Getting out and about
Good Neighbours
Good Neighbours West Sussex helps people to increase social contact in their everyday lives and become more active in the local community - this could include regular visits for a chat, enabling you to take up a hobby or accompanying you to the shops.
Safe and Well Checks are also carried out during all home visits to monitor any change in health, wellbeing or home surroundings.
For more information, contact your local provider:
- Adur, Arun, Chichester and Worthing residents - call 01903 257019 or email.
- Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex residents - call 01293 228060 or email.
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Activities near you
Across West Sussex there are many activities that you can take part in. Not only will you be able to connect with others, but this will also improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
Recently we went to Burgess Hill and visited an aquafit class - specifically designed for older people - at The Triangle Leisure Centre (pictured above). You can watch our YouTube video to see how it went!
Visit the West Sussex Wellbeing and Age UK websites to find activities in your area.
4Sight Vision Support, a charity for individuals living with sight loss, have also developed a range of clubs for people to attend.
The development comes as part of their Connect4Sight project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, which will improve transport for the clubs and recruit new volunteers.
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Bereavement support
If you have lost a loved one, bereavement support and friendship groups in your local area can help.
Through Cruse Bereavement Care, you will have the opportunity to meet with other people that have been bereaved and together you can join social activities in your community.
To find out more, call 0300 311 9959 or email.
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Getting there and back!
We know it’s important to many people to be able to access local transport to get to some of the events and activities we’ve mentioned in this newsletter.
You may be able to use public transport, or see if any family or friends can give you a lift. But where that’s not an option visit our website for lots of other ideas including a local community transport directory.
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Did you know?
Chichester Festival Theatre run a buddy scheme for those who would like extra support during their theatre visit.
Buddies are a team of friendly volunteers who will watch the show with you, help buy any refreshments during the interval and stay with you until you are safely on your way home after the performance.
To find out more about the scheme and the free transport options available, call the theatre's Box Office on 01243 781312 or email.
It’s worth checking with your local theatre to see if they run a similar scheme.
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Learning a new skill
Getting online
The internet is a great way to keep in contact with friends and family that you don't often see, from the comfort of your own home, using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Our libraries regularly hold I.T. sessions for people who are not confident with using the internet and social media. Have a look at our drop-in sessions if you need some extra support on using the internet.
We also hold free seminars for those wanting advice on how to stay safe online - book your tickets today.
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Digital Library Plus
Digital Library Plus is a service run by our libraries, for people who would like to build digital skills and find out the benefits of being online, but are unable to access a library.
Library staff and volunteers can visit you at home to offer gentle, tailored help and support.
If you know someone who requires the service, please contact your local library or complete the application form.
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Aspire Sussex
Aspire Sussex are an Adult Education Service that can help you achieve your aspirations, whatever your starting point.
With over 1,000 courses to choose from, there is a subject to suit you! You will also be able to meet and interact with new people, helping to increase your social circles.
For more information, call Aspire Sussex on 0345 6 01 01 61 or email.
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Connecting at Christmas
Meals on Wheels
To keep connected with others over the festive season, our Meals on Wheels team (delivered by apetito) are on hand to prepare, cook and deliver your Christmas dinner!
Our professional drivers, who are all DBS checked and carry identification, will come into your home, deliver your meal and carry out a Safe and Well Check.
To enquire about the service, which runs 365 days a year, call 01903 718893 or email.
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Support at Christmas from Age UK
This Christmas, Age UK West Sussex will be directly targeting those who may feel lonely or isolated, giving them personalised advice and information on social groups, activities and befriending services.
No one should have no one. Anyone who is feeling lonely, or is worried about a friend or relative should call 0800 019 1310, free of charge, for help and support.
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Volunteering in the community
Many choose to volunteer over Christmas, as a way to give something back to the community and to meet new people while developing new skills.
Volunteering is also a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience that can be taken to other roles and future employment.
We work with several local organisations to encourage and support volunteering - to find out more and register your interest, browse current opportunities in your area below:
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Don't forget! There may be events taking place in your local community over the festive period too. Visit your local church, village hall and leisure centre to find out.
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