Welcome to e-News

Superfast Broadband - ‘Go e-sussex’ campaign

East Sussex County Council has set out to install superfast broadband across the county. However, to secure a supplier we need homes and businesses to register their interest in having faster, more reliable broadband.

Your registration will provide clear evidence that there is a high demand for faster, more reliable broadband across East Sussex, making it a more attractive proposition for telecoms companies to install the infrastructure.

Registering your support does not mean you will have to subscribe to the service when it’s launched, but saying “Yes to superfast broadband” will directly help everyone in East Sussex to receive faster, more reliable broadband.
 
Visit our dedicated website to complete our online registration or phone 01273 335991 if you require a paper copy. This website also features information and news updates about the project and frequently asked questions about broadband.

Start-Up Loan for Young People 18-29

Start-Up Loans is a government-backed initiative aimed at kick-starting 30,000 new businesses nationally by providing funding and free mentoring. Let’s Do Business Group delivers the Start-Up Loan programme across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The typical loan is around £2,500 (minimum £500), repayable over periods up to 5 years at a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum. Applicants can choose to pay interest-only in the first year whilst building their business turnover.

Further information about how the scheme works, details of the loan and eligibility is available at: http://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/startup-loan-for-young-people-scheme.aspx and http://www.capitalise.org/startuploan.htm

Please contact 0844 943 2988 or info@capitalise.org. 

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner 

On the 15 November 2012, Sussex residents elected Katy Bourne as their first ever, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The job of the PCC is to hold the Chief Constable of Sussex Police to account and ensure that the police focus on local priorities. 

Katy Bourne’s priorities to ensure that we are all Safer in Sussex:

• Cutting crime;
• Visible and effective neighbourhood policing;
• Putting the victim at the heart of the justice system;
• Tackling anti-social behaviour and domestic violence; and
• Delivering value for money and a Council Tax freeze.

Over the coming months, the PCC will be talking to residents across Sussex to find out more about local policing priorities, and to hear residents’ thoughts and experiences of policing and crime in the county.

Have Your Say:
By sharing your views, you can help make sure that the PCC stays connected with the people and communities of Sussex.

Please visit www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk and sign up to the email newsletter or keep in touch via email: spcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk Twitter, @sussexpcc or Facebook: www.facebook.com/SussexPCC

Together we can cut crime…together we can all be Safer in Sussex.

Talk to me, I can help campaign

Sussex Police launched 'Talk to me, I can help' in December 2012. This campaign follows on from a review of Neighbourhood Policing.

In the future Neighbourhood Policing Teams will:

• Be more strongly embedded at the heart of the communities they police, working out in the community for more of their time and reducing the amount of time they are away from their local areas;
• Increase the extent to which they are focused on understanding and resolving problems in local areas, engaging better with the public and working more closely with other local partners; and
• Strengthen the distinctive part they play in core police work through their relationships with and knowledge of local communities. 

Visit www.talktomeicanhelp.com to find out more!

Warm Homes Healthy People

The East Sussex Energy Partnership (ESEP) co-ordinates work across East Sussex to address fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency. Building on work last year, East Sussex has once again been successful in its bid for Warm Homes Healthy People (WHHP) funding, and has been awarded a grant of £296,570. 

The Department of Health funded programme will run until 31 March 2013 and aims to tackle fuel poverty, build on cold weather planning and support people through periods of extreme weather. The overall purpose is to extend the reach, targeting and impact of the East Sussex Warm Homes Healthy People programme, which commenced in December 2011. All projects will be targeted at vulnerable people, including the elderly or the disabled or families with children on low incomes. The programme will be delivered through the following work streams:

• Provide staff and volunteers with fuel poverty awareness training.
• Ensure better public awareness of the impacts of cold weather.
• Provide residents with information, advice or emergency assistance.
• Better identification and targeting of vulnerable people.
• Winter Home Check service for eligible vulnerable households.

Specifically trained staff from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service visit hundreds of homes every year to give free advice and support.

