13th June 2013
ESF AGM
The Eastbourne Seniors Forum AGM was held on Tues 11th June in St Saviours Church Hall.
The chairman, Steve Thornett, in his report, drew attention to the continuing increase in membership, now some 860 and, at the same time, an increase in the different bodies and organisations feeding information to seniors and requesting feedback about their views.
ESF is a part of the wider county group of forums, East Sussex Seniors Association, which now numbers well over 5000 members.
Accounts for the year were also presented by the Treasurer Mr Gwynne Pickering who noted the positive balance, which enables ESF to continue independently and to provide its free services to members.
After the refreshments break, the new Director of Age Concern Eastbourne John Trainer introduced himself and gave a short presentation on his objectives for the charity.
This
was followed by a helpful talk from the Deputy Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Waight, who explained the PCC's role and aims, and answered questions from the floor .
12th June 2013
Support for Older Victims of Abuse
Action on Elder Abuse is setting up a Buddy Scheme in East Sussex to provide support to older people to help them recover following an experience of abuse. The proposal for establishing this scheme is supported by the East Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board. The launch of the scheme in Eastbourne will take place on 25 July 2013.
Safeguarding Consultant from Action on Elder Abuse can be contacted on:
Email: Gloria Eveleigh,
Mobile: 07930-411419
4th June 2013
Community Cashback
Sussex Police is using funds seized from criminals to support community projects. We are using the Proceeds of Crime Act in conjunction with the powers of the courts to confiscate money and assets from criminals who have been convicted of varying offences and are making the funds available for approved projects and initiatives that will benefit the diverse communities of Sussex.
To do this we have set up the Community Cashback, a grant scheme which is available to anyone to help fund their community project. Community Cashback is for projects and initiatives which help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, enable diversion from crime or reduce the fear of crime in a community or neighbourhood.
We have a total of £50,000 available to give out to projects and will be awarding individual grants for amounts between £1,000 and £10,000.
The deadline for applications for grants from current available funding is 12 July 2013.
For more information please read our application guidance. If you wish to apply for a grant you can do so by filling out the application form.
30th May 2013
Trading Standards May Newsletter
East Sussex Trading Standards has issued its May newsletter.
In this issue:
- Trading Standards Moving Forward
- Testing supports local butchers affected by horse meat concerns
- TS Officers featured in CareLine
- Changes to the benefits system
- Scams Awareness Month
- Buy With Confidence and Support With Confidence Supermarket Campaign
- FAQs about the Green Deal
For more information about any of these stories please e-mail Trading Standards.
29th May 2013
Quality Streets Takes a New Direction
Quality Streets is taking on a new shape this month. The partnership initiative which is designed to increase community safety, public satisfaction and confidence, is being trialled in Willingdon Trees in a new style three-day event, which began with a ward walk last Thursday 23rd May.
Ward Councillor Mrs Pat Hearn and County Councillor Mike Blanch led two teams comprising PCSOs, officers from Eastbourne Homes Ltd or Place for People and Eastbourne Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Advisors on a walk through Willingdon Trees estate, knocking on doors inviting residents to express their views about their neighbourhood. The majority of residents were happy and had no particular concerns but they clearly welcomed the attention the estate was receiving. A third team from the council walked the estate looking for areas that needed tidying up, either from tree/bush growth or for graffiti, littering or fly tipping. In all 21 ‘grot spots’ were identified, with some cleared immediately and the rest programmed for action.
Day Two is a ‘Drop-In’ event in Willingdon Trees Community Centre on Wednesday 29th May from 2.00-5.30pm. Residents have been invited to come and talk to people from their local Neighbourhood Policing teams, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Neighbourhood Watch, Trading Standards, Eastbourne Borough Council, amongst others.
Day Three on Thursday 30th May, 6-8pm provides an evening opportunity for residents to discuss some of the problems identified in the area. Neighbourhood Policing officers will be joined by Neighbourhood Watch providing general advice and reassurance. If you would like more information about Quality Streets and feel you might be benefit from one in your area, please visit www.eastbourne.gov.uk/crime
24th May 2013
Community Safety Partnership Message
Chief Superintendent Paul Morrison said: "Along with millions who have been shocked at the tragic event in Woolwich on Wednesday 22nd May, Sussex Police extends its sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the young soldier who lost his life and to all those in the wider military community.
While we are not aware of any specific threat to Sussex, we are liaising with military partners in the county over security arrangements at military sites and there will be enhanced policing patrols in those areas.
Similarly, we are aware of the potential for heightened community tension, but there are no indications at this stage of any problems in Sussex. We are working closely with community leaders and partners across the county who share our desire to ensure that this dreadful event is not used as an excuse for disorder or harassment of any individuals or groups.
Anyone who has concerns as a result of the incident in London can speak to their local neighbourhood officers or PCSOs. However, while an increased level of vigilance is prudent, we would reiterate that there is no specific threat to Sussex."
14th May 2013
Agenda Newsletter Issue 8
Inside this edition
Rarely a day goes by now without issues surrounding ageing making the news. And arguably the most important story so far this year has been the release of the Lord Filkin's report on demographic change - which should focus the minds of everyone involved in later life issues. The challenges we face are huge... but so too are the opportunities: as the saying goes, doing nothing isn't an option: your views on the two related stories in this issue would be most welcome.
Re-gearing our housing provision for older people must be one of the strands of that, and opinion is clearly divided. Isn't it time for a national debate on that - with the views of older people being taken fully into account?
There is an excellent piece on cold calling - and why those selling the Green Deal will be exempt from the usual rules. And, amongst a fine array of other stories can I draw your attention to the work in the North East redrawing the lines of what constitutes 'material deprivation'. The research could have enormous repercussions for local government spending.
In between receiving AGEnda, you might like to bookmark www.agenda-efa.org.uk - the stories all appear there first!
9th May 2013
Notice of Annual General Meeting
The ESF AGM will be held on 11th June in the Hall of St Saviour's Church, Eastbourne.
Nominations are invited for election to the committee.
4th May 2013
New Welfare Advice Helpline
Since Wednesday 1st May 2013, a new telephone advice helpline has been available for East Sussex residents who are affected by welfare reform changes.
The Freephone number, 0800 977 4265, can be used from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and the phone will be answered by experienced trained staff.
Local people can ring this number to get advice and information on any welfare reform issue affecting them. The helpline can refer people to more specialist advice if required.
3rd May 2013
SECAS "Your Call" newsletter
The South East Coast Ambulance Service has published its latest "Your Call" newsletter.
In this issue:
- Learn about life-saving defibrillators,
- Meet our busy Chairman, Tony Thorne,
- Find out which events and shows we’ll be at during the Summer,
- Get an update on the new NHS 111 service, and
- Meet your newly-elected governors.
Read Your Call now, or browse previous editions.
Later Life Newsletter
The latest issue of the "Later Life" newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
- It’s Spring Online time
- Local Healthwatch Regulations Explained
- NICE expands into social care
- Older workers are a "vital and untapped resource for business" - Pensions Minister
- New Anti-Poverty Champions begin work
- Strategic Housing for Older People Analysis Tool
- Measuring National Well-being - Older people and loneliness 2013
- Dying Matters Awareness Week
- And finally... the key to saving more - learning Mandarin
1st May 2013
Quality Streets Supports ROC Advice Centre
This April’s Quality Streets event was held in Seaside at the newly opened ROC Advice Centre. Officers from Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Policing team were available for local residents to raise any issues of concern invited to fill out community safety surveys.
Massive Increase in People Receiving Emergency Food
UK Foodbank charity, The Trussell Trust, says that the 65% rise in numbers of people turning to foodbanks in the past twelve months must be a wake-up call.
In its second year of operation the trust has seen a dramatic increase of 145% in the number of people helped in Eastbourne with 3 days emergency food.
- During the period ending 31 March 2012 2,544 people were helped
- During the period ending 31 March 2013 6,257 people were helped
The trust thanks everyone who has donated food, volunteered their time or supported it with finance.
Trussell Trust foodbanks have seen the biggest rise in numbers given emergency food nationwide since the charity began in 2000. Over 44,000 people in the South East have received at least three days emergency food from Trussell Trust foodbanks during the last 12 months, almost double the number helped in 2011-12.
Rising cost of living, static incomes, changes to benefits, underemployment and unemployment have meant increasing numbers of people in the South East have hit a crisis that forces them to go hungry. This dramatic rise in foodbank usage pre-dates April’s welfare reforms, which could see numbers increase further in 2013-14.
44,951 people received a minimum of three days emergency food from Trussell Trust foodbanks in the South East in 2012-13, compared to 26,680 in 2011-12. Of those helped in 2012-13, 16,850 (37.4 percent) were children. Eastbourne foodbank alone fed 6,257 people, giving out over 43 tonnes of food. Nationally, Trussell Trust foodbanks have given three days emergency food to 346,992 in 2012-13 compared to 128,697 in 2011-12.
The Trussell Trust has seen a 32% increase in the number of foodbanks launched in the South East since April 2012 but has seen a 68% increase in numbers of people given emergency food. Christian charity The Trussell Trust is launching three new foodbanks every week to help meet demand and has launched 345 UK foodbanks in partnership with churches and communities to date.
Visit the Trussell Trust website > >
15th April 2013
Telephone Scam
Residents are being warned about a new telephone scam which could cost its victims hundreds of pounds.
Eastbourne Seniors Forum issued the warning after one of its members was alerted to the scam which is believed to originate from the Dominican Republic.
Some unsuspecting victims have received a call with the area code 809 with a woman leaving a message asking them to call back and repeating a telephone number beginning with 809.
Callers who have phoned back have been charged a minimum of $2,425 per minute which equates to hundreds of pounds.
Chairman of the ESF Steve Thornett said it was important people did not respond and not to dial area codes 809, 284 or 876 from the UK.
“If you receive a call from area code 809 hang up,” said Mr Thornett. “The woman is likely to say ‘Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you – get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.’ Then she repeats a phone number beginning with 809. Do not respond.
“If you call from the UK you will apparently be charged a minimum of $2,425 per minute. And you’ll also get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges.
“The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic. The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That’s because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You’ll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.”
8th April 2013
Working Age Benefits Changes
East Sussex Welfare Reform Project group has commissioned a video explaining the changes to benefits for people of working age in East Sussex as a result of the Welfare Reform Bill March 2012. It is anticipated that this will be a simple tool to share information with members of the public and other interested parties.
New Waste Collection Service
On 1st April, a new waste collection service estimated to deliver savings of £30million came into operation. The service, operated by Kier for Eastbourne, Wealden, Hastings and Rother Councils, will be gradually rolled-out over the next three months; look out for leaflets that will be delivered when appropriate.
At the heart of the service are new procedures for increasing the amount of refuse that will be recycled and the range of acceptable materials. Residents will be given a new, green, wheelie-bin for all recyclable waste, except glass, which should be put into the existing green box. Resident with green garden waste bins will be issued with a new brown bin for garden waste and should use their green bin for recycling.
Download the hand-out for full details of the service.
Trading Standards Connect March Newsletter
East Sussex Trading Standards has issued its March 2013 newsletter. Subjects included in the newsletter include:
- Young Consumer of the Year 2011
- BWC & SWC on Facebook
- Rogue Trader Update
- The Government’s Green Deal
- Sheepgate and the Animal Health Team
- East Sussex Students pipped at the post in quiz finals
For more information about any of these stories please contact trading.standards@eastsussex.gov.uk.
6th April 2013
A first project for Neighbourhood First
The council’s new Neighbourhood First team got their teeth into their first community project on Wednesday, cleaning up the litter and undergrowth along Cross Levels Way.
The clean-up was done jointly with a Community Payback team. Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust's Community Payback involves offenders working unpaid as part of their punishment from the courts.
The Neighbourhood First team was launched on Tuesday and are based in three zones around the town. They are there to answer questions, report and resolve environmental issues and put residents in touch with the right people and services within the council. More importantly, they will also be working proactively with residents and other organisations to improve the standards in their neighbourhoods.
The Cross Levels Way clean-up project demonstrates this concept in action: an immediate response to the environmental issue – getting things cleaned up to a high standard; partnership working with the Community Payback team, and a longer-term initiative of engagement with the local businesses, schools and college to eliminate the causes of the litter problem in the first place. This could include activities such as educating the shoppers and students who use the area as a thoroughfare and assessing the number of litter bins needed in the area.
If you would like to talk to Neighbourhood First about projects in your neighbourhood you can stop a neighbourhood advisor out and about in your zone – they are easy to spot in their blue Neighbourhood First uniforms. Alternatively you can complete the enquiry form, or email them at: CustomerFirst@eastbourne.gov.uk.
Future Community Payback projects will be led through Neighbourhood Panels.
20th March 2013
New Farmers' Market in Princes Park
Pistachios cafe in Princes Park has had major improvements recently and is already becoming popular with residents and visitors. The café has now announced the new Farmers market coming this year!
The café offers a selection of coffees, teas, cakes and more, Children’s toys, great views of the lake and excellent friendly service. In addition to cakes, the café also offers a variety of healthy food favourites. The wooden toys on sale combined with the open plan area gives the atmosphere of yesteryear and make a relaxing environment.
The café is unique in Eastbourne and is in a perfect location in reach of the park and the beach. Senior Citizens, Students, teachers and civil servants will receive a 30% discount on Fridays on anything in the café and 10% the rest of the week! The café is also dog friendly (on lead) so has proved a great success with dog walkers.
The farmers market gives the chance for local people to sell their local produce- anything from food to crafts. There are many talented people in Eastbourne so this is the perfect opportunity to exploit their goods. The market is planned to happen on a weekly basis, in and outside the café, giving market sellers a great opportunity to sell their fantastic produce and market goers a chance to grab something unique or tasty!
If you are interested in selling at the Farmers market please call 01323 417300 or if you would like further information, visit the cafe website
19th March 2013
The Green Deal
This scheme is a new way for owners and tenants to pay for home improvements. It lets you pay for some or all of the improvements over time through your electricity bill.
Repayments will be no more than what a typical household should save in energy costs.
Get Help to Keep Your Home Warm
The Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) is a new programme designed to reduce Britain's energy consumption by funding home improvements worth around £1.3 billion every year.
The funding comes from big energy suppliers. It's delivered to customers either directly from the supplier or by organisations working together, who have made special arrangements, such as Green Deal Providers.
Many householders in older properties and those on benefits or low incomes may qualify for extra financial assistance.
Call the Energy Saving Advice Service (England, Scotland and Wales) on 0300 123 7234 or visit the Green Deal website.
Say Yes to Superfast Broadband
The 2009 Digital Britain report says:
- everyone should have access to broadband at a basic speed of 2 mbps (megabits per second
- superfast broadband, also known as next generation access (NGA) - at speeds of 24 mbps or over - should be made widely available.
However, about a third of the country will not be able to get superfast broadband from existing telecommunications companies because of the cost involved. This includes much of East Sussex, which has a large number of 'not-spots' (speed less than 0.5 mbps) and slow spots (speed less than 2 mbps
East Sussex County Council has started a campaign "Go e-sussex", and is asking residents to register their support. Registering puts you under no obligation to take up the service if it is offered.
Visit the Go e-sussex website to register.
Crime prevention advice - Distraction burglary:
Older people are particularly vulnerable to distraction burglaries, but everybody should be vary careful when letting strangers into their homes. Typically, somebody calls at the door and engages the occupant in conversation whilst an accomplice searches the house for valuables, or the caller makes a plausible excuse to enter the house, and then steals valuables.
14th March 2013
Stephen Lloyd's Save the DGH update
Stephen Lloyd MP has issued an update on the current situation concerning "single siting" of DGH core services. Stephen said:
"After the announcement by East Sussex Healthcare Trust that they intended to downgrade our maternity and paediatrics due to safety concerns, I rushed back from my father’s funeral in Spain to ensure I was able to make the Emergency General Meeting in Bexhill.
I put a number of questions to the Trust’s Board, but I have to say though, I thought the meeting was a complete sham! On Wednesday last week staff at the DGH were told the Special Care Baby Unit was closing and paediatrics was having its opening hours slashed. Yet at the meeting 2 days later they discussed a number of options, completely straight faced as if they were all still on the table. It was surreal and even led to some laughter in disbelief at what we were hearing."
13th March 2013
Police Warn of Checkpoint Scam
Police have warned members of the public of a scam at a cashpoint in Crowborough. The victim was distracted at the cashpoint and had his card stolen. The victim later realised that a large amount of money had been taken from his account.
Thieves use a number of techniques to steal cards, including dropping cash on the floor whilst the victim is using the machine. They will then ask the victim if the cash is their while another thief removes the card from the machine.
If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us straight away by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
13th March 2013
New DAB Radio Station for Sussex
A new radio station, "Smile Sussex" was recently launched on DAB across the South Coast of Sussex.
The station predominately plays a musical mixture of Classic old Standards; think Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Rat Pack and many more legendary artists from the 1930's until the present day. Naturally Smile Sussex is attracting an older audience of listener, and many of them in the Eastbourne area.
Listeners to the station are absolutely delighted that there is, at last, a commercial radio station dedicated to this style of music. A genre, that has been missing from the radio airwaves.
5th March 2013
CSP February Newsletter
The Eastbourne Crime and Safety Partnership has published its February 2013 Newsletter.
There's lots of news and advice to keep you and you hard earned cash safe from criminals.
Download the complete newsletter > >
Reducing your Inheritance Tax bill
by giving to Charity
It is now possible to reduce the Inheritance Tax (IHT) payable on your Estate if you leave 10% of your assets to charity. This cuts the IHT rate from the standard 40% to 36%. The new system came into effect on 6th April but many people are still unclear how it works and how they can make best use of it. With this in mind, HM Revenue & Customs have released a guidance document.
To qualify, you must leave at least 10% of the net value of your Estate to a qualifying charity. The net value is the sum left after deducting any debts, liabilities, reliefs, exemptions and the nil-rate band.
22nd February 2013
ESF Annual General Meeting
The guest Speaker at the ESF Annual General Meeting on 11th June will be Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.
19th February 2013
New Non-emergency Police Number
Last year Sussex Police, along with all forces across the UK, moved to a new non-emergency telephone number, 101. The new number operated in parallel with the old number; 0845 60 70 999.
However on 18th February, the old number was switched off. Everyone should now update their records to reflect the new number.
101 calls cost a maximum of 15p and, through this number, you can contact any Police force, not just Sussex. Its easy to remember and has already proved a success over the last year or so.
A new direct number, 01273-470101, has also been provided, and this will connect you directly to Sussex Police. Also, for residents on inclusive call plans which include free calls to local numbers, there would be no cost. In all other cases usual call costs apply.
Additionally, the Sussex Police website offers a wide range of services. You can report report crime, anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles, and a range of other matters along with a lot of useful information.
14th February 2013
Artsbourne - A Cultural Network for Eastbourne
You are invited to come and help shape a cultural forum for Eastbourne
Many people say that Eastbourne is blessed with a rich and deep cultural life. It comes from hundreds of organisations – large and small, professional and amateur - playing their part. Many of them came together towards the end of 2011 to help shape a new Cultural Framework for the town. One of the key needs identified was a better way of sharing information and ideas across the local cultural sector. An on-line Forum was proposed. This letter is about turning that idea into a reality.
