Our District magazine winter 2018 by Horsham District Council

Our District News from Horsham District Council Winter 2018

Check out our Year of Culture 2019 celebrations p02 New wildlife walk for Pulborough p08 The Bridge Leisure Centre now open p13

Find us on Facebook/HorshamDC

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Winter 2018 | Our District 01

re 's imp ssion tist

Horsham District Year of Culture 2019

What’s on diary

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery

Medieval makeover for popular Roffey play area

A wildlife walk with a difference

Giving Rita confidence to live her life as she wants

Where would you charge your electric car?

The Refill movement in our District

Losing weight… Healthy eating… Being more active…

The Bridge Leisure Centre is now open! 13 Private Landlord Services – we need your property

Supporting a healthy high street

Lend a hand, have fun, volunteer!

Funding to adapt your home for accessibility

Residents crack recycling target ahead of time

Could your child be a victim of criminal exploitation?

Additional parking spaces in Horsham

This edition features the exciting news that our brand new leisure centre – The Bridge at Broadbridge Heath near Horsham – is now open for business.

Improvements to our car parks in Steyning and Henfield

Helping you into paid employment

The District is also set to be a very special place throughout all of next year as for the first time it will host a unique celebration of culture and heritage, with the Horsham District Year of Culture launching in January 2019.

Ever thought about being a councillor?

WELCOME to Our District magazine A very warm welcome to the autumn/winter edition of Our District magazine, sharing news, updates and upcoming activities from Horsham District Council.

This edition also brings you news of an amazing wild art trail being created for Pulborough and a new medieval themed play park in Roffey, in addition to a packed calendar of local events and entertainments – most of them are completely free. Thank you to all the advertisers in this edition for their contribution to making Horsham District the great place that it is. @HorshamDC

Meet our new Neighbourhood Wardens 22 Lighting up time

Horsham District councillors

Do let us have your feedback on any of the articles in this edition and let us know what you would like to read about in the future by emailing us at communications@horsham.gov.uk.

Get your free page programme now!

02 Our District | Winter 2018

See all the great activities on offer throughout the Year of Culture 2019 in this full-colour programme. The programme, which includes details on the Year of Culture events from January to June 2019, is available now and is free from all libraries, Horsham Museum, The Capitol, Steyning Bookshop and other outlets.

The Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 – a year-long celebration of inspirational events – is almost upon us. At the outset when we announced our plans to celebrate this unique year for our District we posed the question of our local communities “What is culture?”

Download it from www.hdculture 2019.co.uk. The next programme covering July to December 2019 will be out in May 2019.

The answers we received were innovative, exciting, many and varied, just like the special line up of cultural events and activities we have on offer throughout what is set to be a game changer of a year. Take a look at how the numbers stack up.

140

events online

Progra

Janua

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ry - Ju

So far 140 events have been added to the online events diary, accessed via www.hdculture2019.co.uk including 100 Year of Culture Fringe events. The events diary is THE way of finding out what’s happening and when across the whole Year of Culture. Anyone can add their event to the online programme, following a few easy steps.

ne 2019

Hidden Gems

The public voted on their hidden gems of the District, resulting in 12 places that will be celebrated during 2019. The 12 gems are: the Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House in Coolham, Coldwaltham Yew tree, Cobblestone Walk in Steyning, Chesworth Farm, Kithurst Hill, Knepp Castle, Motte and Bailey in North Horsham, Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Woods Mill in Henfield, Pulborough Brooks, South Downs Link and Sumners Pond in Barns Green. Look out for the 'gems' calendar at various outlets across the District.

Winter 2018 | Our District 03

cultural activities

EVERY single weekend of 2019 will feature a cultural activity. Activities will be varied, unusual and exciting. Keep an eye out for what's happening at www.hdculture2019.co.uk.

commissioned paintings

The Year of Culture has commissioned renowned local artist Sarah Duffield to create four paintings which are reflective of the District. The public was invited to nominate four places they felt encapsulated our District – the final favourite four will be revealed soon. The paintings will be exhibited late 2019, with prints available to buy.

globetrotting Gruffalos

The Year of Culture is celebrating the project’s patron and resident of Steyning, Julia Donaldson MBE, by sending 20 tagged Gruffalo toys around the world from January to December 2019. Gruffalo sponsors will be despatching their toy and uploading photos to @GlobalGruffalo via social media. See www.globalgruffalo.co.uk for more information.

