Bognor Regis Herald Weekly Update 21 October 2022
Read full online Bognor Herald HERE
Arun Committee Slams Consultants’ Regis Centre Plans
Councillors deliver surprise rockets!
by Jan Cosgrove, Editor
Arun Council’s Policy and Performance Committee on Thursday evening had a presentation from Mace Consultancy of plans for the upgrade of the Alexandra Theatre using £15.95m, of which £12,2m is a Government Levelling-Up grant and £3,75m Arun is having to find from its own coffers as costs have risen. The Committee is 9 strong — 4 Conservatives, 3 Lib Dem, 1 Independent Group and 1 Arun Independent Group.
From recent communications with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Shaun Gunner, who chairs the Committee, one expected more of “the decisions have been made, so no point objecting”. So when this did not happen, from the very outset of the meeting, starting with Shaun himself being distinctly unimpressed full stop, I sat up and took a lot of interest.
His lack of enthusiasm, to say the least, was echoed and amplified across party and group divides— many key points were raised, only Cllr Oppler did his usual of party politicking(forgetting it was his group who were in charge when the scheme was put to the Govt). I had written to him as my Ward Councillor asking him to raise issues — no luck there.
Some of the many points raised are below, it will be well worth watching the recording of the meeting, the link is here, however at the time of writing the recording starts almost at the end of the Mace presentation — I have asked Arun to try to recover this section.
“Not what we expected ….”
The original outline showed a scheme with a lot of glass front — here is a report from the architectural press:
However, Cllrs were pretty much united in not liking what was presented to them by Mace:
There were unkind comments across the board — one thought it looked like a 1950s Gaumont cinema, another asked where all the glass had gone, and another spoke about coloured tiles being a possibility to enhance attractiveness ….
Is this worth £15m?
That issue clearly underpinned all the comments, led by Shaun Gunner at the outset. Essentially, the scheme bolts on a new frontage in Belmont Street and replaces the current foyer onto the Place. There are no extra seats in the main auditorium, room for 100 seats and smaller seatings in 4 studio areas/rooms.
Why not more seats as we wanted?
This emerged as the key disappointment. All those who spoke mentioned their concern that the theatre as it is does not have sufficient seating to be able to attract the most successful acts, 450 is a minimum and they all seemed to have expected that. Why was it only 400? Mace replied that Arun Arts (the charity leasing the theatre) were happy with this, but Councillors were not at all convinced. One has to ask, also, who are Arun Arts? There are five director/trustees according to Companies House but 8 according to the Charity Commission, The two bodies have different constitutions lodged. I have made their Chair of Trustees, Hazel Latus, aware of the anomaly. Have they asked their membership — and who are their members?
One also would ask, were Arun Arts representatives told by Mace there was only enough money for 400 seats?
I have in my possession detailed plans for 550 seats drawn up some years ago by local architect David Bennett, whose wife Kate is an Arun Arts Trustee. Knowing as I do through years of involvement with the theatre and regeneration that this venue needs a serious upgrade of both seats and facilities, one hopes that Mace will go away, tail between legs, and do what the Council has asked.
However, some basic realities need to be faced by Arun, and Arun Arts:
- The scheme produced does not include the Brewers Fayre area which Whitbread will vacate on achieving their 102-bed hotel — common sense says this aspect has to become integrated with the theatre scheme as a priority — onewould urge Arun to think carefully about a radical but positive approach — add that area to Arun Arts lease, and look for investment to build on that site a) ground-floor Boardwalk of shops and retail units aimed at Visitors, Arun Arts gets rental, Arun gets NDR income — on 1st floor, a Conference Centre/Large Hall, and on 2nd floor Destination Restaurant with Views.
- Costs will continue to rise — all the more reason for Arun to follow up what I managed Nick Gibb MP to get from the Government — they can look for private investment to top up the Govt grant (maybe even avoid need to spend that extra £3.75m of Arun’s own (our) money.
- By restoring the 2004 MasterPlan principle of x-subsidy between this site and Hothamton, flats on the latter could produce money to enable a very superior finish at the Regis Centre, using the Govt £12.2m as the basic starting block. That might also produce a new Health Centre on Hothamton plus more retail units. Arun gets funds, council tax, NDR etc?
- Local people have not been consulted, this is imperative, this is a major opportunity for the Town’s future over decades ahead. What we cannot afford is a repeat of the 1996 debacle that gave the Whitbread deal, nor the 1980’s short-changing which gave us The Regis Centre as we know it.
The link to the Councils papers re the Mace presentation:
Public reaction:
“Underwhelmed” is surely a single-word summary, Facebook pages are full of local disappointment verging on outrage. What is encouraging is that, at last, Councillors across the board shared that public view.
