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

Enjoy the last of the school summer holidays and get ready for the new autumn term

The British summertime weather might be hit and miss, but there is always plenty to do in our wonderful county. Take a look at Experience West Sussex for some inspiration on how to make the most of the last days of summer! Maybe leave the car and take the bus instead for a more environmentally-friendly and cheaper travel option. 

Why not visit the county council's Buchan Country Park, pictured above, which has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag for the fourteenth consecutive year. With 170 acres of picturesque countryside, the park is free to enter and has scenic walking trails, diverse wildlife, and captivating sculptures.

Read our top tips on how to stay safe this summer and remember we're here for you 24/7, so check out who you can contact including over the Bank Holiday weekend if you need to. 

Get ready for the new autumn term

The new school term is almost here, so get ready by making sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date as cases of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) are rising in England. For younger children, their pre-school booster vaccinations will help to keep them protected against serious childhood diseases. For older children who have missed any vaccinations, the Sussex Immunisation Service is holding catch-up clinics.

We also have lots of information about careers and wellbeing for people who have just received their exam results.

WATCH: Video showcases carbon footprint reduction

Watch our video about the £8.2m programme to make seven libraries, six fire stations, and a day centre more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

It’s all part of our work to reduce our emissions and be a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.

The video shows the energy saving improvements that have been made to Storrington library including two air source heat pumps and solar panels.

Domestic abuse - it's everyone's business

We’re working with partners to update the Sussex-wide Strategy for Domestic Abuse Accommodation and Support.

Please spare five minutes to give your feedback on how well domestic abuse is understood, how much you know about the support services on offer, and how well the services are serving you and your community.

Your answers and comments will provide vital local insight that will go towards updating the strategy for the next three years. The survey closes on 31 August.

We need your views on our Flood Risk Management Strategy

As the lead local Flood Authority, the county council is required to develop, maintain, apply, and monitor a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The strategy guides how we work with stakeholders to manage flood risk in the local area.

We are currently developing a new strategy and we’d like you to share your local knowledge of flooding issues, how you might prepare for flooding, and your thoughts on how flood risk could be better managed in the future across West Sussex.

The survey will take around five minutes to complete and the results will be used when preparing the full strategy.

Gro Health to lose weight – for free

Gro Health, the free weight management app for West Sussex residents, is offering a September Refresh Challenge for those looking to start their weight loss journey.

Find on-demand fitness classes, recipes, ‘cookalongs’ and masterclasses covering a range of topics.

One-to-one coaching and weekly community virtual meet-ups will also help keep you on track.

Gro Health is free for 12 months to anyone over 18, with a BMI of 25 or over, who lives or works in West Sussex or is registered with a GP in the county.

Get around the county by bus for less!

With most places in the county being accessible via bus, you can have a big day out for only £2 per trip until the end of 2024. Use our journey planner to plan your route and hop on board.

Young people can save even more on their bus fares with the 16 to 20 Bus Saver discount. Reduced fare tickets can be bought on bus operator apps or from the bus driver when they show relevant ID.

Have plans to visit Chichester, Barnham, Petworth, Midhurst, and the surrounding areas? Leave the car and hop aboard Book-a-Bus, our flexible bus service. Book-a-Bus fares are capped at only £1 per trip until 31 August. Get special discounts from selected tourist attractions when you travel to these locations using Book-a-Bus.

Don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for a free bus pass. Apply for one or renew your pass if needed (free for people with certain disabilities or those of state pension age).

Fighting financial abuse

Financial abuse cost West Sussex residents £1.7m between April and June this year. 

This crime usually involves a family member, carer, or friend financially coercing, abusing, or exploiting an elderly or mentally impaired individual into giving them money. Sometimes, even Power of Attorney is being abused and the victim is unaware. 

AgeUK has lots of information about this crime, where to get support, and some first-hand stories of individuals who’ve experienced it.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• A successful anti fly-tipping initiative is to continue for another year.
  
  
  
• Trade in illegal cigarettes and tobacco continues to be disrupted by West Sussex Trading Standards’ successful operations.
  
  

• Increase your skills and awareness on the road as a biker, pillion rider and/or general road user by taking part in a free Biker Down course, which will take place on Thursday 19 September at 6pm in Chichester.
  
  

• If you live or work on a farm, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take simple steps to protect your family, home, and business this harvest season.Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has a dedicated Rural Engagement Officer supporting residents in rural areas to help keep their homes and businesses safe from fire.
  
  

• Carers Support West Sussex need ‘check in and chat’ volunteers to befriend carers who are socially isolated. Volunteers provide regular phone chats to carers who may feel socially isolated, are lonely, or have no one to talk to. Find out if you could become a volunteer for the charity.

• A double-decker bus containing information about adult learning opportunitieswill be on the road next month.

London Gatwick is looking to recruit new volunteer members to join GATCOM's Passenger Advisory Group (PAG) to feedback and make recommendations on all aspects of the West Sussex airport's passenger experience.

For more information and an application pack contact secretary@gatcom.org.uk.  Closing date for applications: 2 September 2024.

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