Enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of getting outside and accessing our beautiful county is being made easier with changes to our bus services.

One way we are supporting your health journey is with a scheme that allows you to travel on East Sussex buses all day for just £5. Our new multi-operator ticket can be used on all bus services in the county and can also have age related fare reductions applied.

The lower fares on East Sussex buses is part of a series of improvements enabled through the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan that will see some buses run more often, others run later and improvements made to some weekend routes.

Changes also include the launch of FlexiBus, a bookable, on-demand transport service for areas with limited or no bus service.

FlexiBus can be booked to take you to your nearest town, train station, hospital or other key destinations in East Sussex for the same cost as a bus ticket between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. Call 01273 078203 to book or download the RidePingo app.

If you are 66 or over, you can explore the county, on any of these buses, for free with your older and disabled person’s bus pass – if you’ve not got one yet register for your free older and disabled persons bus pass today.

We all know the frustrations of booking a GP appointment, so it was comforting to learn that Sussex had a record number of same-day appointments in March, according to the primary care appointment data.

A total of 408,000 appointments took place on the same day they were booked in March. During that month, more than 972,000 primary care appointments took place in Sussex.

To improve access to general practice appointments there have been better phone systems put in most practices, including a cloud-based system that assists in better managing the demand for calls in the morning. Other options available to book appointments include e-Consultations,  call-back request and online appointment booking.

It is now possible to get an appointment between 8am and 8pm Mondays to Fridays and between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. The additional appointments are provided by primary care networks (groups of practices in the same area).

We hope you enjoyed your Bank Holiday, but with two more left in May you might want to start thinking about ordering your repeat prescriptions now to avoid running out of medication – especially if your pharmacy or GP surgery is closed or has reduced hours during those times.

The NHS is advising patients, their families and carers to check on stocks of medication to ensure they have enough to see them through the bank holiday breaks.

This year, along with the annual May Bank Holidays on 1 and 29 May, the Coronation of King Charles III means there is an additional Bank Holiday on Monday, 8 May.

Forgetting to get enough supplies of essential medication can put patients’ health at risk, and end up putting strain on out-of-hours services, which are there to deal with the most urgent health problems.

You can order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways.

• From your GP (and then nominate a pharmacy to collect them from)
• By logging into your account using the NHS app or the NHS website. If you’re asked to nominate a pharmacy, you can only nominate a high street pharmacy. You’ll be able to collect your medicine in person when it’s ready. Some high street pharmacies also deliver.

 

Mental health awareness has come a long way in recent years. High profile campaigns with well-known people sharing their stories have all helped to reduce stigma, leading to record numbers of people deciding to ask for help to improve their mental health, writes Kevin Rozario-Johnson, Health in Mind, East Sussex NHS Talking Therapies Service. Provided by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Yet despite improvements in mental health awareness and more and more people feeling comfortable asking for help when they need it, this is not true for everyone.  A national survey of men showed 43% (2 in 5) say they regularly feel worried or low, yet only 36% of referrals to NHS Talking Therapies Services were from men. Tragically men account for 78% of deaths by suicide, many of whom have not previously sought any help.

Although the challenge is national, the same picture is true at a local level. In 2022 only 30% of referrals to the local East Sussex NHS Talking Therapies Service ‘Health in Mind’ were from men. We want this to change.

Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from 15-21 May, gives us all the opportunity to reflect on those numbers and make sure everyone feels able to ask for mental health, when they need it, whatever their gender.

No shame in seeking support

There is no shame in asking for help. It’s not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.

If you’re going through a low point or experiencing stress or symptoms of anxiety and depression, you can contact Health in Mind, free NHS Talking Therapies Service for East Sussex. Health in Mind provide a wide range of 1 to 1 therapies, courses and online programmes, which help anyone over 18 experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Access to the service is quick, with initial appointments typically within two weeks of referral.

If you’re nervous about seeking help, you may like to know the service is completely confidential. If you doubt whether it can make a difference, trust us it can. We know it takes a lot of courage to speak about how you feel for the first time, but we offer a safe space where you can do that, without judgement. And as we work together, we’ll help you better understand what is going on for you and provide you with the tools and strategies to take control of your mental health and life.

If you’re not sure whether what’s going on for you has anything to do with your mental health, that is perfectly normal. The symptoms of anxiety and depression can be hard to tell apart from the stresses and strains of normal life pressures. Symptoms to look out for might include lacking motivation, difficulties sleeping, feeling more emotional, low in mood or stressed. All of which can impact on our relationships, at home or at work. If you’re noticing any of these signs, we can help.

You might not even know what is wrong (many people who come to us don’t), but just one conversation with the Health in Mind team can be hugely helpful, and be the start of a better future.

If you’re worried about seeking help, you can take comfort in some of these things people have told Health in Mind after they found the courage to ask for help.