@HorshamDC

free Artsmark schools Thanks to funding sponsorship from Christ’s Hospital School, twenty primary schools in the District can benefit from the nationally recognised Artsmark creative quality standard for schools, helping them to deliver high quality arts and cultural education.

landmark events

The Year of Culture will bring innovative, exciting and new things to the District during 2019. To fulfil these aims, five big projects have been organised. There will be open air theatre at an exciting location, an immersive art experience at Leonardslee and light projections across the District… watch this space!

funded grants

Out of 150 expressions of interest, 38 projects were given funding by Horsham District Council to celebrate the Year of Culture 2019. Projects include the first ever Horsham Film Festival, Sussex Comedian of the Year competition, the District Schools Dance Festival returning to Horsham, Little Notes Lullaby Lounge, a promenade theatre in Bramber with a Norman’s Tale, St Cuthman’s Wheelbarrow Race in Steyning, a ukulele festival in Ashington and many more! To see the full list visit www.hdculture2019.co.uk.

social media channels

Follow the Year of Culture on Twitter @HDculture2019, Instagram @HDculture2019 and on Facebook, facebook.com/HDculture2019.

1newsletter Keep up to date with the latest developments and project announcements by signing up to the newsletter via www.hdculture2019.co.uk.

04 Our District | Winter 2018

What’s on diary Saturday 1 December

Thursday 6 December

BilliFest Christmas street festival and market with children’s entertainment including a visit from Santa, and live music alongside a great range of food, drink and gifts plus a selection of craft beers, Christmas wreaths and the Grand Raffle. From 10am to 3pm.

A festive evening of fun and entertainment, the Christmas Fair starts at 6pm in Place Villerest with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

CHRISTMAS BILLIFEST BILLINGSHURST

Sunday 11 November

Sunday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE SUNDAY CHRISTMAS MARKETS HORSHAM HORSHAM Organised by Royal British Legion in partnership with the Council. Remembrance Sunday service from 10.50am. In 2018 we are commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day with a selection of small military vehicles around the bandstand and a number of actors in period military costume. Saturday 10 November 2018 to Wednesday 15 May 2019

CENTENARY EXHIBITION STEYNING MUSEUM The museum’s latest exhibitions include Votes for Women – suffragettes in Steyning, Armistice and the RAF.

CHRISTMAS FAIR STORRINGTON

Saturday 15 December

CAROLS ON THE BANDSTAND HORSHAM CARFAX

Organised by Horsham Churches Together from 11am featuring a children's musical nativity, concert Organised by Horsham Markets by Food and then carols at 3.30pm. Family Rocks, these Christmas Special Markets Live Nativity Trail around town from feature festive entertainment alongside a 12noon to 3.15pm. wonderful range of seasonal food, drink, treats and gifts. From 10am to 4pm. Saturday 15 December Wednesday 5 December

CHRISTMAS LATE NIGHT SHOPPING STEYNING Steyning’s fabulous Christmas event will start at 6pm. The High Street will be abuzz with Christmas lights, open shops, street food and stalls plus a fun fair, all organised by Steyning & District Business Chamber.

VILLAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET PULBOROUGH

A Village Christmas Market at the Village Hall from 9am to 12.30pm with Christmas gift stalls and carol singing. Tuesday 19 February

CHARITY PANCAKE RACES HORSHAM Organised by The Rotary Club of Horsham in partnership with the Council, and others. Come and see local businesses try their luck on the famous Rotary pancake race course. Perfect for the children’s half-term week. Starts at 12noon.

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 05

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery Voyages to the Pacific 30 November 2018 – 26 January 2019 Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is proud to have a wide selection of ethnographic material in its collections. These items have been given to the museum throughout its 125 year history and represent the travels and curiosity of several generations of Horsham’s residents. To reflect the 250th anniversary of the departure of Captain James Cook’s first voyage, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery will be drawing together a display of objects that originated from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Stunning Lines 9 November 2018 – 9 February 2019 In the 1930s, Vincent Lines was head of Horsham School of Art. During the War Kenneth Clark employed him in the Recording Britain project, then he moved to Hastings. Earlier this year his family gave Horsham Museum 20 works of art including a stunning set of drawings of Horsham and the surrounding district in the 30s. These now feature in the exhibition Stunning Lines, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

Picturing the District 5 January – 25 March 2019

The Beautiful Game: A History of Football in Horsham District 12 January 2019 – 30 March 2019 Culture is more than just art, music and theatre, it includes sport as well. To mark the start of Horsham District’s Year of Culture the Museum is producing an exhibition looking at the history of football across Horsham District. The exhibition will include objects and images from the Museum’s collections, along with a range of writing, stories, footage, images and objects contributed by some of Horsham District’s own football clubs.

