EAST Sussex County Council’s Chairman got to see first-hand the difference community and voluntary projects are making to the people of Uckfield.
Cllr Roy Galley took a tour of the town with Mayor Cllr Karen Bedwell, visiting five projects benefitting residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Cllr Galley said: “Uckfield has an amazing range of community and voluntary projects and, as Chairman of the county council, I was privileged to visit a number of great schemes in the town with Uckfield’s energetic Mayor.
“I want to thank the many fantastic volunteers and charity staff who do so much for Uckfield and the surrounding area. We are extremely lucky to have very vibrant communities across East Sussex, and Uckfield is a leading light.”
Cllr Galley started his tour with a visit to the Children’s Respite Trust, which is celebrating its 15th year and is hoping to raise money to buy somewhere of its own when the lease expires in three years.
The Trust believes that no family should have to care for a child with a disability alone and provides a nursery for under-fives with additional needs, a holiday club for teens with disabilities, a wraparound care service for school-aged children with disabilities, and a club for siblings of children with disabilities. They also run whole family events to encourage peer support.
A spokesperson from the Children’s Respite Trust said: “We were delighted to welcome Cllrs Galley and Bedwell and to have the opportunity to showcase this valuable provision for children with disabilities. Their interest in our quest for new premises and need for increased funding and support to continue the service was particularly appreciated.”
Second stop on the tour was the Luxford Centre, an old library building which has been converted into a facility for senior citizens, run by volunteers.
More than 200 members meet for various events including coffee mornings, table tennis, lunches, exercise and dance groups and bingo and darts. Volunteers are currently raising funds to extend the centre.
A spokesperson from Sussex Support Services said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Chairman of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Roy Galley, to Sussex Support Service . His visit highlights the importance of community support for those living with Dementia and their families, and we are grateful for his genuine interest and support with the work we do.”
A visit to The Source was next on the agenda to find out more about the Community Fridge. Opened in 2021, it is available to everyone with the aim of stopping food waste. The Community Fridge has connections with a variety of shops and farms in the area and collects surplus food that may otherwise be thrown away.
Sussex Support Services was the fourth stop of the day. Based at Victoria Pavilion, the day care service is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The service specialises in supporting those living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, extra care needs and those who are socially isolated. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking, cognitive stimulation therapy, gardening projects, musical activities, exercise and cinema.
The final stop of the day was Ridgewood Village Hall Community Lunch Club. Started by Cllr Karen Bedwell in October 2021, the popular club meets on the third Wednesday of the month.
With transport for those who would otherwise be unable to attend offered by Uckfield Lions, visitors can enjoy a two-course meal provided by The Highlands. Word of mouth has increased numbers over the years, and some diners are referred to the club by social workers, social prescribers and other health professionals.
Ends.