The next steps may be at the Policy and Finance Special Meeting on 3rd November, the future of the scheme remains under closest scrutiny, at Arun and in public.
LOCAL NEWS
VIDEO NEWS
ENVIRONMENT
SPORT
ROCKS FIGHT BACK FROM 3–0 DOWN
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bognorregistownfc/teams/73056/match-centre/0-5481153/report
BOGNOR WOMEN THUMP EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 10–0!
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bognorregistownfc/teams/265544/match-centre/0-5472880/report
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
SUSSEX POLICE & LOCAL COUNCILS
Support with the cost of living
We’re here to help and support residents who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Working with district and borough councils and charities, we will get help to those most in need, using the £4.8 million Household Support Fund from government, to provide a package of financial and practical assistance this winter.
Our Community Hub continues to offer direct support to vulnerable households, providing essentials such as food and supplies, as well as grants to those who are eligible.
We have 36 libraries across the county offering a warm welcome to all visitors. Staff can help and advise people on a range of topics, from money management to energy saving, job seeking and benefits guidance.
On our ‘Here to help — Cost of living’ webpages, you’ll find lots more advice and information about local and national support, including with finances, food, transport, energy, employment and wellbeing.
Boost your immunity this winter
If you’re 50 years or over, you are now eligible for a free flu vaccine and a Covid-19 booster.
The vaccines are also offered to those most at risk from flu and Covid-19. Find out if you are eligible here.
Getting both vaccines is important because more people are likely to get flu this winter and Covid-19 remains in our communities with cases currently increasing.
It’s safe to have both vaccines at the same time, but you need to book them separately.
To arrange a Covid-19 vaccine, use the National Booking Service or call 119.
For the flu vaccine, book an appointment with your GP practice or a local community pharmacy.
We should all continue to protect ourselves and each other from Covid-19, colds, and flu viruses this winter by taking these simple steps: get vaccinated, wash hands, wear a face covering in crowded indoor settings, avoid crowded places and meet people outside if possible, open doors and windows to let in fresh air and stay at home if you are unwell.
Applications now open for school starters
Applications are now open for children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 who start in reception classes at primary and infant school in September 2023.
The quickest and easiest way to apply is online and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2023.
Make the most of autumn in West Sussex
Breathe in the beauty of our county this autumn and gain some seasonal inspiration from our Experience West Sussex website.
As well as things to see, do and explore in the county, you’ll also find details of some more unusual ways to enjoy autumn, including leaf peeping.
Have a happy half term
It’s half term next week (24 to 30 October) so if you need to keep the kids or grandchildren entertained, we’ve got some ideas:
- Join in with the free family activity ‘Sporty Stars’ at one of our libraries, where sporting figures will be celebrated with stories and crafts. Most libraries have limited spaces so booking is required.
- Libraries also run regular events for young children including Rhyme Time and Story Time, as well as special events, which you can find on our library website.
- There’s a whole host of family fun-filled events highlighted on our Experience West Sussex website.
Avoid a Halloween horror for leftover pumpkins!
It’s almost Halloween and here’s a scary fact — 39.9 million pumpkins will be bought for 31 October, and of these, a whopping 22.2 million will go to waste, left uneaten.
Check out Hubbub for some tasty ways to use up your Halloween pumpkin.
In addition, we’re hosting a Halloween Education Session in partnership with UKHarvest in Bognor Regis on 28 October. Participants will learn all about pumpkins and how not to waste them. Places are limited but click here to sign up to the session and for more information.
More news
Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news. Below are some highlights:
- Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is recruiting for retained (on-call) firefighters at Bognor Fire Station.
- NHS Sussex is asking people to take part in a survey to help understand how they feel about the NHS, what would help them to stay well this winter, what the priorities should be, and what’s important where they live.
- Our Trading Standards Team has seized over 6,000 illicit cigarettes from four shops in Worthing and Littlehampton. They also seized 8.4kg of rolling tobacco and 64 pouches of shisha tobacco.
- If you one of the thousands of smokers across the county trying to quit this Stoptober there’s lots of free support available from local stop smoking services.
- Consultation has started on proposals for cycling and walking improvements on the B2144 Oving Road in Chichester.
Romance fraud is one of the highest reported online scams in West Sussex. Take part in our online safety team’s webinar on Thursday 10 November at 10am to find out how to avoid yourself or a member of your family from becoming a victim.
Input into our Early Years Strategy
Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.
West Sussex County Council is planning to write an overarching Early Years Strategy that follows a child’s journey from birth and their earliest years through to adulthood.
To help us create this Early Years strategy we need help from parents and carers. You can help us identify priorities for the future to ensure children and young people have the best support and opportunities in life.