They will provide a full risk-assessment of the home covering kitchen safety, electrical safety, gas safety,open fires, smoking escape plans and bedtime routines. They will identify possible dangers and give you advice on how you can cut the chances of getting hurt of whilst having a fire. The visit can also identify wellbeing issues which, with the occupier's consent, we are able to refer to our partner agencies to request assistance.

To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for a home safety visit, call us on free phone number 0800 177 7069 or complete our on-line Home Safety Request Form at www.esfrs.org 
Telephone - 0303 999 1000
Email - enquiries@esfrs.org

Improving the lives of people with autism – you can help

 Last Autumn, East Sussex County Council launched a new ‘Autism Plan’, which aims to improve the lives of people with autistic spectrum conditions. It outlines a co-ordinated approach for offering information and support for adults with autism, whilst also seeking to raise awareness and understanding generally of autism across the county.  

Based on a national initiative, and tailored with responses from a consultation ESCC held last year across the county, The Autism Plan includes initiatives for new online resources, including free e-training courses, as well as new support groups, training for staff and a scheme to boost the employment prospects of individuals with autism.

Take advantage of the new, free e-training course and guides

This e-learning course has been specifically devised to help staff in local business and public services to understand more about autism, think about how it may affect people and what can be done to accommodate for this to provide better a service. It takes about an hour to complete. There are also free guides available to download.

Keith Hinkley, Director of Adult Social Care and Health at East Sussex County Council, said: “It's important that public services ensure staff are aware of the barriers people with autism face so they can provide a better service to these people, and the free online training and resources will make achieving this much easier."

To find out more, and access the online training, or download the guide, visit our website: Autism training

An Autism Partnership Board has been set up to share information about how the plan is working. Keith Hinkley is the chair and other members of the board include representatives of people with autism and carers, along with provider and carer organisations. 
You can get in touch with the board by emailing autism.adults@eastsussex.gov.uk 

East Sussex Adult Social Care Local Account: "Making a Difference"

The 2012/13 local account ‘Making a Difference’ is now available on the internet at: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/localaccount

The account follows on from last year’s account and tells you about our successes over the last year and our plans to improve services and support for local people. It includes some of the things we find challenging, along with what we intend to do about them.

If you would like copies of the report or accompanying video, please contact the Performance team on asc.performance.team@eastsussex.gov.uk.

We would also like to hear your views about the format and content of the local account to inform next year’s production, so if you do have any thoughts, please either complete the online feedback form or contact the Performance Team direct at asc.performance.team@eastsussex.gov.uk

Older People’s Partnership Board: Update

At its meeting on the 4 November 2013, the Older People’s Partnership Board discussed:

• Older People’s Day 2013 celebration events throughout October have been very successful. Events have been well attended across the County.
• Healthwatch East Sussex has published a report on a survey they conducted in August 2013 regarding patient’s experiences of urgent care. The report is available at the following link: http://www.healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/ae-path-to-urgent-care-report/
• Monitoring the impact of the revised offer is underway and includes information from care and support reviews, complaints, advocacy and liaison with volunteer and community organisations.
• A working group on the theme of Social Isolation of Older People is to be established. A range of organisations will be invited to attend the group including Board members representing local organisations and groups.
• Key findings of an independent evaluation of the five existing Extra Care schemes were presented. The report is available at the following link: http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare/leavinghome/supported/default.htm
• A case study on the East Sussex Dementia Pathway Redesign 2010-13 was also presented. All key commitments of the redesign have been achieved.          

Full minutes of all meetings can be found at: ttp://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/community/over50s/developingservices/partnershipboard.htm

New report highlights ‘serious deprivation’ in Sussex

There is serious deprivation in Sussex, comparable to the most deprived inner city areas, says a new report from Sussex Community Foundation, and the costs of living in a rural community are substantially higher than for town-dwellers.

Sussex Uncovered, which the charity believes is the first report to look at issues facing local communities across the entirety of Sussex, finds that our county is a great place to live – if you can afford it and thatdeprived people do not always live in obviously deprived places.