@HorshamDC

For over 200 years artists have flocked to Horsham District inspired by the peoples and places to create a varied canvas that portrays a district of great personality and colour. Picturing the District is a masterpiece created out of local scenes that has many surprises. From George Robertson to Roxby Bott, artists have revealed the District to be an amazing place. A perfect start to the Museum’s celebration of the District’s Year of Culture.

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery 9 Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE | 01403 254959 museum@horsham.gov.uk | www.horshammuseum.org 10am – 5pm | Open Monday to Saturday

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Winter 2018 | Our District 07

Medieval makeover for popular Roffey play area The redevelopment of the play area is the first stage of a wider plan to landscape the whole area and renew the youth facilities to improve the experience for local residents. Section 106 developer funds have contributed This important green space is situated in the heart of Roffey to these improvements and will in North Horsham parish. It lies adjacent to Roffey Football continue to do so. ground, the Memorial Cricket Ground and Broadwood Recreation Ground. To mark the official opening of the play

A popular play area in Roffey, known locally as Roffey Rec, has undergone a major makeover and refurbishment over recent months, thanks to the Council.

Residents’ compliments so far have included:

It’s a joy to see so many families here.

@HorshamDC

In April 2018 we went out with a public consultation to ask local residents views on what you would like to see in the area and we are sure you will agree that the refurbished space and imaginative new play equipment are a massive improvement. We look forward to adding some more elements to the play area in the near future.

The new Roffey castle is a real hit!

area a free medieval themed launch event took place for locals in August. In keeping with the new medieval theme of the park, a fun children's joust was organised, along with other activities including a professional sword fighting display, tug of war and children's dressing up – all with a helping hand from Loxwood Joust. If you have any queries about the play area please contact our Parks and Countryside team on 01403 215256 or email parks@horsham.gov.uk.

This area is packed with children all the time now.

Clanﬁeld, Hampshire 08 0RN United Kingdom

HOTSPOTS

08 Our Each District | Winter 2018 AR interaction could see each creature having 3-5 hotspots. Each performing a diﬀerent task

elephone: 02392 596 450

Email: dan@mustard-design.co.uk

such as Creature bio, video footage, AR interaction e:g “slide bar with finger to flap the barn Owls silent flight wings” or see how the Barns owls eyes work at night etc etc This project is part funded by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

This will be supported by the WildArt app which will enable walkers to find out more information about the walk, surrounding countryside, wildlife, local history and points of interest. The app will also be an good educational tool for younger people and will include a bespoke treasure trail.

A wildlife walk with a difference If you go down to Pulborough The trail is being funded thanks to the Council being awarded £200,000 from next summer, you’ll be in for the European Union’s Agriculture Fund a big surprise.

Throughout the route the trail will be marked by high quality way markers and information boards highlighting the local landscape and wildlife along the way.

“The trail is something completely different for Pulborough and will give the village and its surroundings a real boost, bringing more visitors to the area. “It provides an excellent opportunity for our tourism economy businesses – food and drink, accommodation and visitor attraction providers, and will help to build the vision to develop the number one ‘Hub and Host District’ in the South East. “But more than anything it is going to be great fun for everyone who takes part.” For more information please email business.development@horsham. gov.uk.

by P hilli ps Ph oto gr ap ©C hy heq uer sH ote l, P ulb or o

The wild art trail is an intriguing art and sensory experience for all ages.

This is a partnership project between Pulborough Community Partnership, Pulborough Parish Council, South Downs National Park, RSPB and Horsham District Council.

Commenting on the new trail, the Chair of the Pulborough Wild Art Steering Group Roger Paterson MBE said:

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From summer 2019, a new family friendly wild art trail will be opening in and around Pulborough, covering four kilometres from Pulborough station, through the village, across Pulborough Brooks and then on to the RSPB nature reserve.

for Rural Development Programme (EAFRD) to support rural tourism.

A unique entertaining augmented reality (AR) experience along the trail will see children meet and interact with 3D augmented characters, encouraging them to engage with wildlife and nature.

www.horsham.gov.uk

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Father Christmas is visiting us on selected weekends 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th December. Ride the Christmas express train to visit him in our 19th century train ticket office. Pre-book your tickets online to guarantee your visit. Open from 10am to 5pm, you can explore our 36 acre site and our festive activities.

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Offering a complete pathway of dementia care A lively, happy dementia care home offering a complete pathway of dementia care from daycare to respite to residential care. Care and the individual are at the very heart of this service where wellness, happiness and kindness are the core values embellished by our staff each day. For more information or details on any current vacancies please contact:

Home Manager: Doreen Holmes Call: 01403 227 070 Email: MillRiverLodgeManager@Shaw.co.uk

10 Our District | Winter 2018

Giving Rita confidence to live her life as she wants Footprint is just one of a range of products from Horsham District Council’s Community Link service, using technology to help keep people safe and independent in their own homes and when they are out and about.

