17th February 2012
Take Care During the Digital Switchover
In May the Digital Switchover starts in the East Sussex area. With that, there will be an increasing number of tradesmen and technicians working in the area.
There have been reports elsewhere that opportunists have used the switchover as an excuse to commit distraction burglaries, by claiming to be working on the switchover so that they gain access to homes. Given that may households have televisions in various rooms of the home it is important to check that the person on your doorstep is legitimate.
Given that there have been a number of distraction burglary offences in the last couple of days in Brighton and Crawley and that it is predominantly the elderly and the vulnerable who may find the switchover difficult there a number of key messages you may find useful, for example:
- The Switchover Team will NEVER cold call. An appointment would have been made weeks in advance to attend and do any work.
- He/she will wear a reflective yellow tabard and have an ID card with a photograph.
- The Switchover Help Scheme can arrange for a password in advance.
- If you are unsure, call the Switchover help team on 0800 40 85 900 to verify the person at the door.
- Genuine callers will never mind waiting until you verify their identity
- If you suspect the person on your doorstep is not legitimate then please call 101 or 999.
Visit the Digital UK website > >
13th February 2012
Heroes Return II
ESF has received an e-mail from WWII veteran, Ted Cachart, who wrote:
"I am writing to you on behalf of World War II veterans who, due to a lack of advertising, may not have been aware that in 2011 financial grants, Heroes Return II, were available from the Big Lottery Fund to enable veterans and/or their widows to pay a visit of remembrance to the theatre of war that they were involved in.
Veterans, male or female, widows, and widowers of veterans, can all apply. The offer also extends to- Merchant Seamen, as well as WAAF’s and ATS who worked closely with active personnel.
It appears that the number of veterans claiming these grants were far less than anticipated resulting in these grants being extended to 31st December 2012. It would be extremely helpful if you can find space to make these details known so that veterans, who will now be aged 80 and over, may still take advantage of these grants and plan a visit.
The grants range from £150 to cover travel and accommodation for veteran, spouse and carer, within the UK, £1,300 to Northern Europe and £5.500 to the Far East.
As I have received a grant for a visit I made last December, I would be more than willing to advise any of your readers on how and where to claim."
You can contact Ted, who is Chairman of the 49 Squadron Association, by post:
Ted Cachart
4 Cottage Close
Heage, Belper,
Derbyshire, DE56 2BS
By telephone: 01773-853181
By e mail: ted@49squadron.co.uk
Mayor reopens Lifeboat Museum
The mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Carolyn Heaps, has cut the tape and officially reopened the recently refurbished historic RNLI lifeboat Museum on the seafront near the Western Lawns.
The William Terriss Memorial Boathouse was first opened in 1898 as a tribute to the famous actor who was murdered outside the Adelphi Theatre in London two years earlier. The building housed operational lifeboats until 1924 and then housed a display lifeboat, the James Stevens No 6, until 1936 when the boat was sold. The building then became the first ever RNLI Museum and will soon celebrate its 75th anniversary. Having undergone many facelifts and refurbishments over its long history, including the addition of a shop selling a wide variety of RNLI souvenirs and clothing, the latest has sought to preserve the original character of the building.
RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier praised the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who have worked hard to ensure the building has become one of the most successful in the country. He also took the opportunity of presenting a special certificate of thanks to volunteer Hettie Pittendriech who has been a shop helper for many decades.
Eastbourne’s Mayor, Councillor Carolyn Heaps, expressed her delight at being able to support the town’s RNLI lifeboat service and also praised the dedication commitment and bravery of the volunteer crew.
Supporters Raise £1,000 for Lifeboat Appeal
An SOS fish and chip supper was held recently at the Inn on the Park at Deanland Wood Park to help raise funds for Eastbourne RNLI’s new lifeboat appeal.
Organised by Frank Wellbelove and fellow supporters of Eastbourne lifeboats the event raised £1,000 towards the appeal. This latest contribution brings the total that Frank and his friends have collected to £5,000. Mr Wellbelove along with his wife has supported the RNLI as a governor for 30 years and has been regularly raising around £250 per month with their weekly raffles.
The latest cheque was presented to Operations Manager Paul Metcalfe along with Coxswain Mark Sawyer and other members of the crew at the all weather lifeboat station. Frank was thanked for his continued support in what was a significant week for Eastbourne lifeboats in which their new lifeboat was placed in the water for the very first time at the Babcock shipyard in Plymouth.