We are really pleased that we have been able to secure support to help us on our journey to writing an early years to adulthood strategy that meets the needs of West Sussex children and families. We would very much encourage you to be part of the conversations and shaping of the vision. The voice of parents and carers is extremely important to our strategy, and we hope that you will be able to join us.
A parent focus group will be taking place on 29 November 2022, 7.00pm to 9.00pm via Microsoft Teams and will be led by Katie Clarke from Cumbria County Council.
To express interest in taking part in this session, please email: family.info.service@westsussex.gov.uk
Spaces are limited and if we have more requests to join, we will endeavour to ensure a balanced representation. Further session information will be sent at a later date. For those who are unable to attend, we will contact you to let you know how you can share your views.
Please share this newsletter with colleagues and parent carers. If you know of anyone who would like to be added to the distribution list, please let us know.
The next edition of the SEND & Inclusion Newsletter will be issued in December 2022, copy deadline 1 December 2022. We welcome your ideas for articles — please contact Kathryn Kellagher.
Welcome
Welcome to the first newsletter of the academic year, which we know comes at a time of both renewed optimism as we plan for the achievements of our children and young people, but also significant challenge. We know there is financial pressure for our schools and families, as well as increasing anxiety in managing life in an uncertain world, sometimes without the services available to provide the support needed in the most timely way.
We are aware of the increasing demand on our own services, with high numbers of requests for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) leading to longer waiting times, due to limited capacity within the system. We already know there has to be a tight focus on meeting the needs of the child during this time through the Assess, Plan, Do, Review process and that schools are able to provide on-going support in the majority of cases.
With this in mind, we want to ensure support is in place at every stage of a child’s journey and would like to remind schools to contact your Specialist Teachers teams and, where relevant, the Early Help Designated Schools team.
The links below (Tools for Schools, Services to Support Schools, training in Therapeutic Thinking) are useful reminders of the advice and guidance available to schools, which are key to our SEND and Inclusion Strategy. I am including a reminder of our shared priorities to inform our planning for the new academic year:
Priority 1: Knowing our children and families well (an inclusive, person-centred approach)
Children/young people and their families will:
- Have their educational needs understood and planned for as early as possible to ensure they feel valued.
- Understand and have confidence in the SEND services available in West Sussex, whether that is within health, education, social care, or the voluntary sector.
Priority 2: Meeting the needs of children and young people through our schools, educational settings, and services
West Sussex will have:
- A skilled, confident, and resilient workforce with high quality schools and services that can meet the educational, social and emotional needs of all children and young people
- A consistent graduated approach that will “assess, plan, do and review” the support that has been put in place to meet the needs of each child and young person with SEND.
Priority 3: Working together towards solutions (collective responsibility)
Everyone involved in supporting the needs of West Sussex children and young people will:
- Experience services, systems and processes which support schools and settings to meet needs and to access timely, appropriate, and relevant information
- Think creatively to develop solutions that meet the needs of children and young people with SEND as close to home as possible, ideally within West Sussex
- Have quality assurance in place to ensure consistent, effective, and inclusive provision and practice
As always, thank you for your commitment and hard work in supporting us to achieve our shared priorities.
Tools for Schools — a quick guide
With the start of the new school year, we thought it might be helpful to remind you how to find information on Tools for Schools. This is where we house resources and information to support the inclusion of all West Sussex children and young people in early years, schools, post 16 and other education settings.
Tools for Schools is divided up into four categories:
There is a wealth of information under each of these categories, including, under the SEND Toolkit category, the web version of the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice guide, or OAIP (hard copies of this can be purchased via the store function on West Sussex Services For Schools). The OAIP highlights the expectations and effective strategies that should ordinarily be provided for a child or young person without the need for an Education Health and Care Plan.
The OAIP has an Early Years Annex which highlights some tailored approaches for our youngest children. This is also where you will fine some free useful Early Years e-learning modules, produced in response to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the developmental starting points of children in Reception.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on our blog posts. This month we have Triggers and Glimmers, a post from our Special Advisory Teaching Service (SATS) about how we can support children when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Services to support schools reduce dysregulated behaviour and promote engagement for learning
A useful summary, recently updated, which acts as a handy reminder of the support and services available to support your inclusive practice, within school, locally, and from teams at West Sussex County Council.
Specialist Advisory Teachers Early Years SEND Transition
Who are we?
We support schools and other agencies to plan and enable a positive experience for children with additional needs as they transition from home and/or pre-school to Reception.
These new roles are part of the council’s SEND and Inclusion Strategy, (2019–2024). They work closely with the SEND and Inclusion Advisers, and the Standards and Effectiveness team.