Before I had the tracker I didn’t feel confident about going out but now I am. I don't feel isolated with this.

It is a location tracking device which can be carried by active and vulnerable people such as those who live with dementia, people with mobility impairments, victims of domestic violence or even lone workers. It can send an alarm at the touch of a single ‘SOS’ button and can also be used to monitor the actual location of any incident using GPS tracking. This can be monitored by family, friends, carers or the Council’s Control Centre.

Meet Rita McNeill, she has been using our Footprint product for over two years. Here’s what she has to say about how it has helped her: “I’m an asthma sufferer and never know when an attack can happen, so the tracker gives me the freedom to go out visiting and live my life as I want to live it, knowing that I can always be found if I get into difficulty. It makes me feel safe. “I first used the Footprint tracker when I was outdoors walking in the countryside with a neighbour who uses a mobility scooter. We were in the middle of nowhere and she became stranded, but using the tracker we were able to raise the alarm and get people out to come to our aid. “Before I had the tracker I didn’t feel confident about going out but now I am. I don't feel isolated with this.” The Footprint tracker product is similar to a mobile phone, you can have a two-way conversation with it and it can be linked to a smartphone to receive alerts. It connects with up to three telephone numbers by voice or text. A fall detection device within the product can also be turned on. For more information, contact us on 01403 215230 or email us community.link@horsham.gov.uk.

For a no obligation demonstration or to find out more, please call 01403 215230 or email us at community.link@horsham.gov.uk. Alternatively, please complete the coupon here and send to: Community Link Housing Services, Horsham District Council, PO Box 106, Horsham, RH12 1BR. Licence No. SEA 6963 Name ................................................................................................................................................. Address .............................................................................................................................................. Postcode ............................................. Telephone No. ..................................................................... www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 11

If you have an electric car, we’d like to hear from you The number of electric vehicles on the road is steadily increasing. This is good news in helping to improve the environment and tackle problems of poor air quality. If you own an electric vehicle or are thinking of getting one in the near future we would like to hear from you.

Please complete this short online survey which will help the Council to better understand the type and location for more electric charge points in the Horsham District. Click on the link to give us your views www.horsham.gov.uk/ surveys/electric-vehicles.

@HorshamDC

The Refill movement in our District How can you stay hydrated when you are out and about without buying a single use plastic water bottle?

Kinder Living and supported by Horsham District Council. To mark the launch a new public water tap was installed near the Nature Garden in Horsham Park.

Use a Refill station to fill up your reusable water bottle.

Refill is part of national movement giving access to free tap water and reducing plastic pollution. It is a simple practical scheme:

A scheme known as Refill Horsham District was launched in the summer by a voluntary organisation called

• Premises, including museums, shops, cafes and pubs join the scheme and become Refill Stations and put a Refill sticker in their window to show that the public are welcome to come in and fill their own water bottle for free • Refill Stations can be found by downloading the free Refill app www.refill.org.uk/get-therefill-app. There are already lots of refill stations in and around Horsham District, in fact there are already 25 stations in Horsham Town Centre alone – just look out for the Refill window stickers. Premises are continuing to join the scheme all the time around the District and nationwide. If you want to include your premises in the scheme email refill@kinderliving.co.uk.

12 Our District | Winter 2018

Losing weight… Healthy eating… Being more active… Would you like to get active but don’t know where to begin? Or are you looking for a new social activity that will help you to get fit?

The Health and Wellbeing team run eight Exercise to Music courses a year plus a range of other free activities to help adults get active and stay active (subject to eligibility).

If the answer is ‘yes’, then why not sign up to a free Exercise to Music course with the Council’s Horsham District Wellbeing team?

The next courses will start in January 2019. For more information, call 01403 215111 or visit www. horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk.

Starting to exercise can be daunting if you haven’t ever exercised in the past or haven’t done anything for some time, so the Wellbeing team offer an Exercise to Music course aimed at helping you take those first steps. So far over 150 people have signed up to the course and many continue to enjoy the social side of exercise by joining the graduate group. This really helps people to stay motivated and provides a fantastic support network which is sometimes needed to get out there and stay active.

Just do it. What have you got to lose?

After

Here’s what Kirsty, one of our graduates had to say about the course: Why did you sign up for the course? I thought it was well worth a try as it was free and I was at a stage in my life where I knew things needed to change and I wanted to change. I thought it was the best course for me as most people would be in the same sort of situation as me rather than turning up to a class full of super fit healthy people! How did you find the course? I went along and completed the free 10 week course and LOVED it. It was easy, fun and everyone was very supportive of each other and the teacher was really encouraging every week. I started to feel fitter and my weight started to go down which only made things easier.