12th February 2012
Trading Standards February Newsletter
The Trading Standards February newsletter, TSConnect is now available online. In this issue:
- Telephone scammers claiming to represent the OFT
- Help Trading Standards track down the scammers
- New way to stop unwanted mail
- The end of tobacco displays
- Focus on…CDS Energy
- Focus on…Coast Care Homes
Your Personal Best
Your Personal Best is a national awareness campaign developed and funded by GSK, official laboratory services provider for London 2012, in association with NHS London. It aims to inspire the 7.78 million people over 55 with long term health conditions in the UK to lead a more active lifestyle.
11th February 2012
Offshore Windfarm Consultation
Rampion is holding a community consultation on draft proposals for its Offshore Wind Farm. The consultation starts this Monday 13th February and continues until Sunday 6th May, which means that the local community have a full 12 weeks to respond.
From 13th February, further details will be available on the Rampion website, on which you will be able to find the Community Consultation Document which provides all the details about the proposals, including photomontages, maps and plans, the potential impacts and benefits of the project. There is also a consultation questionnaire for providing feedback to the consultation, or of course you can write to us or email Rampion with your comments. The Statement of Community Consultation has been published this week in four local newspapers and is also on the website, providing details of 37 public venues across Sussex where hard copies of the consultation documents can be found.
Click here for Rampion's latest Newsletter, which provides an overview of the consultation and includes an events listing of the public exhibitions which are being held in 12 locations across Sussex. Some are being held in coastal towns and others in the vicinity of the proposed underground onshore cable route.
6th February 2012
University of Third Age Changes Meeting Venue
Eastbourne Central branch of the U3A has held its meetings at The Friends Meeting House (quakers) for several years.
27th January 2012
Bogus bank callers
Police are warning residents in Sussex to be aware of bogus bank callers after three elderly residents in Crawley received phone calls from people claiming to be from the victim’s bank.
The callers convinced the victims that their bank cards had been compromised and said they would send a courier to collect them. A short time later a man arrived and collected the cards. Money was then taken from the accounts at local ATMs.
Detective Constable Matt Wilson of West Sussex CID said: "The caller knew personal information about each victim and they were able to obtain further information during the phone call. If your bank cards are ever compromised your bank does not need them back. They will never collect them but will cancel them and arrange for replacements to be sent. If you receive a call from anyone claiming to be from your bank then you should never give any personal information or your PIN. If you are in any doubt about who the caller is then hang up and call your bank, or if someone arranges to collect your cards call police immediately on 999."
If you would like further advice, you can call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 0637 of 21/01, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.
24th January 2012
New Year, New Online You
From 23rd January until the 17th February 2012, the UK Online Centre at St John’s Parish Hall, 77 Meads Road, Eastbourne, run by Coffee Pot Computing, is holding a campaign that aims to inspire Internet use and encourage people to access government services online.
12th January 2012
Later Life Newsletter
The department of Works and Pensions has published issue 32 of its "Later Life" newsletter.
Subjects discussed in this issue include:
- What have older people got to offer?
- Contribute to new disability strategy
- A Better Life - what older people with high support needs value
- Bereavement Benefits Public Consultation
- Factual guide to employing older workers Biggest ever cash increase to the basic State Pension
- New information about working past retirement age
- Employers and jobseekers over 50 called on for national study
- Free Tax Workshops for voluntary sector organisations
7th January 2012
Keep fit for the New Year
The Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network is offering Keep Fit Classes for ladies at the Central Methodist Church, Langley Road, Eastbourne on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm.
22nd December 2011
Wise up and check out your consumer rights online
A website, set up to support students with learning difficulties with information about consumer issues, has been expanded to help people of all ages.
The website – www.wiseguys.org.uk – was established by East Sussex County Council in 2008, with the primary aim of helping young people to better understand their consumer rights. Teachers are able to use the website as a resource for citizenship and PSHE lessons covering key stages 1-4.
Now the website has been developed to help all residents with information about their consumer rights.