What we do
We currently provide advice and guidance to schools to support the transition of children with additional needs into Reception. Children can be referred to this service at any time, in consultation with parents.
Other teams, such as Portage, the Fair Access Team and SENAT can also refer children to this service, in consultation with parents. The referral forms can be accessed via the SEND and Inclusion Advisory Team webpage on Services for Schools.
SAT’s attend locality ‘SEND Under 5’s’ meetings with the Early Years and Childcare Team to discuss support for pre-schools, children and their families, to help them plan a successful transition to school.
In the future SAT’s hope to offer bespoke training for schools regarding specific areas of Early Years SEND transition and a bookable telephone consultation service.
How to contact us
For more information visit https://schools.westsussex.gov.uk/Services/3144
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Inclusive Practice Award
The Learning and Behaviour Advisory Team have recently relaunched their schools award for achieving a dyslexia friendly classroom to include dyscalculia. The newly named “Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Inclusive Practice Award” is designed to raise knowledge and understanding of specific literacy and numeracy difficulties, improve classroom practice and develop the ability to support individual pupils throughout a setting.
Dyscalculia has been included in order to recognise the importance of identifying and supporting those students with significant difficulties in understanding number which then impacts widely on both learning maths and managing with number in everyday life. Click here for more information on dyscalculia.
In May and June, nineteen schools in West Sussex attended the three days of training which focussed on creating an inclusive classroom to meet the needs of pupils with dyslexia and other related literacy difficulties and dyscalculia and numeracy difficulties. The advantages of a neurodiverse brain were celebrated, and a strengths-based model promoted. Good practice was shared by schools and the training also included a personal story of the everyday challenges of having severe dyscalculia. The schools will be supported (online) to reach agreed standards in order to achieve the award by summer 2023, following a moderation visit.
The schools were all highly enthusiastic and tailor-made the developments to suit their school, based on auditing their current classroom practice and planning next steps to fit alongside current school developments and to meet the needs of their pupils.
The DaDIPA award is unique to West Sussex and an excellent way to develop inclusive good practice that is recognised locally. The last group of schools to achieve the previously known DASA award (Dyslexia Aware Schools Award), during the Covid closures, spoke very positively about the developments in their schools. See here for more information.
A second cohort of schools will be recruited ready for training in the Spring term. Please e-mail vicki.lader@westsussex.gov.uk for more information or to be placed on the waiting list.
For more training opportunities delivered by the LBAT team click here.
Therapeutic Thinking
‘Therapeutic Thinking approaches to behaviour management’ is a 3-day training event that is used to review and re-focus whole school behaviour management systems, policy and culture. In doing this, the school or setting is better able to manage the needs of children who may have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and / or trauma.
You can find out about how Therapeutic Thinking is being successfully implemented in West Sussex educational settings on Tools for Schools:
- Thomas Bennett Community College
- Maidenbower Junior School
- Holmbush Primary School
- The Brook Infant School and Nursery
Upcoming course dates
- 1st-3rd November 2022
- 21st-23rd February 2023
- 13th-15th June 2023
- 3rd-5th October 2023
How do I book?
Places can be booked through West Sussex Services for Schools.
New Resources to Support Young People with SEND to Thrive Online
Childnet, a partner in the UK Safer Internet Centre, have recently announced the launch of the brand new Thrive Online resources. These resources are designed to empower young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to build happy and healthy online relationships.
The Thrive Online resources cover the important topics of healthy online relationships, digital wellbeing, and online pornography. There are also resources specifically for parents and carers of young people aged 11 and over with SEND.
Through working with and listening to young people, educators, and parents, Thrive Online provides relevant and age-appropriate resources to empower young people online.
For educators, each topic contains a series of three lessons and films designed to initiate discussion, help young people navigate online spaces, learn essential strategies, and recognise the impact of online behaviour and actions.
Each topic area has its own specific resource and learning objectives:
• Digital wellbeing
• Healthy online relationships
• Online pornography
The resources for parents and carers are designed to help spark conversations and help parents support their child around the topics of online pornography, healthy relationships and digital wellbeing.
Each parent resource contains a downloadable pdf with key information and conversations starters, as well as videos answering frequently asked questions from parents and carers.
West Sussex SEND and Inclusion Youth Board
11-to 25-year-olds we need you!
Take part in the new West Sussex SEND and Inclusion Youth Board
West Sussex County Council want to hear from young people as the experts on their own lives.
The new youth board is a supportive and inclusive space for young people to have their say and work with the SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board to improve services, celebrate what works well and challenge what needs to change.