I knew things needed to change and I wanted to change.

Before

How did you feel going along to the last session? At the end of the 10 weeks I was so pleased with myself. I could also see my body changing and it no longer was a struggle. I signed up straight away for the next 10 week advanced course and will carry on for the foreseeable future.

Do you have any future goals? My future goals are to continue with the exercise and continue to change my life. Since starting the Exercise to Music course and working on my diet I have lost four stone in weight which really hasn't been as hard as I imagined it would be. What would you say to someone who was thinking about joining the course? My advice to anyone contemplating starting the 10 week free Exercise to Music course is, “Just do it. What have you got to lose? You just have so much to gain, if I can do it, anyone can.” My message to the Council’s Health and Wellbeing team is, “Thank you for helping me start to make the changes in my life to become a better me.”

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 13

The Bridge Leisure Centre is now open! Artist's impression

As one of the most significant Council investments in years we are delighted to announce that The Bridge Leisure Centre in Broadbridge Heath is now open! This light and spacious new leisure centre replaces the existing Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre and will complement the existing Council-owned facilities in Horsham, Billingshurst and Steyning. A thrilling new feature of the leisure centre is the colourful and challenging new climbing facility known as Clip â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Climb housed in a fantastic indoor space covering 154m2. No experience is required as a full safety briefing is given so both children and adults alike can enjoy the challenge of climbing up to a height of 7.5 meters. Look out for wow features such as the Twister, Astroball, Stairway to Heaven and Leap of Faith.

The centre includes a 70+ station gym Artist's impression

The centre also includes a 70+ station gym, a six court sports hall, five outdoor sports courts, three studios including an indoor cycling studio, athletics track, cafĂŠ, meeting room and a range of junior activities. An exciting space within the centre will be the new Sensory Room, designed to encourage users to develop and enjoy their senses. The room can transform from a calming and soothing place to an exciting and engaging interactive space full of light and sound. We also have fully accessible Changing Places toilet facilities, in addition to our all-access toilets.

@HorshamDC

The new facility has been designed to meet the needs of a population that will grow significantly in the near future. We are confident that it will provide a vibrant, multi-purpose hub of sporting and leisure opportunities that meets both the current and future aspirations of our growing community. Sign up for the latest offers, news and membership information from Places Leisure who manage our four District leisure centres. Call 01403 211311 or visit www.thebridgeleisurecentre.co.uk. The Bridge Leisure Centre, Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham. RH12 3YS.

14 Our District | Winter 2018

Private Landlord Services – we need your property

Meet our specialist team

Do you own a property to let in the Horsham District or surrounding areas?

Nigel Powell Nigel has over 30 years of experience in the lettings business and is also a private landlord himself. He joined Horsham District Council seven years ago with the sole purpose of establishing what has proved to be a very successful Private Landlords Scheme. To discuss letting your property with us Nigel can be contacted by calling 01403 215225 or 07734 31018. Talia Underhill Talia joined the lettings team from a local housing association where she gained valuable experience in ensuring that tenancies are correctly maintained. Her main role at Horsham District Council is supporting tenants to successfully manage their tenancy and ensure properties are properly managed and maintained. Talia can be contacted on 01403 215128 or 07879 481032.

You could benefit from: • a no fee lettings service • a consistent supply of suitable new tenants • ongoing support to both landlords and tennants throughout the tennancy. Horsham District Council recognises the significant role private sector landlords can play in meeting housing needs in the District, and as such we have a dedicated team to help you to get the best from your rental property.

Alternatively you can email the team at horshampsl@horsham.gov.uk.

Whatever place you’re into

“Learning some life skills.” Swimming lessons for all It’s never too late to learn this essential life skill. Our swim lesson programme caters for children and adults aged from 4 months upwards. Call us or visit our websites for more information.

placesleisure.org Places for People Leisure Ltd working in partnership with Horsham District Council.

Billingshurst Leisure Centre 01403 787500 www.billingshurstleisurecentre.co.uk

The Pavilions In The Park 01403 219200 www.thepavilionsinthepark.co.uk

Steyning Leisure Centre 01903 879666 www.steyningleisurecentre.co.uk

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 15

Supporting a healthy high street Amid tough retail trading conditions nationally, we are set to buck the trend by developing tailored training for independent retailers in our market towns and villages. Horsham District Council has received funding to deliver a training and support programme which will focus on improving customer experience for local shoppers. The Council has commissioned retail specialist, Chris Billington from Progressive Results Training to deliver a fully funded programme called ‘Your Customer Experience’. The programme will consist of four key elements:

Facilitated workshops All of the District’s 200+ independent retailers will be invited to participate in workshops offering thought-provoking guidance and tips on how to improve their customers’ experience.