“I hate to think where I would be if I hadn’t reached out and I can honestly say that working with you has made me look at life again with a positive attitude and enjoy everything I have.”

Or this:

“I was nervous, but I needn’t have been. After decades of pain and worry I am now able to understand my situation and finally feel that I can actually start to move forward again.”

Reflecting on your mental health

The Health in Mind service can transform your mental health in as little as four-to-six weeks. In 2022, just under 60% of men who referred to Health in Mind began with significant symptoms of anxiety or depression, and at their end of their time with us, they reported almost no symptoms at all.

So, if we know that the support we provide is easy to access and that it can, and often does, change and save lives why do we receive fewer referrals from men?

There are many reasons, which are well evidenced in national research around this:

• A sense of shame or embarrassment for seeking help.
• A nervousness about how you might be perceived by others if you did.
• You might not know what to expect from an NHS Talking Therapies Service.
• You might doubt whether a service like ours can really make a difference for you.
• You might feel scared or uncomfortable about talking about how you feel.
• Or you might believe that the things you’re going through in daily life are nothing to do with mental health.

Getting help

If you, or someone in your life, could benefit from contacting our free service, then our advice is don’t put it off. You can find out more and self-refer online via the health in Mind website. Our team is ready to help you make positive changes.

Seeking urgent help

The East Sussex County Council’s mental health directory has a list of information to help with your mental health, this includes details of local and national support available.

If you have an urgent concern for yourself, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please don’t ignore the warning signs and seek help straight away.

 

Are you one of the more than 236,000 people eligible for their next COVID-19 jab in East Sussex?

If you are aged 75 and over, have a weakened immune system or live in an older adult care home you are invited to get your spring COVID-19 jab as part of the next phase of the NHS’s Covid vaccination programme.

However, the NHS is advising those invited, or making a booking, to make sure their appointment takes place at least three months after their last dose.

This spring marked the first time that people eligible for their next dose received their initial invitation through the NHS app, which also allows you to book your jab. Text messages and letters will also be sent to those of you who are eligible for their next dose but either don’t have the app or don’t actively use it.

In this digital age we have become more connected to friends and loved ones through technology, which is why having good IT abilities has become increasingly important, especially for our health and wellbeing.

That’s why IT For You is offering free support on everyday computer skills at your local library. You choose the skills you learn, there are no tests and no exams, and you can attend as many or as few sessions as you need. Use the computers provided or bring your own laptop or tablet.

IT for You volunteers can help you learn to:

• use email and the internet,
• stay safe online,
• search and apply for work,
• download and use the NHS app,
• keep in touch with friends and family online,
• discover Microsoft Office and more.

The service is available at: Battle, Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hampden Park, Hastings, Heathfield, Hollington, Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Rye, Seaford and Uckfield Libraries.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this service either book online or call 01323 463 759 to book a place.

There are many benefits to social interaction, from lightening your mood to improving your health. So why not enjoy a cream tea or join a street party at a community event near you to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III?

The symbolic religious ceremony celebrates King Charles III’s reign as the new Monarch of the United Kingdom along with his wife Camilla as Queen.

And while the official ceremony will be broadcast live on TV and radio on 6 May, there’ll be Coronation events taking place during the whole Bank Holiday weekend from 5 to 8 May.

One way to get involved is to join neighbours and communities taking part in the Big Lunch – their Majesties have even shared a recipe for Coronation Quiche for you to cook to make sure your celebratory weekend is a tasty success.

We’ve gathered together a few ways to celebrate the King’s Coronation in style, but with so many Coronation events going ahead, we can’t possibly list them all, so make sure you check the official Coronation events map and the Big Lunch interactive map to find Coronation events and street parties local to you.

Coronation Events in East Sussex

Alfriston

What? Alfriston Village Street Party Coronation Celebrations.

Join Alfriston Village for a right royal knees-up celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III. The day starts with a special church service at St Andrew’s Church followed by lunch and music on the High Street, Royal Parade dress up, games, stalls, competitions, cream teas and so much more.

When? 7 May

Where? Alfriston Village High Street

Bodiam, Northiam and Tenterden

What? Best of British Weekend

To celebrate the King’s new reign, Kent and East Sussex Railways has planned a three-day Coronation celebration, with something for everyone. Tenterden Station will host a medley of traditional festivities as well as a nostalgic trip back in time with a journey by steam through the beautiful Rother Valley countryside to Bodiam in East Sussex with a selected number of fares for 30% of the normal price.

When? 6, 7, and 8 May

Where? Bodiam, Northiam, and Tenterden

Bodiam

What? Coronation Celebrations at Bodiam Castle

Celebrate The Coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle, with flags, bunting and picnic spots in the grounds. Join the craft workshop to decorate your own crown or try your hand at the medieval sport of archery, with trained instructors. Children can also enjoy some interactive storytelling throughout the weekend.