Online open evening Wednesday 2 November 4–6pm Book here
Lunchtime drop in Weds 26th October 12pm until 1.30pm @ Creative Heart community hub and café, Littlehampton. Refreshments provided. No need to book, just pop in and say hello. Parent carers will need to stay on site but can relax in the café once their young person is settled and signed in.
To find out more….
Young Voices half term creative session
CUES: Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations — A course for parents of autistic children or social communication differences
Are you a parent/carer of a child or young person, aged 6–16 years, who has autism or social communication differences?
The CUEs course is an excellent source of information for those who would like to develop strategies to help support their child/children to cope with intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in everyday situations.
The course is free of charge to families of children in West Sussex maintained schools, at this time.
Course Aims:
- To understand intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and how it relates to autistic children
- To work with parents to identify individually meaningful situations to focus on during the CUES© programme
- To help to identify helpful strategies to manage IU and increase tolerance to uncertainty
- To help to identify and reduce less helpful strategies that children might sometimes engage in during uncertain situations
- To develop a repertoire of helpful strategies to provide a more flexible approach to managing and increasing tolerance to IU
- To promote the use of helpful strategies to increase children’s tolerance of uncertainty
More information about the course can be found on the flyer.
We will be delivering this training at various times throughout the academic year, both in person, and face to face. There will be a limited number of spaces available for parent/carers to attend twilight sessions and we hope everyone interested is able to find a convenient time to attend.
Times, dates and venues (for face to face sessions) are yet to be confirmed, but to express an interest in attending this course, or for any further information, please email: Victoria.andrews@westsussex.gov.uk
West Sussex Disability Register
West Sussex County Council collects information about children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to help plan and deliver their services.
Who can sign up to the register? Young people between 0 and 25 years old who have a disability. By a disability we mean:
- Something that has a big effect on your day to day life
- Every day things might take more time, effort, planning or support
- You might need to do things differently or need more help than most other people your age
- Something you live with for life or have had for a long time
Parents, carers, and young people can complete our online form now to join the register. Once registered they can collect Max Card from their local library which offers discounts on national attractions.
Please share this information and encourage any families and young people that you work with to sign up.
Get in touch with the Disability Register Team if you have any questions or queries.
SEND Awareness Season
The SEND Awareness Season, a joint initiative brought to you by WSCC and the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum, is taking place from September to December. A key part of this is the development of a new events page on the Local Offer. We have pulled together several awareness-raising events happening in West Sussex this autumn, that will be of interest to practitioners and parent carers of young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. The events range from training to fun things to do and the listings will be regularly updated. Please share with your families and encourage them to keep an eye on the Local Offer link to see what is available.
Cybersecurity is everybody’s business
The following message was sent to you on 13/10/22 but due to a technical problem a number of people did not receive it. I am therefore re-sending the message, with apologies to anybody who receives it twice.
In a business, cybersecurity is everybody’s business.
Whatever size or type of business you own, manage or work in, it’s a target for cybercriminals, desperate to steal your money, customer data, intellectual property and other vital assets. The consequences can include financial losses, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, litigation or even business failure. And inevitably, a substantial amount of recovery work and trauma.
We recommend investing in the best security you can afford, which may mean physical measures as well as data security on computers, networks and storage. But even the most robust systems can be compromised by the behaviours of colleagues, employees and, maybe, yourself. In fact, 95% of cybersecurity issues can be traced to human error, and insider threats — either intentional or accidental — account for 43% of all breaches (source: World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2022). Not only this, but the chance of cyberattacks succeeding has increased with more home and hybrid working.
What can go wrong?
Prevalent types of cybercrime affecting businesses right now include:
· Payment diversion fraud, where businesses are tricked into changing regular or one-off payments into fraudulent bank accounts. Also known as invoice fraud.
· CEO fraud, where an employee receives an email, text or phone call from someone impersonating a senior manager, instructing them to make an urgent one-off payment.
· Other types of impersonation or ‘social engineering’, where an employee is tricked into providing bank login details or other confidential information that could result in theft of money or data.
· Ransomware, where your computers or systems are infected by malware and files locked, accompanied by a ransom demand.
Make online security part of your business culture. Start safeguarding your business now by following these top tips.
· Ensure all employees receive regular, up-to-date training on protecting the business and themselves from online threats.
· Introduce acceptable usage policies including what websites may and may not be visited and what employees post or publish online about the business.
· Have a robust password policy that includes choosing, using and protecting passwords carefully, having a different one for every account, use of password managers and two-factor authentication (2FA). When creating secure passwords, you could start by using three random words and adding capital letters, numbers and symbols.
· Ensure that computers and mobile devices are physically protected from theft and loss as they generally contain — and provide access to — confidential business information. All devices should be protected with a password or passcode.
· Ensure that reputable internet security software and apps are loaded to all devices, kept updated and switched on.