Bespoke rapid improvement sessions

Display enhancement grants

These will be one-to-one sessions in the retailer’s own premises which will help improve specific performance areas and ensure that all commercial opportunities are being exploited.

The overall programme includes funds of up to £22,000 towards premises improvements. Businesses can apply for a match-funding grant to refurbish and improve their shop front and the grant can also be applied to internal improvements such as shop lighting and display fixtures and fittings.

Your Customer Experience Awards The Magnificent Seven The programme will culminate in an awards celebration in summer 2019 with seven categories for local independent retailers. The awards will be judged by a combination of public nominations and an expert judging panel.

This free programme started in September 2018 and will run until April 2019 at venues across the District. To book a place please email Chris Billington at chris@progressiveresultstraining.co.uk or call him on 07840 392732. If you want to find out more about the programme please email business.development@horsham.gov.uk.

@HorshamDC

16 Our District | Winter 2018

Lend a hand, have fun, volunteer! It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Amy’s story With over 700 active voluntary groups and organisations making a positive difference to people, places, animals and the environment within our District, Horsham District Council’s Voluntary Sector Support (VSS) team are certainly kept busy, but are always available to help.

It takes an army of volunteers to keep the hundreds of groups going, so recruiting volunteers is an ongoing activity. Meet Amy, 20, who got in touch with us recently. Amy was looking for help to find a volunteering role. Here’s what she had to say:

“I registered with VSS Portal online and inputted my interests and availability. It was easy and simple. After just a day of being signed up I received an email from Turning Tides (formerly Worthing Churches Homeless Project) asking if I’d be interested in volunteering with them. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made, having the chance to help other people and make new friends.”

The Council's Voluntary Sector Support team.

They are a friendly team of experienced community development officers who are passionate about supporting our vibrant voluntary sector. By working together with local organisations they can help with information on a wide range of topics such as volunteer recruitment, training, fundraising, and aspects of legal compliance. There’s a role for everyone With nearly 70 vacancies registered with the Council team, there’s plenty of choice for things to do. Could you consider being a driver for Southwater Neighbourhood Network, a Court Family Support Volunteer for Sussex Prisoner Families, a friendly welcoming face at Warnham Nature Reserve, a kitchen assistant at Henfield Haven or a mentor with Sussex Pathways, helping ex-offenders make good life choices? This is just a flavour of the opportunities on offer.

Contact us to find that perfect role for you All you need to do is register your details on the the website or give the team a call. For community groups to register their vacancies on the Portal visit www.horsham.gov.uk and search for Voluntary Sector Support.

For further information, please visit www.volunteer horshamdistrict.co.uk, email volunteering@horsham.gov.uk or call 01403 215191.

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 17

Funding to adapt your home for accessibility

Converted front access.

If you need to make your home more accessible or you need specialist equipment to help you manage day-to-day tasks more safely and easily, then you might be entitled to financial help with the costs. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are available from Horsham District Council to pay for essential housing adaptations to help disabled people stay in their own homes. In order to access a Disabled Facilities Grant there are a number of eligibility criteria. In West Sussex a county-wide project is currently being undertaken to explore innovative new ways of delivering Disabled Facilities Grants. As part of this project the Council has adopted a flexible approach to the use of discretionary DFGs in order to improve the health and well-being of disabled people and make the best use of the resources available. Here’s how some local residents have already benefitted from the scheme.

It was really easy to apply for the grant and the workmen completed the alterations really professionally. Converted rear access.

Mr Bourke and his severely disabled wife of Horsham were struggling to cope with personal care needs in their existing bathroom. They approached the Council’s Environmental Health team for help and, working together with occupational therapists from West Sussex County Council, they found that they qualified for funding to adapt their bathroom into a bespoke wet room with an adapted shower. Mr Bourke commented: “I cannot praise the Environmental team at the District Council enough for their help with the application process and their practical help in accessing our needs and measuring up for the wet room. It works perfectly for us.” Newly installed wet room.

@HorshamDC

Mrs Cawson from Steyning has severe arthritis. She found herself struggling with the steps up to her house entrance and the path to her garden at the back of the house. She approached the Council about funding to improve access to the front and rear of her property and was delighted to qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant to make the necessary alterations. Mrs Cawson commented: “It was really easy to apply for the grant and the workmen completed the alterations really professionally. The new pathways make things a lot easier for me.” If you want more information about the assistance that may be available, you can contact the Environmental Health team at the Council on 01403 215405.

