be entered into a free prize draw to win £100 worth of supermarket vouchers.
For more information about free bus passes for older people, the survey or the  competition's Terms & Conditions visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/BusIt
*You need to be 65+ and living in West Sussex to take part. Winner will be announced week commencing 14 November 2022.

Cuckfield Parish Council in association with Andersson First Aid Training are running a free course on 

‘How to use a Defibrillator’

Venue: in the Council Chamber at the Queen’s Hall

On: Wednesday 19^th October 2022

At: 7.30pm 

If you would like to register your attendance please email [email protected]