Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Sussex Police Commissioner Katy Bourne has renewed the contract to support crime victims to Sussex charity Victim Support. The charity also covers specific provision for victims of hate crime, fraud and specialist support for children and young people.

A West Sussex firefighter team have completed the 100 miles South Downs Way by bike to raise more than £1,500 for the Fire Fighters Charity in memory of two former colleagues, Mark Butler and Simon Constable. You can donate at www.justgiving.com/sdw2023.

The Leader of West Sussex County Council, Cllr Paul Marshall, has joined other local government and construction industry leaders in calling on the government to review the introduction of a new infrastructure levy, which has been proposed in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Cllr Marshall said: “The infrastructure levy is something I strongly oppose as the expected changes would mean that West Sussex County Council would no longer be a statutory consultee on future planning development in our county.”

Shoreham Harbour is set to benefit from a grant of £300,000 to support climate change and biodiversity projects as part of the Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) for Shoreham Harbour. The aim of the JAAP is to transform Shoreham Harbour into a vibrant, thriving waterfront destination providing new homes and jobs and by consolidating port activities in the Eastern Harbour Arm to ensure the Shoreham Port continues to play a vital role in the local economy. West Sussex Libraries have apps which can help you choose a range of travel themed magazines to help you get to know your summer holiday destinations; or if you are looking for something to enjoy in the sun they also have audio books available.

The annual Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) awards celebrated the achievements of children and young people in care in West Sussex. The tropical themed event featured prizes for categories like Young Person of the Year and was attended by over 450 children, carers and council staff. The next EPIC awards will be in July 2024 and the organisers are looking for sponsors. If interested email voice@westsussex.gov.uk

On Saturday 7 October charity Safe in Sussex is holding a sponsored abseiling event in partnership with West Sussex Mind. Participants will be given the chance to descend the chalk face of Peacehaven Cliffs, a lovely location with great views of the coastline. For further information email fundraising@safeinsussex.org.uk

The Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) programme has come to a close, having handed out £913,185 in grant funding to West Sussex businesses. Delivered in partnership with West Sussex County Council, LoCASE gave grants and support to help businesses become more energy efficient and lower their carbon footprint. 107 businesses - including here at Sussex Local - received grants, together investing a total of £2,694,464 in a range of energy efficiency upgrades, from LED floodlights to new energy-efficient kitchen equipment. An estimated 445 tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved as a result.

Local residents agree with Adur & Worthing Councils that proposed improvements by National Highways to the A27 between Worthing and Lancing will not address congestion issues in the area. The £20 million earmarked is far below the £320 million for the Arundel bypass, and public consultation showed over half of respondents felt the plans did not go far enough to reduce delays or improve reliability. The proposals included some road widening and changes to access points but with no funding yet for new cycling and pedestrian routes.

Friends, Families, and Travellers (FFT) is a national charity based in Sussex. They work to challenge discrimination, racism and inequality experienced by Gypsy, Roma, and Travelling people whilst helping people to understand their rights. The West Sussex Library Service also has a number of books, for adults and children alike, on the history and culture of these diverse communities. www.gypsy-traveller.org