· Ensure all data that the business needs to retain is backed up so that it is secure and accessible.
· Have and enforce a BYOD policy to govern employees’ use of their own devices for business purposes.
· Always download updates to software, apps and operating systems when prompted, as they frequently contain vital security fixes. Better still, set them to update automatically.
· Never reveal too much personal or financial information in response to emails, phone calls or letters. Check that such requests are genuine, as senders or callers may not be who they seem and can spoof sender addresses and caller numbers.
· email attachments and links in emails, texts and posts should be treated with caution — and not clicked on — if the source is not 100% known and trustworthy. If in doubt, call the organisation or individual on the phone number you know to be correct, to check the request is genuine.
· If you or an employee receives instructions to change payee details for supplier payments or subscriptions, again, call the organisation to check.
· If your business falls victim to a ransomware attack, do not pay the ransom but seek professional assistance.
· Carefully control access to your data — both by employees/contractors and externally. Protect your customers and employees from breaches, and your business from contravening the Data Protection Act.
You should also consider gaining certification to the Government’s Cyber Essentials scheme. If you want to do business with the Government or are in a Government supply chain, you may be obliged to do this anyway.
For expert, practical, free advice on the above topics and much more, visit www.getsafeonline.org/business
To check if a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam, enter its address in our Check a website tool at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
Get Safe Online
Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of information and advice on online safety and security, for the public and small businesses. It is a not-for-profit, public/private sector partnership backed by law enforcement agencies and leading organisations in internet security, banking and retail.
For more information and expert, easy-to-follow, impartial advice on safeguarding yourself, your family, finances, devices and workplace, visit www.getsafeonline.org
If you think you’ve been a victim of online fraud, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre on 0300 123 20 40 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Arun Police Weekly Bulletin
News and appeals
Sussex Police welcomes 88 new officers at historic attestation ceremony:
Sussex Police have further bolstered their ranks with the addition of 88 officers and detectives at a historic attestation ceremony.
It was the first for more than 70 years where new recruits swore allegiance to the His Majesty King Charles III, following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last month.
The ceremony was held at East Sussex National Golf Club (below) on Monday, October 3.
Forty-four of the new recruits will be enrolling on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route, a further 27 will be taking the PC Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) programme while the remaining 17 will be taking Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (DDHEP) course.
See more on this:
Aligning our services to the needs of the public
In recent years and pre-pandemic, as we have enhanced the ways people are able to contact Sussex Police, we have seen more people choosing to contact us online or via phone, with much fewer numbers of people visiting our police stations.
As a result, we have invested in improving the ways people can contact us through our digital channels and reviewed how we work, so that we can meet the needs of our communities and put our people and resources where they are needed most.
On 3 October 2022, we amended our opening hours at the 23 front offices we currently have accessible to the public. These offices will be open when our communities typically want to access this service, informed by footfall data we have gathered in recent years.
To see the updated opening times of the front office in your local area please visit Find a police station | Sussex Police.
The yellow contact phone at all sites which connects members of the public through to our contact centre and is available 24 hours a day will remain at all of our front offices.
As with everything we do, we continually review how we work, so that we can meet the needs of our communities and put our people and resources where they are most needed. The updated hours will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain aligned with the needs of the public.
Crime Summary:
Bognor -
Collyer Avenue, Bognor — On Tuesday 4 October a vehicle was criminally damaged. Serial 1165 04/10.
Argyle Road, Bognor — On the evening of Thursday 6 October the windows of a residence were criminally damaged. Serial 1311 06/10.
Littlehampton, Rustington and surrounding area –
Littlehampton Road, Ferring — Overnight between Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October a residence was burgled and a racing bike was stolen. Serial 0482 08/10.
Ferring Street, Ferring — In the early hours of Thursday 6 October a vehicle was entered and searched through. Nothing was stolen however the car was criminally damaged. Serial 0299 06/10.
Angmering Way, Rustington — Between Thursday 6 and Sunday 9 October an attempt was made to burgle a residence. No entry was gained to the property but damage was caused to a window. Serial 0941 09/10.
Bayford Road, Littlehampton — On Sunday 9 October a white Ford Transit van was stolen. Serial 0721 09/10.
Arundel, Barnham and surrounding area –
Wandleys Close, Eastergate — In the early hours of Saturday 1 October an attempt was made to burgle a residence. Serial 0454 09/10.
High Street, Arundel — In the early hours of Thursday 6 October a business premises was burgled. Nothing was stolen. Serial 0152 06/10.
Douglas Close, Ford — Between Friday 7 and Saturday 8 October an attempt was made to break into a vehicle. No entry was gained however damage was caused. Serial 0631 08/10.