The County Council’s Trading Standards Service, working with the Council’s Learning Disability Team, has provided clear information for all consumers about:
- Your rights when buying things
- Food and healthy living
- Your money
- How to protect yourself from being scammed
- Utilities – gas or electricity bills
- Keeping safe
- How to complain
For more information visit the Wise Guys website or contact Louise Baxter at East Sussex County Council. Telephone 01323 463346 or e-mail Louise
20th December 2011
Carers Discount Card
A new scheme is being set up by East Sussex Adult Social Care and supported by Care for the Carers’.
The ‘Carers Card’ will be available to unpaid carers in East Sussex as from April 1st 2012.
The Carers Card pilot will run for a period of 12 months, only in Eastbourne and surrounding areas. Carers can use this card in local shops and businesses who have signed up to the scheme, to receive a small discount/offer.
If you would like further details about the scheme please e-mail Ella Hebron or Mel Stratford.
16th December 2011
Get Safe Online
Get Safe Online, in partnership with Trading Standards and the association of Chief Police Officers, has published the ‘Rough Guide to Online Safety’, this handbook outlines the main security issues and recommended protective measures for consumers and small businesses.
Forty percent of computer users have experienced virus attacks and it is estimated that over a thousand new computer viruses emerge every month, according to Get Safe Online. With significant potential for online viruses, scams and privacy violations, the “Rough Guide to Online Safety” provides a snapshot on digital security and smart surfing for every scenario, from social networks to small business security to mobile phone usage.
Download the “Rough Guide to Online Safety”
Visit the Get Safe Online website
6th December 2011
CSP December Newsletter
The Eastbourne Crime and Safety Partnership 
has published its December Newsletter.
There's lots of news and advice to keep you and you hard earned cash safe from criminals over the holiday period.
To download the complete newsletter, click here
3rd December 2011
Check Before Donating Clothing
Christmas is a time for giving but criminals just want to take. People in East Sussex who donate clothing to charities are being warned to check the charity first.
As the yuletide period approaches residents across the County may want to give to good causes using charitable collections to donate clothing. However, East Sussex County Council is asking people to be careful who they give to and double check that the charity isn’t just one big scam. Council Trading Standards Officers say that not all the collections are for legitimate charities.
Councillor Carl Maynard, Lead Member for Economy, Transport & Environment said: “Unless you are giving to a recognised charity, the profits from your donation could end up in the pockets of criminals. This is not the most complicated scam in the world but the Association of Charity Shops estimates that between £2.5m and £3m is lost to these scams each year. This is money that could have gone to bona fide charities."
“Our advice would be to be wary of vague statements on packaging with examples including ‘donations for work creation’ or ‘donations to help poor children’. Always check the charity first before you decide to donate.”
Trading Standards say that when checking if a charitable collection is legitimate, consider the following:
Does the bag or leaflet have the number of a registered charity? If so, is there a registered charity number? You can use the Charity Commission website or contact them directly for an up-to-date list of registered charities.
Check that the registered charity does have a collection service and that it’s not some pop-up company claiming it collects for a registered charity.
Does the leaflet or sack provide contact details? If not this is generally a sign that the collector doesn’t want to be contacted because they are not a genuine charity.
If you would like to report a bogus charity please e-mail Louise Baxter
Telephone the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218 or visit its website.
26th November 2011
Digital TV Switchover
Television transmissions in the Eastbourne area will be switched to digital in 2012. The transmitter for East Sussex will be switched of in two stages, the first on the 30th May 2012 and the second stage on the 13rh June 2012.
After the switchover Freeview signals will be boosted enabling thousands of homes to receive the digital service for the first time. At stage one, analogue BBC Two will be switched off and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available from relay transmitters for the first time. At stage two the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital TV, radio and text services.
The Switchover Help Scheme will offer equipment and practical support to older and disabled viewers. It will write to eligible viewers in the run-up to switchover. Call 0800 40 85 900 or visit the Digital TV helpscheme website for more details
East Sussex County Council Trading Standards department are concerned that during and leading up to the switchover residents may be given misleading advice about their aerials and television reception equipment.
East Sussex County Council Trading Standards department would urge residents that feel that may have been given misleading advice to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or via the Consumer Direct website.
East Sussex County Council Trading Standards department are able to supply the details of aerial installers that are approved members of their Buy With Confidence scheme.
For a list of approved Buy With Confidence member please visit: The Buy With Confidence website. You can also find out more about the Digital Switchover by visiting Digital UK’s website
25th November 2011
Eastbourne Police District Commander, CI Jayne Dando wrote:
"We want to make sure that we meet the needs of our communities, and that covers many different people across the Town. We have begun work to develop key themes (known as Equality Objectives) which we hope will make a difference to diverse communities across Sussex and we need your help.