You can read the report and its executive summary at:
Executive summary: http://issuu.com/sussexgiving/docs/issuu_scf_su_exec_summary
Sussex Uncovered report: http://issuu.com/sussexgiving/docs/issuu_scf_su_report_

To be sent a paper copy or for more press information, call Miranda Kemp at Sussex Community Foundation on 01273 409440 or email miranda.kemp@sussexgiving.org.uk

Wealden District Council's budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy

Wealden District Council is seeking views on its proposed budget for 2013/14 and its Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Council's Cabinet has agreed a proposal to set the Council's 2013/14 budget with no increase from the previous financial year. It has also agreed a proposed Medium Term Financial Strategy for the years to 2018 based upon a balanced budget for that period.

The Council is inviting views on its proposals in an online questionnaire. The consultation closes on 25 January 2013 to enable the Council to set its budget.

East Sussex Drink Debate - Draft East Sussex Alcohol Strategy 2014-19

The Drug and Alcohol Action Team Board is consulting on the Draft East Sussex Alcohol Strategy 2014-19: For a healthier and safer East Sussex.  

The consultation closes on 23^rd January 2014.         

3VA Training 2013

3VA offers an extensive programme of training which includes: Fundraising Master Classes, Introduction to Volunteer Management, Treasurer’s Handbook, Dealing with Conflict, Child Protection and lots more.

For full information and booking please contact: Jane Mepham on 01323 639373, or email her at jane.mepham@3va.org.uk  you can also download a copy of the 2013 programme and booking form at: www.3va.org.uk

Let’s Talk Starting your Business

The Let’s Do Business Group’s popular ‘Let’s Talk Starting Your Business’ workshop will be running at Eastbourne Town Hall on 23 January, 6, 13 and 21 February 2013. Let’s Talk Starting Your Business is a 4 day interactive workshop which gives participants the opportunity to obtain a Level 3 Award from the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) in ‘Starting Your Enterprise’.

The course costs £200. There may be funding available to cover this cost if you are on benefits. To book a place, or for further details of funding available, workshop content, timings and venue, contact Jo Lee on: 0844 4152272 or Joanna.lee@ldbgroup.co.uk

Future Cities Conference - Hastings

Hastings Borough Council invites you to the final conference of the Future Cities EU Interreg IVB project on 26-27 February 2013.

Focusing on how we can make our future cities attractive and climate-proof, the conference will feature adaptation strategies and innovative pilot projects from Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Great Britain. There will also be opportunities to hear about adaptation policy and the future funding landscape.

Attendance is free; registration instructions and programme here: http://www.future-cities.eu/?id=212

Economic development and enterprise conference for local businesses

Local businesses are invited to a free conference which aims to clarify current issues for local businesses and provide an opportunity for direct engagement with Government, Local Government and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership about the measures being developed to support businesses in East Sussex and West Kent out of recession. There will also be a chance to ask further questions and network during the free buffet lunch.

Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Michael Fallon will be contributing alongside senior representatives from Local Government, including Cllr Carter (Leader of Kent County Council) and Cllr Jones (Leader of East Sussex County Council). The meeting will be Chaired by Cllr Peter Fleming (Chairman of the West Kent Partnership and Leader of Sevenoaks District Council).

Local businesses are urged to attend and contribute their views towards shaping the economic strategy of East Sussex and West Kent.

The conference takes place from 9.30am to 1pm on 18 January 2013 at East Malling Conference Centre, ME19 6BJ. For more information and to register please visit www.westkentpartnership.org.uk or e-mail wendy.wood@sevenoaks.gov.uk

Hastings & Rother Gay Helpline - funding and meeting

Hastings & Rother Gay Helpline is pleased to announce that it has received a donation from the Sussex Police Property Act Fund. Some of the money will be used to upgrade the website and more importantly, the Helpline will be able to expand its monthly over 50's Social Get Together/Information Sessions to include LGB&T people from Rother and to be able to continue them for another year.

The next meeting will be on Thursday the 31 of January (full details can be found at www.hargh.weebly.com). The Helpline 07941 014 013 is manned Wednesdays 7 to 9pm. You can leave a voicemail or text at other times which are checked and answered regularly, and emails can be sent to hargh@live.co.uk.

