Hello

This week my Office held one of our biannual Funding Network events for specialist services across the county that support survivors of crime.

Over 30 individuals from 20 Sussex services attended the event. They were given space to discuss any challenges they face and areas for collaboration that would support their collective work to help those who have experienced or witnessed crime.

We are seeing an increasing demand on services with a particular emphasis on victims and survivors presenting with mental health needs. Helena Croft MBE, CEO of Streetlight, led a discussion about mental health needs raised by sexual violence and facilitated a Q&A for service providers seeking more information. 

The event also offered a training session delivered by the Cyber Resilience Centre to help charities protect themselves from online attacks, improve online safety and be aware of dangers facing the charity sector.

I am proud to support so many charities and groups who seek nothing else but to support those who need help after facing crime. Events like this foster growth across the county and drive improvements where needed, ensuring that Sussex residents have access to the highest quality support services.

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Bexhill Neighbourhood Board to welcome the Southeast Regional Adviser for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to the town.

In my role as PCC I am a statutory member of all three Neighbourhood Boards across Sussex.

This visit provided an opportunity to introduce the MHCLG Adviser to Bexhill with a walkabout through the town with Chair of the Board, Abi Newbury, followed by discussions on the Board’s developing plans towards a 10-year vision which seeks to transform the town centre and surrounding areas, increasing residents’ pride in their town.

It was a very positive meeting, which highlighted the effective collaboration already underway to deliver on the priorities set out in Bexhill's 10-year vision. It also gave MHCLG an insight into the inner workings of a Neighbourhood Board. Bexhill is a bustling town full of potential and charm and I look forward to my continued involvement on the Board.

Vacancy: Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Old Police Cells Museum

Last year I offered to take over the responsibility for the Old Police Cells Museum at Brighton Town Hall to safeguard the existence of the museum and its heritage collection of over 1,000 assets, artefacts and memorabilia relating to the history of policing in Sussex.

The museum has been closed temporarily while essential building works have been carried out and it will shortly reopen to the public.

Sussex Police is currently recruiting a Visitor Experience Coordinator for the museum. This interesting and varied role will be 'front of house' - promoting the museum as a visitor destination and ensuring a range of information and services are available, including liaising with schools regarding educational visits.

More information about the role and how to apply is available on the Sussex Police website.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner