Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Listen out for the jungle drums this Easter and swing into action with exciting activities for children at West Sussex Libraries during the school holidays. Pop into your local library for more details or search for them on Facebook or Twitter. From Baby Rhyme Time and Story Times to Knit and Natter and Board Games there’s something for all ages at libraries. You can find more details on www.arena.westsussex.gov.uk/events.

A new scheme providing young people leaving care with a safe home and support to live independently has been launched by West Sussex County Council. The first West Sussex House Project will bring together groups of young people up to the age of 25 who are moving out of care and into adulthood. A dedicated hub has been created in Crawley where professionals will teach them a range of life skills, from cooking to money management, to creative projects such as how to make furniture and renovate a house. More at www.thehouseproject.org or call 01270 215888. Members of the West Sussex County Council’s Youth Cabinet heard about the work the council is doing to support those in financial hardship, including:

• Providing supermarket food vouchers during school holidays for all West Sussex children who receive free school meals

• The library service handing out 2,000 essential toiletry packs for those in most need

• Offering free study spaces for young people to use in libraries

• The continued support provided by the County Council’s Community Hub

• Additional work to explore support for period poverty, the re-distribution of food through food hubs and exploring ways for school uniforms to be recycled.

West Sussex has a higher-than -average percentage of people aged over 50, with this figure set to increase further in the coming years. The county council has plenty of guidance available such as Connect to Support, for anyone looking to maintain their independence; Carewise Care Funding free consultations. Search for Care Guide at www.westsussex.gov.uk.

Adults across West Sussex who want to improve their numeracy skills can sign up for free courses and activities with West Sussex County Council. The Multiply programme is available to adults, aged 19+ who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or equivalent. Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/multiplyprogramme A former Southdown Motor Services bus will soon be joining the collection at Amberley Museum. UF 4813 dates from 1929 and has been a regular sight on the roads of Hampshire and Sussex for many years as well as a regular visitor to events and rallies in the south of England, including the Goodwood Revival meeting. The National Garden Scheme is gearing up for a busy time this Spring with plenty of glorious displays of daffodils in store including those at at Bignor Park RH20 1HG and The Manor of Dean GU28 9AP, amongst many others. You can also enjoy an exclusive garden visit to those private owners participating in the “By Arrangement” scheme. Every penny raised is donated to charities, including Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support. We publish lots of options both on our website and in the What’s On pages of the magazine, or view and book at www.ngs.org.uk.

Photo ID to vote on 4th May

The government has brought in new legislation which means you now need to show photo ID when voting at polling stations. If you do not have correct ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, or by filling out a paper application form to be submitted to your council.

Residents must already be registered to vote to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, and the deadline to submit an application in time for the 4th May local elections is 25th April before 5pm. www.electoralcommission.org.uk

E:martin.lundy-lester@kwuk.com

T:01798817257or07788531768

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