Brighton Housing Trust Training

Courses for the voluntary sector in East Sussex: 

• The Guide to Health & Safety Management – 6 February (am)
• Working with Anger – 11 February (1 day)
• Motivational Interviewing (Intermediate) – 13 & 14 February (2 days)
• Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – 18 February (1 day)
• The Effective Housing Receptionist – 19 February (1 day)
• Presentation Skills – 21 February (1 day)
• Basic Sexual Health & HIV Awareness – 26 February (1 day)
• Managing Staff for High Performance – 27 & 28 February (2 days) – Hastings
• Personalisation in Practice – 6 March (1 day)
• Life Coaching for Support Workers – 13 & 14 March (2 days)
• Advanced Working with Substance Misuse – 19 & 20 March (2 days)
• Understanding Personality Disorders (Intermediate) – 21 March (1 day)

(The above courses will be running in Brighton unless stated otherwise). 

If you would like further information about one of the courses listed including course fees, please visit: www.bht-training.org.uk or contact the Training Team on 01273 645401or training@bht.org.uk

Marlow Moss: A Secret History

Discover more about the fascinating life and work of Marlow Moss with exhibition co-curator and art historian, Dr Lucy Howarth. The talk will explore our Tate-touring display of sculpture and paintings by the Constructivist artist and use archive material to reveal details of her intriguing life.

The talk will take place on Wednesday 19 February at 2pm in the Studio. The talk is free on admission (usual admission charges apply). Booking is essential as places are limited. To book, please call 01424 728377.

East Sussex Strategic Partnership Board Meetings

To view papers and minutes of previous ESSP Board mettings, see the meetings page of the ESSP website.

East Sussex in Figures (ESiF) is the local information system (LIS) for the county. It’s a website that provides access to essential data, information and analysis. For further details contact 01273 482030 or email esif@eastsussex.gov.uk

2013 – The year we can review the characteristics of the county and its communities

The data and information that will be made available in 2013 will help us to review and in some cases reform our perceptions of the county. New data and analysis from the 2011 census, our colleagues in public health and other sources will be available on ESiF as soon as it becomes available.

ESiF4

A brand new version of ESiF was launched in late 2012. Although the functionality of ESiF remains the same, a number of enhancements to the layout, speed and features in ESiF have been developed. More information on ESiF4 is available here.

2011 Census news - Population and household Headlines

• The population of East Sussex reached 526,700 in 2011, an increase of 34,400 or 7% since 2001. This was at a slower rate than for England and Wales (7.8%) and regionally (7.9%).
• The wards experiencing the most dramatic increases in population were mostly in coastal urban areas. Sovereign and Devonshire wards (both in Eastbourne) saw increases in population of 4,830 (69%) and 2,059 (19%) respectively. Central St Leonards ward in Hastings also saw its population grow by 1,357 or 24%.
• Ten of the 101 wards in East Sussex experienced decreases in population since 2001. Falls were greatest in Langney in Eastbourne (400 people or almost 4%) and Baird in Hastings (again around 400 people, or 8%).
• Household numbers also increased at the fastest rate in urban areas, in particular in Sovereign up by 2,200 households (68%), Central St Leonards up by 860 (25%) and Devonshire up by 650 (12%).

To read the full brief, follow this link

How have things changed between 2001 and 2011?

We have published some datasets which compare the results between the last two censuses:

• Population by age groups and gender in 2001 and 2011 - wards
• Population by resident type in 2001 and 2011 - wards
• Population density and area in hectares in 2001 and 2011 - wards
• Households and average household size in 2001 and 2011 – wards

Other Census News

The first phase of the second release of Census data was made available in early December 2012. This release included ‘Key statistics’ at local authority level only. The same data will be available for smaller geographic areas (wards, parishes and parliamentary constituencies) from 30January 2013. ‘Quick statistics’ for these smaller geographies will also be made available at this time.  Data and analysis form this release will be available on ESiF. 

Population projections

Interim policy-based population projections have been created for East Sussex, reflecting the first results from 2011 Census. These figures estimate that the county's population could grow to just under 535,000 by 2026: See latest data