Welcome to the April 2025 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.

Egg-citing Easter events!

Spring is in the air, it's Easter next week and our county is brimming with exciting events and activities for all ages.

You’ll find egg hunts, tulip festivals, seasonal markets and more - there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Discover all the wonderful Easter events happening by visiting Experience Sussex.

And why not remove the hassle of driving and parking and take the bus, which can be a more environmentally friendly and affordable way to travel. Plan your trip here.

You might also qualify for cheaper fares or a concessionary bus pass. Find a full list of discounts here.

On the link below you’ll find our opening times over the Easter holiday, and who you can contact if you need us in an emergency.

Still time to have your say on devolution

There’s still time to have your say on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority in Sussex and Brighton.

The government consultation closes at the end of the day this Sunday (13 April).

It seeks views from everyone who lives and works in our county, and asks about:

• The proposed geography
• Governance arrangements
• Supporting the economy
• Improving social outcomes
• Local government services
• Improving the natural environment
• Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity.

Find more information about devolution and local government reorganisation here.

Do you love reading?

Discover which authors are the favourites among West Sussex residents - including several with local links.

Our library service has compiled a list of the top 100 favourite authors voted for by local people.

2025 is a special year for libraries as they celebrate 100 years of being in the heart of the community, and there’s lots happening that you can join in with.

And if you are not already a member of the library, and would like to join in with the celebrations, it’s quick and easy to sign up if you live or work in the county. Visit your local library or join online.

Improved reablement service

A greater proportion of West Sussex residents will soon be able to access reablement care to enable them to live independently for longer. This includes those with learning disabilities or mental health needs as well as older people.

We have re-commissioned our Community Reablement Service as part of a significant investment and expansion of the service and awarded the new contract to Essex Care Limited (ECL).

The contract will almost double current provision to deliver 2,000 hours of support each week to enable more people to benefit and regain independence.

It is envisioned that demand for the service will grow through the four to six-year contract, which has the potential to deliver 5,000 hours of support each week.

Book your vaccines

Top up your protection against Covid-19 by getting vaccinated this spring if you (or your child) are eligible.

Those at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine if they:

• are aged six months or over and have a weakened immune system
• live in an older adult care home
• are aged 75 or over (on 17 June 2025).

You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. Visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which doesn’t require a booking.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.

It's recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79. The RSV vaccine is given all year round.

The vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards), older adults only need one dose, which should protect them for several years.

Find out more or speak to your GP or maternity service.

Community Food Hubs for all

Working in partnership with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest, our Community Food Hubs redistribute surplus food from suppliers while educating residents on food waste prevention.

The scheme has already successfully prevented over 94 tonnes of food from going to waste since it started in April 2023, with hubs taking place once a month in each district and borough across West Sussex.

For a small voluntary donation of £5, residents can access a wide selection of surplus food. No referrals are needed and all residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly hubs.

Have your say on health and wellbeing

The West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board is seeking residents’ views on its draft five-year strategy (2025 to 2030), which sets out the overarching plan for improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities across the county.

The draft strategy uses the latest evidence to identify the challenges and needs of people and communities in West Sussex and presents the board’s vision and five priority areas:

• Food and nutrition
• School readiness
• Transitioning to adulthood – children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
• Tobacco control
• Health and wellbeing in temporary accommodation.

A public consultation on the draft strategy is now open until 11.55pm on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Everyone in West Sussex, including young people, professionals, and local organisations, is invited to take part on the link below.

If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey visit your local library where copies are available. The survey is also available to download and print and can be returned to any West Sussex library. Find your local library on our website.

Supporting economic growth in Worthing

Residents and visitors are enjoying a more attractive and better-connected approach to Worthing railway station, thanks to major investment by the county council and Active Travel England.

Improvements have been designed to support the town’s economic growth with better and safer walking and cycling routes.

New rain gardens, which are flower beds that absorb excess water to prevent the road and pavement flooding during heavy rain, have been added to create an urban habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and other insects.

Helping children and young people to stay safe

We know that staying safe is a concern for many young people, this can be especially so when they are out and about in town centres.

The Children First Board have worked with young people and a range of partners, including the county council’s community safety team and Sussex Police to review the information and advice we provide to help young people to feel and stay safe.

We would ask all parents and carers to share the information on the link below which we hope you and the young people in your life find helpful.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• Serial offender prosecuted for selling illicit tobacco and alcohol to child in Littlehampton following a trading standards undercover operation.
• Rap music is being used to help parents and children improve their maths skillsas part of an innovative partnership between West Sussex County Council and musicians, educators, nursery schools and families.
• Our Record Office has retained its Archives Accreditation, which sets the standard for archive services across the UK.
• Be tick aware in warmer weather as they can carry infections like Lyme diseaseand tick-borne encephalitis. For more information watch this video. You can also report a tick through the Tick Surveillance Scheme.

Thursday 8 May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe Day, which marked the end of World War II in Europe. Find out what events are taking place in your local area, and information on how your town and village can become a 'Tip Top Town'.

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