Neighbourhood Watch
We work closely with Neighbourhood Watch and you can find out more about your local scheme online or by emailing. Visit the Arun Neighbourhood Watch website: arunwestnhw.org.uk and for more info email: info@arunwestnhw.org.uk
Your local teams
Click here to contact your local team, find information about meetings and events in your area and view actions being taken regarding your priorities.
For the rural crime team monthly update, please click here
You can find the update from the roads policing unit here
The monthly Fraud Newsletter can be found here
Social Media
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArunPoliceUK/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ArunPolice
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chichester_arun_police/
Arun News Updates
Cost of Living — help and support
We know that many residents are concerned about the rise of living costs so it’s a top priority for us to make sure you are aware of the local support available.
To find out more about many of the local organisations that offer free help and advice, please follow this link
Stoptober 2022
If you are a smoker and are looking to give up, you can join the thousands of others taking up the Stoptober challenge.
Stopping smoking doesn’t have to be stressful, there is tailored advice and support on hand from trained advisors in our Wellbeing team, GP surgeries and pharmacies.
If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health — and it will save you money.
More information on Stoptober can be found here
https://arun.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/campaigns/527/stoptober
Have a happy Halloween and Bonfire night!
We’re coming to that time of year again when things get a bit spooky for Halloween and the skies are lit up by fireworks.
Littlehampton Bonfire Night is being held on Saturday 29 October, with the Grand Torchlight Procession kicking off proceedings at 7.30 pm.
For links to more about events being held across the district visit
If you don’t want trick or treaters knocking on your door, you can follow this link to get a free poster to print out and stick in your window
How do I?
We’re running a social media campaign to let residents know the best way to report issues, pay bills and charges and access further support online.
If this could help you, please follow us on Facebook @arundistrictcouncil on Twitter @arundistrict and on Instagram @arundistrict.council
Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bognor Regis Town Hall and Littlehampton Civic Centre were illuminated this week to show our support for Baby Loss Awareness Week.
For more information and support. please visit
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/baby-loss-awareness-week-6274
Welcome to our special edition eNewsletter to highlight Recycle Week which this year runs from 17 to 23 October.
We know many of you are already doing a great job at recycling, but there is always more that can be done. Currently we are all recycling around 54% of our household waste on average, but a staggering 60% of the waste which is thrown into rubbish bins could in fact have been reduced, reused or recycled. And over 14% of the materials thrown away were items which could have easily been put into your home recycling bin.
We are always looking at ways we can help you to help us recycle more, and reach our target of recycling 55% of household waste by 2025 and some of our new initiatives are detailed below. If you’re unsure about what can and can’t be recycled at any time, then you can always refer to our handy A to Z guide to recycling where you’ll find out what waste items you can recycle, the bin you need to use, or which Recycling Centre you can take it to.
And don’t forget when recycling at home all items should be:
- clean — free from food and drink leftovers
- dry — keep your recycling bin lid shut
- loose — no plastic bags.
Hard plastics can now be recycled
Hard plastics such as garden furniture, plants pots, coat hangers and toys can now be recycled at all our West Sussex Recycling Centres (with the exception of Midhurst for size reasons).
These items have been accepted at some sites since February, and following your feedback we have now extended the scheme.
Now you can recycle hard plastic items
Unwanted walking aids? Return them during Recycle Week
Take unwanted walking aids such as crutches, sticks and frames to our Recycling Centres so they can be reused and recycled.
Reusing a refurbished walking aid results in 87% lower carbon emissions on average than providing a brand new piece of equipment and saves money.
Walking aids can be left with staff at your Recycling Centre gate or deposited in the on-site dedicated bin. Any items unsuitable for reuse will be recycled.
Recycling Centres will be able to accept walking aids until the end of Recycling Week on 23 October.
To return items at all other times, you can telephone NRS on 0345 1272931 or email enquiries@westsussex.nrs-uk.net
New scheme to reduce food waste and promote food rescue
A new ‘food rescue’ pilot, designed to reduce food waste and help people with the rising cost of their weekly shop, has begun in parts of West Sussex.
Working with UKHarvest, district and borough councils, and other partnerships and charities, we are running the pilot for six months in Bognor Regis, Crawley (Broadfield area), and Southwick (in Adur).
The idea behind the project is to encourage people to take advantage of surplus food rescue services and learn how to reduce the amount of edible food which ends up in their household rubbish bins.
Where is the food rescue pilot taking place?
Food waste collection trial
A new recycling and general waste collection trial, that includes the separate collection of food waste and Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP), is underway in selected areas of Mid Sussex.