13th February 2013
Energy Saving Initiative for Eastbourne Households
Eastbourne Borough Council has secured Government funding to install energy-saving measures to privately owned properties.
The energy-saving measures can include loft and/or cavity wall insulation and upgrades to fuel efficient heating systems.
The Government wants homes to be more energy efficient, insulation will make your home more comfortable to live in and more economical to heat. Provision of efficient heating measures and insulation will be for vulnerable groups who have both low incomes and high energy costs.
You don’t need to change from your current energy supplier and, if you qualify, you won’t be charged for the work to your property.
Could you qualify for this upgrade to your property?
- Homeowner in Eastbourne (Devonshire, Langney, Shinewater, Willingdon Trees or Hampden Park areas)
- Aged 60+, or
- Disabled, or
- A family with children under 16, or
- Have a long term health condition (when referred by a doctor or health professional)
If you think you could qualify, please contact:Jeanette Brown on 07920-526216.
or email: warmerhomes@ncda.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
31st January 2013
February Newsletter
The February issue of the ESF newsletter in now available to download.
Included in this issue:
- Are you keeping warm this winter?
- Why you should avoid homemade wills.
- Computers can help beat loneliness.
- Falls awareness.
and much more.
Disability Roadshow
Eastbourne’s Disability Involvement Group (EDIG) present Eastbourne’s Disability Roadshow; an exhibition promoting goods, services and facilities available to disabled people in Eastbourne.
The event will be held in the Floral Hall in the Winter Gardens on 16th May 2013.
13th January 2013
Everything is Free
Eastbourne Freegle is an online reuse group, set up to save things from going to landfill in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas.
This works quite simply, with members offering items they no longer want, and asking for things they do. Recent items on the group include plant pots, sofas and cat food, and requests often ask for children's clothes and white goods.
There is one simple rule for Freegle - everything is free. Joining is free, posting messages is free, and every item given or received is done so for free, so as well as being a fantastic environmental resource it's a great community one as well. As well as local residents, Eastbourne Freegle is open to businesses, charities and community groups, so we hope you may be interested in joining the 4500 existing members.
Another significant benefit to local groups is the community event feature - you can advertise any community events for free from the website (on the right of the page once you're logged in), and all our 4,500+ members will be informed, so it's a great way of spreading the word - from one-off events or fund-raisers to regular meetings and get-togethers.
Health Committee supports ‘Shaping our Future’
A health committee considering decisions made by NHS Sussex, about the future of some hospital services in the county, has agreed to support them.
The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) met today in Lewes to decide whether the ‘Shaping our Future’ proposals are in the best interests of residents.
NHS Sussex wants to provide a specialist stroke unit at Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH); and a specialist emergency and higher risk orthopaedic and general surgery unit at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
The Committee has listened carefully and thoroughly to all the views for and against the proposals over the past few months, ensuring that all the arguments were properly considered.
The Committee understands how strongly people feel about their health services. It was also rigorous in basing its decision on detailed clinical evidence and best practice.
Nordic Walking UK
2012 has been a fantastic year for Nordic Walking with lots of new faces joining groups across the UK.
The whole team at Nordic Walking UK is dedicated to getting the Nation onto Nordic Walking poles and has lots of exciting plans for the coming year.
They help you take your first Nordic Walking steps by introducing you to your local instructor or group and recommend a range of equipment you need.
For more experienced Nordic Walkers, they also offer a comprehensive instructor training scheme.
Nordic Walking UK also support many community projects nationwide and are always keen to get more people outside taking part in this great fitness technique.
Visit the Nordic Walking UK website > >
13th December 2012
Good advice from Age Concern UK
Age concern Uk has issued a number of new, and recently updated, information leaflets, which can be downloaded from its website.