Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and included – no exceptions. Hate crime happens when someone is targeted because of who they are, such as their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It can have a serious impact on mental health and wellbeing, leaving people feeling scared, isolated, or anxious.

In East Sussex, we’re committed to raising awareness and encouraging people to speak up. If you witness or experience hate crime, don’t stay silent – report it and reach out for support.

Together, we can help build kinder, more inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong.

Visit the Sussex Police website for guidance on how to report a hate crime safely and confidentially.

Report a hate crime to Sussex police here

Stoptober may have come to an end, but the opportunity to quit smoking – and start living healthier – is here all year round. Every October, thousands of people across Sussex take the challenge and experience the benefits of a smoke-free life, from better breathing and more energy to saving money.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England, but with the right support, you’re three times more likely to quit successfully.
Free tools such as the NHS Quit Smoking app, the Personal Quit Plan, and expert
advice from local stop smoking services are available anytime to help you on your journey.

Local residents who’ve quit say they feel fitter, happier, and proud of what they’ve achieved. So even if you missed Stoptober, there’s no need to wait – make today your day to quit and take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.

Find free tools and local stop smoking support

As we head into the colder months, lots of people will be worrying about staying warm at home. High costs of living and high energy bills are a big concern,
especially for those who already find it hard to heat their home, or who are on a low income.

The cold is uncomfortable – but it can also be dangerous, especially if you have health issues, or if you are a young child or older person. It can also have a
negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

The East Sussex Warm Home Check service can give you free impartial energy advice and support. It can help you to improve the energy efficiency of your home, meaning you can stay warm for less and reduce your home’s carbon emissions. As well as practical advice and resources, the service can offer a full home assessment, heating repairs and small home improvements for eligible people.

If you, or someone you know, is concerned about keeping warm this winter, get in touch today. Call 0800 464 7307 Text WARMHOME to 88440

Get tips on keeping warm and apply for a warm home check

As temperatures drop, now is the time to top up your protection against flu and COVID-19. Vaccinations help prevent serious illness and reduce pressure on health and care services during winter.

For the first time, parents can get their two and three-year-olds vaccinated at local pharmacies, making it even easier to protect the youngest members of our
community. Over 600 pharmacies across the South East are offering the quick,
painless nasal spray for children, alongside GP practices.

Adults eligible for a flu or COVID-19 booster can also get their jabs at local
pharmacies, GP surgeries, or pop-up walk-in clinics across East Sussex – often without an appointment.

Getting vaccinated is quick, free for those who are eligible, and helps keep
everyone safer this winter. Protect yourself, your family and your community by booking your vaccine today.

Find out more about winter vaccines

East Sussex County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health department has
recently been assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The extensive process has taken a whole year and they have now received their final report. They are thrilled to announce that they have been rated ‘good’ in their assessment.

It is a credit to everyone working in the department, and to all providers and
partners that the CQC feel they are performing well and meeting expectations.

Thank you to everybody for their continued support and hard work, and thank you to everybody that gave feedback for the assessment. There are already plans in place to continue improving the support and services available to adults in East Sussex, to ensure they remain good.

Read the full report here

Do you receive adult social care arranged by East Sussex County Council and pay towards it, or act as a financial representative for someone who does? We’d like to hear your experiences of paying for care.

Please complete our short survey by 10 October 2025 for a chance to win one of five £50 Amazon vouchers. You can also volunteer for a confidential online interview with Social Marketing Gateway, who are carrying out the research.

Get involved before 10 October

The People Bank is a group of volunteers who work with East Sussex County Council.

We are always looking for new members to get involved in opportunities, sharing their knowledge, and lived experience to help influence the way that social care for adults is provided.

Being a People Bank Volunteer makes a difference to others but also offers
opportunities to connect with new people, develop new skills and grow your confidence.

Find out more and apply to join

Free Care and support drop-in event

If you are looking for business guidance, training advice or information on
services for the people you support, this is the event for you.

With over 35 experts from ESCC and partner organisations at the event, these experts can help you to grow your business.

For more information on the event and the organisations attending: Care and support provider drop in event | East Sussex County Council

When: Tues, 14 Oct 2025, 11am – 2pm BST (but you can drop in at any time)

Location: Uckfield Civic Centre

Book a place here >>

A severe flu season is expected this winter, with cases likely to begin rising in October – earlier than usual. The best way to protect yourself and others is with a flu vaccination.

Flu vaccinations are available for everyone in priority groups from 1 October:

• Frontline workers in health and social care
• People aged 65 years and over
• People aged 6 months to 65 years in clinical risk groups
• People in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers (getting carer’s allowance or main carers of an elderly or disabled person)
• Live with someone with a weakened immune system
• Pregnant people
• Children aged 2 and 3
• School children

Book your vaccine via your GP, pharmacy, workplace, care home or school. Protect yourself and others.

Find out who’s eligible on the NHS website

Did you know that we start to lose muscle from age 30? This affects our strength and balance, making a fall more likely as we get older. But strength and balance exercises slash your risk of falling, helping you to stay strong, steady and independent.

You can find a way that works for you, whether that’s in a class, outside, in a group or on your own at home. There are lots of affordable options.

East Sussex Public Health are running some local events, giving away FREE anti-slip slippers, tips to prevent falls and exercise ideas.

If you know anyone that may be interested details are:

• 1 October, 10am-2pm: Broomgrove Community Centre, Hastings
• 14 October, 10am-1pm: Central Hall, Hastings

Stay strong, stay steady, stay independent!

Visit eastsussex.gov.uk/staystrong to find a local activity

or try this youtube video with six simple exercises- no equipment needed.

Find activities and exercise videos online