When? 6, 7, and 8 May

Where? Bodiam Castle, Bodiam

Burwash

What? Coronation Celebrations at Bateman’s

Escape the crowds and relax in the peaceful gardens of Bateman’s over the Coronation three-day weekend. With lawn games, cream teas and beautiful flower beds, Bateman’s is a perfect place to unwind on this Coronation Bank Holiday weekend. Stroll through the orchard’s spring blossom and visit the house to see Rudyard Kipling’s family home and the book-lined study where the writer worked.

When? 6 ,7, and 8 May

Where? Bateman’s, Burwash

Camber

What? Camber Right Royal Garden Party

A right royal garden party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy cream teas, stalls, music and games.

When? 7 May

Where? Camber Jubilee Field and Memorial Hall, Camber

Crowborough

What? Kings Coronation: Family Day out

In celebration of the historic occasion, Crowborough Town Council will be providing an opportunity for residents to come together as a community, and celebrate with friends and families. There will be children’s activities as well as various performances on stage. There will also be food and drink vendors onsite but bringing along picnics will also be encouraged.

When? 6 May

Where? Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, Crowborough

Eastbourne

What? Coronation Brit-Pop Party

Join Eastbourne Bandstand on this Coronation evening and celebrate everything British. The Brit-Pop Society will transport you back to the roots of the Brit-Pop movement of ‘Cool Britannia’.

When? 6 May

Where? Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne

Heathfeild

What?  Coronation Family Fun Day

Live music, stalls, food, and drink and lots of entertainment for adults and children.

When? 7 May

Where? Heathfield Community Centre Playing Field

Pevensey

What? Coronation Tea Party

A right royal tea party in the new community orchard situated against the magnificent backdrop of Pevensey Castle. Tea, milk and maybe some cake! Bring along any royal teaware to add to the regal splendour of the occasion!

When? 7 May

Where? Pevensey and Westham Community Forest Garden, near Pevensey Castle

Ripe

What? Coronation Party

You’re invited to the Coronation celebration with music from live bands, hot food, a raffle, a fancy dress competition and much more.

When? 6 May

Where? The Paddock, Ripe

Seaford

What? Coronation Festival

A community and family fun day to celebrate the King’s Coronation with support from Seaford Town Council. Events include a children’s parade, dog show, performances, games and family fun, local crafts and food stalls, community stalls and hot and cold food.

When? 8 May

Where? Martello Fields, Seaford

Sidley Green

What? Sidley Coronation Party

Enjoy some family fun in Sidley to celebrate the Coronation with a free buffet, brass band, children’s entertainment, raffle, and best crown competition.

When? 6 May

Where? The New Inn, Sidley Green

St Leonards

What? Mencap Coronation Tea Party

A Coronation tea party includes a high tea, entertainment, games and a photo booth. Bring your friends and family, all are welcome. A red, white and blue dress code is encouraged.

When? 5 May

Where? The Robsack Centre, St Leonards

 

The past few years have been tough. The pandemic has left its mark on most people in one way or another, and while the world moved on and things supposedly ‘got back to normal’, many people have been left feeling anything but.

The nation’s mental health has been hit hard post-Covid, as this report from the charity Mind shows. The report states that two thirds (65%) of adults and more than two thirds (68%) of young people with mental health problems say their mental health has got worse since the first national lockdown.

One of the side effects of this is that many people have found they are feeling lonely since the pandemic. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched its new loneliness campaign as part of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign to try and combat the rise in loneliness.

While feeling lonely isn’t in itself a mental health problem, the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem can increase your chance of feeling lonely, but anyone can feel lonely at any point in their lives, writes Laura Gooch.

My story

I had a baby during the first lockdown and my mental health has been severely affected since then. I’ve always been a sociable person and, while I enjoy time on my own, I need time with family and friends to feel balanced.

The pandemic took that away, and I was faced with being at home on my own with a newborn while homeschooling my older daughter. My husband was a frontline worker. I was on maternity leave, so didn’t have the daily contact with colleagues that I might have had otherwise, and of course all baby groups and parenting groups had been cancelled. Friends and family weren’t allowed to visit and I suddenly found myself in a very lonely world.

When I returned to work after maternity leave, the office landscape had changed considerably. Working from home was now the norm, and while others had had the previous year to adjust, I was returning to a whole new climate. Often, the part of going back to work new parents enjoy is the return to ‘normal’ chat that doesn’t revolve around nappies and nap times, as well as the chance for office banter and a moment to feel like yourself again. That was taken away.

I have never felt as lonely as I have since the pandemic started. I am lucky to have friends and family and some of them may be surprised to read this, but I also think it’s important to talk about it so that others seek help and realise it’s a common problem for many people.