18 Our District | Winter 2018

Residents crack recycling target ahead of time

Here’s what some residents have to say about our recycling achievements: Thank you for doing such a great job at getting us to recycle.

Thanks to residents’ recycling efforts combined with the shift to same-day, alternative weekly bin collections earlier this year, our recycling statistics are looking rosy.

We knew from the experiences of other councils who have made similar changes that recycling rates should increase. The additional benefit is that the disposal of household waste reduces which in the long run helps the environment.

An initial snapshot of our statistics show that since 1 April our household recycling rate has reached the national target of 50% which the Council needed to achieve by 2020 – so together we have cracked the target well ahead of time. We are the first council in West Sussex to achieve this target.

We wish to thank the residents of the Horsham District for helping us to achieve this challenging target.

The new bin collection service introduced recycling collections one week, and household waste collected the same day the following week, (instead of household waste being collected every week). The new service was implemented in response to increased national recycling targets as well as the need to find a more cost effective way of delivering the bin collection service given cuts in funding from central government.

We continue to ask all residents to keep thinking about how they might be able to reduce, reuse or recycle their household waste even more. For advice and tips including a useful A to Z list of what can and can’t be recycled, visit our online pages at www.horsham.gov.uk/bins/ thinkbeforeyouthrow. Those wishing to subscribe to the garden waste collection service should do so online at www.horsham.gov. uk/bins/garden-waste. If you have any queries about our waste and recycling services please call 01403 733144.

Having bin collections every other week definitely makes me recycle more.

I hope the Council can manage to get 100% recycled in the future.

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 19

Could your child be a victim of criminal exploitation? Spot the signs There is a growing concern nationally that an increasing number of young people are becoming victims of criminal exploitation, where they are being pressurised into delivering drugs for dealers. Although it is only a very small number of young people that are at risk of being exploited, the Council’s Community Safety team report that it is a growing concern in the Horsham District and, as part of National Safeguarding Month in November 2018, they are set to get to the heart of the problem. The team has developed a number of activities aimed at helping to raise awareness of criminal exploitation as an issue and highlighting to both parents and young people where they can go to for support.

@HorshamDC

• A child’s unexplained acquisition of money/mobile phones • A child persistently being reported missing • Children’s unpredictable behaviour and refusal to say where they have been and who they have been with.

How the Council is tackling criminal exploitation locally Initiatives so far include: • Preparing guidelines for staff working in secondary schools to explain about criminal exploitation and what to do if they think a pupil is being exploited • Offering information evenings about drugs and criminal exploitation for parents in each of the secondary schools across the Horsham District • Working with Collyer’s College media students to produce a film about the ‘journey of exploitation’ for school children • Organising a conference for professionals to highlight the issues

• Receiving unexplainable contact from people who parents don’t recognise as peers • Disengagement from normal activities and previous friendship groups • Declining behaviour and performance at school.

• One-to-one direct work with individuals who are at risk • Working closely with local police and other agencies to address concerns of exploitation. What to do if you are concerned? If you are worried that a child/young person may be being exploited seek advice: Call the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Call MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) 01403 229900 or email communitysafety@horsham. gov.uk.

20 Our District | Winter 2018

Additional parking spaces in Horsham

Artist's impression available on YouTube.

• West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council offices at Parkside, Chart Way at the weekend and after 6pm week days. The capacity is 93 spaces. Horsham’s multi-million • An additional 66 spaces in the Swan pound redevelopment of Walk Shopping Centre Car Park in Piries Place is now well Horsham. underway and is set to • Additional bays have been freed up ultimately transform the area. at the Hop Oast Park and Ride Car Park on Worthing Road. As part of this major redevelopment • Now that the refurbishment of the the car park at Piries Place has been Hurst Road Car Park (Pavilions In demolished and will be replaced The Park) is complete, a further with a new modern car park on 33 car parking spaces have been the same site. created there. • The Dukes Square Car Park Whilst the new car park is being (behind the Drill Hall in Denne constructed the Council has organised Road, Horsham) will be available additional parking spaces to be made at the weekend and after 6pm week available to the public. days with 106 spaces. • Collyer’s College in Hurst Road have agreed to make spaces available over the busy Christmas shopping period.

Improvements to our car parks in Steyning and Henfield Fletcher’s Croft Car Park in Steyning and the Coopers Way Car Park in Henfield are set to be the first rural market town car parks to benefit from refurbishments which will improve the overall experience for motorists.

The additional places will be located at:

To order an Annual Parking Disc for just £12 a year, visit www.horsham.gov.uk/parking/ annual-parking-disc. If you have any queries, please email parking@horsham.gov.uk.