Most people who contact us do so because they need our help, but everyone who contacts us wants to be treated as an individual, to be listened to and for us to do our job as well as possible. Providing a single approach to how we deal with the public won't work for everyone - and maybe not for anyone. If we get it wrong, we are at risk of people not reporting crimes and incidents to us.
No matter what combination of factors and experiences makes you who you are - if you're male or female, younger or older, gay, straight or bisexual, black, white, asian or mixed-race, have firmly held beliefs that are part of how you live your life, have a disability that affects your day-to-day activities, have come to Sussex from a country where policing is very different or are in the process of a gender reassignment - the chances are that the services we provide could be better tailored to meet your needs. In short, we want to put YOU first.
We want to be as open and transparent as possible so local people can hold us to account. When you’re ready to tell us what you think, please click on our survey HERE. And if you want to leave your contact details, we can keep you informed of how our work on this is progressing over the next few months.
Within your neighbourhood team here in Eastbourne we have officers who act as a link to key groups within our community. From young people, to ethnic groups, religious groups to travellers and seniors, we try and make sure that we have a better knowledge of the community we serve in Eastbourne so that we can ensure our service is inclusive and adaptable.
If you would like to know more about our diversity leads, who they are and what they do, please contact myself or your local officer.
I look forward to the responses coming in!"
2nd November 2011
26th October 2011
ROC on Eastbourne!
The Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, joined Sussex Chief Constable Martin Richards and the Borough Commander for the Fire & Rescue Service, Julie Gilbert-King to launch ROC - Redeeming Our Communities - at the Winter Gardens on 12th October. A recorded message from Mayor Carolyn Heaps provided inspiration to all with her plea to `ROC on Eastbourne!’ East Sussex Police Commander Ch Supt Robin Smith, Eastbourne’s Ch Insp Jayne Dando joined around 400 people who attended the event to hear the speakers explain that through faith, partnerships and action, relationships within the community of Eastbourne can be created, improved and energised.
24th October 2011
District Commander's Autumn Message
You may have seen in the local press that East Sussex Division has undergone some changes in the way that we deliver policing to the people of East Sussex.
These changes occurred on the 27th September 2011 and I know you will be reassured to know that they will provide a better service for Eastbourne residents and the rest of East Sussex.
21st September 2011
New Ways of Working for Eastbourne Police
Eastbourne Police District Commander, Jayne Dando has sent out the following message.
"As you are aware the way we work in East Sussex is changing. Our go-live date for this new way of working is September 27th - only one week to go. This is an exciting and challenging period of transformation for East Sussex Police and we look forward to doing things differently across the Division in order to better serve the communities of East Sussex into the future.
Our new hub model sees both CID and Response teams working out of five key hubs across East Sussex. This allows us to make better use of our resources and officers and will help us maintain the levels of service you expect in a changing financial future. The hub model is being used by other Forces around the country and also by other Sussex Police Divisions in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. The model is achieving good results in these areas and we have every confidence East Sussex will see the same benefits this way of working delivers.
We will also see the new RIT teams working from three hubs from 27th September. These new teams will focus on the investigative side of policing allowing our response teams to get out and about sooner after dealing with a crime. Because the response teams will not be spending time in the office dealing with prisoners or conducting interviews they will be out in their areas providing a visible presence for all our communities across East Sussex.
The Neighbourhood Police Teams will not change how they work; they are a valuable link into the communities we serve and you will be able to work with them in exactly the same way as before we go-live with the Restructure.
Of course any period of change brings with it bedding in issues and we want to work with you to address any areas of concern that may arise. Please do let us know how you find the new model and how we can help you get the most of the service we deliver."
5th August 2010
The Court of protection
In response to enquiries by a number of members about the role and operation of the Court of Protection, our sponsors, Barwells Solicitors have produced a very informative leaflet which should answer all your questions.
21st July 2011
20th July 2011
Over the Rainbow Group
The Over the Rainbow Group, is a fun and friendship social group for for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Trans‐Gender older people. Facilitated by Sheila O’Brien, the group meets on the last Wednesday of every month, from 2.00pm to 3.30pm, in the Girder Room in the The William and Patricia Venton Centre, Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY.