I’ve adjusted more now, and feel in a better place with my mental health than I have for the past couple of years, but of course, feelings of loneliness don’t always leave as quickly as they arrive. There’s a huge amount of stigma around feeling lonely, and it’s a sad fact that often people don’t want to admit to feelings of loneliness.

Not alone in feeling lonely

My story is one of so many and it’s important to remember that loneliness has no common cause. Sometimes it can be triggered by a life event or change in situation, like it was for me, or it may not be triggered by anything at all.

Older people are often thought of as being prone to loneliness, but actually younger people can feel lonely too. It is a feeling that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives. We might live in a busy city or a rural location, on our own or with others, and still feel isolated.

There’s lots of help

Luckily, there is lots of support available. Check out the advice and helplines available on the NHS website for more information and to find what help is available.

Meanwhile, here are some of the top tips for those struggling with feelings of loneliness:

Keep in touch with those around you

Talk to friends and family. Sometimes a friendly chat can make a big difference, whether someone is around the corner or further away.

Join a group

Find a group with a shared interest. Being part of an offline or online group or club is a great way to make connections and meet people. Think about activities that you would like to try out and look for groups centred around these.

Do things you enjoy

Filling your time doing more things you like can stop you from focusing on feelings of loneliness and is good for your wellbeing.

Share your feelings – but do not compare

Talking about how you feel with others can help with loneliness. However, try not to compare yourself with others. Remember that many people may only share the good things happening to them on social media, so comparing can make you feel lonelier.

Help someone else feel connected

Reach out to others. Think about people you know who might be feeling lonely and make an effort to connect with them. Remember that feeling lonely for a long time can make it harder for people to make new connections. It may be difficult for people experiencing loneliness to respond to your friendly contact at first, so be patient and kind.

Invite someone along to activities near you

There are many free and low-cost activities you can take part in throughout the year.

Look at Visit England’s list of cheap and free things to do for suggested events in your local area and invite someone to come along.

Look after yourself

Please look at the support available on the NHS website – there is always someone you can talk to.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, or have thought about self-harm, it’s important to tell someone. Samaritans offer free 24-hour listening support. Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.

In a life-threatening emergency, phone 999 and ask for an ambulance.

People across Sussex are being given the chance to live independently for longer with the help of urgent community response healthcare teams.

The teams enable people who might otherwise need an ambulance or treatment in A&E to receive medical support care in their own homes.

Older people and adults with complex health needs who urgently need care can get access to a range of health and social care professionals within two hours. This includes access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy, medication prescribing and reviews, and help with staying well-fed and hydrated.

The teams have already prevented thousands of people from having to go for a stay in hospital and provided support to people when they have left hospital.

So far, more than 800 East Sussex residents have shown kindness and compassion to people fleeing from the war in Ukraine by offering them shelter through the UK government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

During the 12 months the scheme has been running, they have offered more than 1,600 Ukrainians a place in their homes where they can feel safe and secure.

To mark the scheme’s anniversary last month, Jovanne Campbell spoke to host Clare about the relationship she shares with her Ukrainian guests and her advice to anyone who’s considering becoming a host.

Clare’s story

Clare hosted Maria and her two daughters, Maya and Emma, in her Lewes home for just over nine months. While the family lived in East Sussex, Clare made sure her home was a sanctuary of peace and safety for her guests.

“I’m not going to sit here and say it was a complete walk in the park; as with every relationship you’re going to have ups and downs,” says Clare.

“Maria and her children left a traumatising situation and it’s important to have an understanding of your guests and also the compassion it requires to manage them sensitively.

“I was so proud when Maria’s eldest completed her first day of school, and when Maria found a job as a translator. Just seeing them being able to move forward with their lives, and also making a few friends in the area, was a joy to behold. It just made me happy that I could play such a small part in helping her get back on her feet.”

Returning home

It was an emotional day for everyone involved when Maria and her daughters decided to return to the husband and father they’d left in Ukraine.

“When Maria left, it felt like my own daughter and granddaughters were leaving me. We completely understood the decision for her to go back to Ukraine to be with her husband,” said Clare.

Since returning home, Maria has sent Clare a Thank You card saying “You gave me the strength to recover and face the future”. The bond between the two remains strong; they regularly Facetime each other and the pair spoke on the anniversary of the invasion as Clare says she still feels a responsibility to be there for Maria and support her emotionally.

Homes for Ukraine heroes

Clare said she found the experience ‘amazing’ and it was something that she would like to do again in the near future.

As the invasion continues, more guests are expected to arrive in the county during the coming weeks. But without the generosity of Homes for Ukraine heroes like Clare we could not provide them with safe housing.

If you can offer a home or spare room for at least six months and would like more information on what you can do to help Visit the Homes for Ukraine webpages or email: ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk

We’ve a range of information, advice and support services available to guide you through the process, and as a thank you for your help you will receive a monthly payment.