The redevelopment of the car park and shopping and leisure area is set to be completed in the summer of 2019. If you have any queries, please email parking@horsham.gov.uk or visit www.horsham.gov.uk/ parking/parking-news.

The layout of the Steyning car park will be redesigned to maximise the number of spaces and create improved traffic flow and the lines in the Henfield car park will be refreshed. Lighting in the car parks will be converted to LED, providing a more efficient, better source of light for the car parks at night, especially in the winter months. Fletcher's Croft Car Park should be completed in November 2018 and Coopers Way Car Park in May 2019.

www.horsham.gov.uk

Winter 2018 | Our District 21

Helping you into paid employment The Council’s ‘Journey to Work’ employment support scheme is back. The successful employment support project, has helped over 500 local people get back into work over the last six years. As a result of new funding from the Department of Work and Pensions, the Council will once again be partnering with Horsham Jobcentre Plus to help people on benefits get back into the workplace. ‘Journey to Work’ helps people find work through one-to-one support, mentoring, training and confidence building. We also facilitate access to work placement opportunities, which ultimately provides the biggest boost to people in their search for employment.

If you are unemployed and on benefits, please contact our new Employment Support Development Officer, Lesley Beauvoisin, on 01403 215262 or email her at lesley.beauvoising@horsham.gov.uk. Alternatively contact Horsham Jobcentre Plus on 0345 6043719.

Ever thought about being a councillor? All councils are led by democratically elected councillors who set the vision and direction, and represent local communities. Many of us often take the facilities we have in our District for granted – our community events, parks and nature reserves, car parks, housing, bin collections and much more, without stopping to think how they come to be. Or indeed who is behind all the amenities we often use on a daily basis.

@HorshamDC

The duties of a councillor are many and varied, however it is the ordinary day to day contact with local people that is the most important role of being a councillor – listening to residents needs and identifying concerns in order to help solve problems. All councillors are given training and support to help with their duties. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to represent the voice of your community? Find out more about becoming a councillor at www.gov.uk/ government/get-involved/take-part/ become-a-councillor. Horsham District Council elections are set to take place on 2 May 2019.

22 Our District | Winter 2018

Meet our new Neighbourhood Wardens

Billingshurst and Horsham join existing neighbourhood warden schemes in Ashington, Pulborough and Steyning / Bramber / Upper Beeding.

The new Neighbourhood Wardens for the parish of Billingshurst and the unparished areas of Horsham Town (Denne, Forest and Trafalgar) are now in place Barry Faust and Glyn Thomas are the and have been getting to team for Billingshurst and are based in know their local communities. the Community & Conference Centre in Roman Way, Billingshurst. Alison Page and Lucy Hallet are based in the Council’s Parkside offices in Horsham. But of course, the wardens spend most of their time out in their local communities. Their roles are to support the local community, signpost residents to services, deal with low-level anti-social behaviour, deal with environmental crime, take enforcement action and offer advice. Both teams work 37 hours a week on a rolling shift pattern, including weekends.

The new wardens were recruited following an offer from the Council to all parish and neighbourhood councils to help fund a warden scheme in their areas. Billingshurst and Horsham join existing neighbourhood warden schemes in Ashington, Pulborough and Steyning / Bramber / Upper Beeding. For more information on what Neighbourhood Wardens can and can’t do, please visit www. horsham.gov.uk/communitysafety/ community-safety/neighbourhoodwardens. You can contact the wardens via email on billingshurstwardens@ horsham.gov.uk and horsham. neighbourhoodwardens@horsham. gov.uk and can keep up to date with the activity of all warden schemes via twitter @HorshamWardens.

Lighting up time With the darker nights now upon us, people’s thoughts turn to safety when they are out and about, and in particular the effectiveness of street lighting. In a recent survey you told us you were concerned about a lack of street lights in certain areas and the switch on times of street lights.

Any concerns you have regarding lighting should be addressed to West Sussex County Council by emailing westsussexpfi@sse.com. Street lights automatically switch on at dusk until the middle of the night. They are then switched off for five and a half hours before switching back on. Should you have any queries regarding lighting please visit www.lightsoninwestsussex.co.uk/ public/Faq.aspx.

www.horsham.gov.uk

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24 Our District | Winter 2018

Contact us Community Link 01403 215230 Electoral Services elections@horsham.gov.uk 01403 215126 Environmental Health publichealth.licensing@ horsham.gov.uk 01403 215641

Housing General enquiries housing@horsham.gov.uk 01403 215204 National Benefit Fraud Hotline 0800 854 4400 Council Tax, business rates and benefits 08081 648610 Licensing licensing@horsham.gov.uk 01403 215488 Alcohol licensing 01403 215578