For more information, contact the facilitator, Adrian Dark, or the Well-being Manager, Helen Kennett, on 01323-638474.
3rd July 2011
Borough Council Warns of Council Tax Scam
Eastbourne Borough Council has warned residents to beware of bogus telephone callers who tell them that they have been overcharged on Council Tax, or that their tax band has been reduced.
A message on the council's website gives the following warning:
"If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If in doubt, check it out!
Eastbourne Borough Council will not ask you to provide your debit/credit card details over the phone to give you a refund for your Council Tax. We won’t charge you to process a refund either. So if you get a call that does, it is a SCAM.
Get as much information as you can from the caller and inform us on 01323-410000.
Report the incident to the; Police – 0845-6070-999 or 101, or Trading Standards on 0845 4040 506."
27th June 2011
Need Repairs or Maintenance to Your Home?
Contractor Call provides a free referral service to home owners, of all ages, in the Eastbourne, Pevensey, Hailsham, Seaford and Bexhill areas.
It works in partnership with Trading Standards, Sussex police, East Sussex County Council and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and Eastbourne Borough Council. All contractors on its register have been trading for minimum of 12 months and have been thoroughly vetted and approved. Contractor Call also ensures that it has current Public Liability Insurance certificates for each of them before they are allowed to accept referrals.
If you have maintenance, repairs or improvements to be done in and around your home then call them and let them find the appropriate contractor for the job.
- They will personally match your needs to the most suitable contractor for the job.
- They track all jobs placed with them, to ensure high standards are delivered to you.
- Should problems arise they will mediate between contractor and client to reach a successful outcome.
Telephone: 01323-724433 from 9:30 to 13:00, Monday to Friday. If there is no reply, please leave you name and contact details; somebody will call you back.
Alternatively, e-mail Emma Viera
22nd June 2011
Independent Living Service, East Sussex
Covering the whole of East Sussex. ILS aims to establish a single point of access for people who require Simple Aids for Daily Living, i.e. chair raisers, bath boards, perching stools. It provides a telephone or personal visit to give holistic advice on health, housing and social care issues. Our service is Free.
It's Independent Living Advisors will
- Carry out an assessment through a personal visit, or telephone assessment (whichever is preferred)
- Work with the individuals to develop their self management plan
- Identify goals to be achieved
- Problem solving with the service user and carer.
- Navigate people to support they need to achieve the goals
- Refer on to low cost Handyperson Services
It also advises on Welfare Benefits, falls prevention and handyperson services. Its goal is to enable people to retain their independence and enable them to make informed choices on a range of options.
First Floor Offices, St Leonard's Warrior Square Station,St Johns Road,St Leonard's, TN376HP
Tel: 01424 464890
Freephone: 0800 9174569
e-mail ILS
Fax: 01424 464899
27th May 2011
Advocacy Service from Age UK
Michael Townsend works as an Advocacy Coordinator for Age UK East Sussex, and is responsible for running the Advocacy Service in the Eastbourne area. He told ESF;
• We are always keen to ensure as many older people as possible know about us and as a consequence to make links with as many relevant organisations as possible.
• We are a very relevant and supportive service to many older people and could provide the same to individuals who you may know about or indeed may approach yourselves in the first instance.
• Our service is free, confidential, independent and open to any person 60 or over in the Eastbourne area and indeed across all of East Sussex.
The Advocacy Service offers the support of a fellow citizen to give voice to, discuss choices, research rights, support and represent any person over 60, ensuring that their wishes and views are heard, listened to and respected in most any given situation.
We welcome referrals to our service direct from individuals themselves or indeed anyone on their behalf.
Furthermore I would add, if you felt it was appropriate and helpful be very happy to come and meet with you, your colleagues or any older people you support or are involved with to discuss more about our service and what it can offer.
Thank you in advance for your time and attention, please feel free to pass my details onto any interested parties and do contact me if you require any further information or discussion.
Age UK East Sussex Advocacy Service acknowledges and acts on, without judgment, the needs and wishes of all older people, empowering them, supporting them and giving them a voice.
Michael Townsend
(Advocacy Coordinator)
Age UK East Sussex
54 Cliffe High Street
Lewes
East Sussex BN7 2AN
Tel (01273) 476704 Ext. 232
Fax (01273) 486833