Residents in parts of Ashurst Wood, Burgess Hill and Lindfield are being provided with weekly kerbside collections of food waste and AHP as part of a trial being delivered in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council.
Find out more about the trial, including useful tips on reducing food waste and making food go further on the link below.
Winter opening hours at our Recycling Centres
Winter opening hours are now operating at all 11 Recycling Centres in West Sussex.
The opening times will be 9am to 4pm until 31 March 2023.
Sites will open every day over the winter with the following exceptions:
- Billingshurst and Bognor Regis are closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
- Chichester is closed on Tuesdays.
- Horsham, East Grinstead, Littlehampton and Midhurst are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Shoreham-By-Sea is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- Burgess Hill, Crawley and Worthing are closed on Thursdays.
Online pre-booking remains in place for Recycling Centres in Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing.
Find out more about the Book to Recycle scheme.
More information about our Recycling Centres
Find out more about waste prevention
Do you want to know more about waste prevention and recycling?
If so, then please subscribe to our regular West Sussex Recycles newsletter.
Help us spread the message and get more people on board to make West Sussex a strong, safe and sustainable place to live.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and tips on waste reduction and recycling.
We now accept lids on plastic bottles in your kerbside recycling.
Make sure to squash the empty bottle first, then you can #PutALidOnIt.
This includes trigger sprays, just make sure there’s no liquid in your bottles please.
Stay connected
If you need to get in touch with us about any of services we provide for you — we are here for you 24/7.
October and November 2022 | newsletter in association with our Local Offer
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Important: Not all of the services and events listed here are quality assured by the County Council or Local Offer. Some of the services may be provided by or on behalf of West Sussex County Council, to find out more contact the service and see our terms page. Please note, if you are viewing this newsletter on a smart phone, it appears best when holding your phone horizontally.
- Bognor Regis Study Support Tutor
- Wild play Family support forest school group -Chichester Forest Schools Thursdays 9.30–11.30am
- The Juno Project
- My Independence, My Health, My Life
October
- Umbrellas Support Group Worthing, 18th
- Adur
Open to AllCarers Group, 18th - My Independence, My Health, My Life Service Activity Day, 27th
November
- Umbrellas Support Group Littlehampton, 1st, 29th
- Umbrellas Online Support Group, Thursdays
- Parent Carer Coffee Morning, 8th
- Umbrellas Support Group Billingshurst, 12th
- Umbrellas Support Group Worthing, 15th
- Adur
Open to AllCarers Group, 15th
October
- Free Half Term Autumn crafts and sensory play session for children and young people with SEND, 26th
- The Famous Five, A New Musical — Relaxed Performance, 28th
- Music Man Project, 29th
November
- Parent and Toddler Dance Movement Psychotherapy Session, Mondays
- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST — THE PANTO A MAGICAL MULTI-SENSORY SHOW FOR CHILDREN WITH SEND/DISABILITIES, 27th
October
- Making Sense of Challenging Behaviour (2–11yrs), 13th
- Fun activities for Primary School Maths Intervention Sessions, 14th
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Mindfulness: You are not your thoughts, 18th
- Disability benefits webinar for parent and carers of children with SEND, DLA 20nd
- Emotional Regulation Through the Autism Lens, 20th
November
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Relaxation and self care,1st
- Making Sense of It All Foundation Course, 2nd
- Disability benefits webinar for parent and carers of children with SEND, PIP 3rd
- Disability benefits webinar for parent and carers of children with SEND, PIP 4th
- Fun activities for KS2 Literacy Intervention Sessions, 7th
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Mindfulness: Mind and body relaxation, 8th
November
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Managing Anxiety, 15th
- Fun activities for Primary School Maths Intervention Sessions, 16th
- Expert Parent Programme (EPP) Pre-school age, 17th
- Developing pupil’s social and communication skills in EYFS and KS1, 21st
- Disability benefits webinar for parent and carers of children with SEND, DLA 22nd
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Mindfulness: Go with life’s flow, 22nd
- Making Sense of Wellbeing — Managing Low Mood, 29th
Start to Life
All the little things you do with your child like everyday conversations, make-believe
play and reading together make a big difference to their development.
The Start for Life campaign provides lots of ideas that can help boost your
child’s learning and help set them up nicely for when they go to school. You can slot them into your routine and your children will love them. Such as:
- Play ‘I spy’ on the bus with them and you can see their imaginations light up
- Talk to your child about what has happened so far in the day — for example,
“We went to the shops this morning, didn’t we? We bought some apples.”
And talk about what is going to happen next — “After lunch we’ll do the washing up” - Look at picture books together. With each new page, give your child time to point
out things to you and talk about what they can see
Visit the Start for Life online hub for other simple tips and activities, or to find further support in your local area.
