East Sussex Community Voice

East Sussex County Council want to hear your views and experiences about what is important to you about your care and support at home. They would like to know:  You can share your views and feedback by either:  For more information please visit the East Sussex County Council by clicking the button below.

To celebrate Older People’s Day (held annually on 1 October), the Full of Life festival will run throughout September and October, hosting events, activities and talks for adults 50+ across East Sussex.

Healthwatch are the local independent watchdog for health and care.   They want to learn more about people’s experiences of being discharged from hospital to help them see where and how this process can be improved for patients and carers.   Share your story: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/hweastsussex   Their survey closes on Friday 9th October 2026.  Further information If you

The Big Conversation on Care is a chance for everyone in England to have their say on the future of adult social care. Adult social care affects millions of people across the country. It supports older people, disabled people and people with long term health conditions with a wide range of everyday tasks, helping them

Are you passionate about communities? Can you help local people have a greater say in services? As NHS, local authority and voluntary services face a period of change, it’s crucial local people remain at the heart of decision-making. East Sussex Community Voice exists to empower people to have their voices heard and we are seeking

The government has announced plans to abolish Healthwatch in 2027. Healthwatch gathers important feedback from patients and the public about health and social care and is independent from the NHS and local councils who provide these services. These plans may change how patients and the public can share feedback and experiences. In the future, it

Do you live in East Sussex? If so, East Sussex County Council East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership want to hear what community safety issues are most important to you.  By completing this survey you can help them understand: This feedback will be used alongside information from other key organisations in East Sussex, national data and

East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) was the evaluation partner for the cross-sector Tackling Loneliness Programme in 2024-2025. We designed and delivered a mixed-methods evaluation approach focusing on systems change, impact and ways of working, using a combination of questionnaires and ripple effect mapping. The programme centred around developing a stewardship approach to tackling loneliness in

East Sussex Community Voice are delighted to welcome Vicki Harrison-Carr as our new CEO. This follows the announcement earlier this year of the retirement of our previous Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Kirwan. Vicki has extensive senior leadership experience in supporting communities in both the public and voluntary sectors. Her specialisms include strategic, organisational, people and

What is ripple effect mapping? Ripple effect mapping (REM) is a qualitative evaluation method that explores how change happens, capturing a programme’s activities and impacts over time. In a participatory workshop, people who have been involved in the delivery of a programme or initiative co-create a shared ripple effect map. Participants map out interweaving activities,

Volunteers’ Week returns this year for the 42nd year. From Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June 2026, East Sussex Community Voice will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK. This volunteers week we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of

Healthwatch are the local independent watchdog for health and care. They want to learn about people’s use of nicotine pouches, which are slim, soft packets filled with nicotine, flavouring, and plant-based material placed under the lip that release nicotine. Please complete their short survey to help them and decision-makers understand your experiences. Complete their short

East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) is announcing that after three years at the helm, Veronica Kirwan, our Chief Executive Officer, will be retiring from this role at the end of June 2026. We wish to thank Veronica for the significant contributions she has made to the organisation during her tenure, strengthening its governance, impact and

Flexibus is a flexible, bookable ride-share service for areas of East Sussex with limited public transport. It allows people to travel up to nine miles of their pick‑up point and can be used for everyday journeys such as appointments, shopping and social activities. A new Flexibus app is now available. As well as booking trips,

If you rely on heating oil and are struggling with the recent rise in prices, you may be able to get financial support. The Government has announced extra funding for low-income households, and this support will soon be available locally across East Sussex.  Who can get help You may be eligible if you meet all

This week (16th to 20th March 2026) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.  East Sussex Neurodiversity Celebration Week In East Sussex a programme of online and in-person events are taking place to celebrate neurodiversity.  The events from 16 to 20 March have been

The East Sussex Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance are delighted to share ‘Our journey – evolving together’; a reflection on the work that took place throughout 2025. This document is the third annual review produced by the East Sussex VCSE Alliance and demonstrates the work undertaken throughout 2025. It provides information about who the Alliance

We are seeking an outstanding and empathetic leader to become the Chief Executive Officer of East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV), working with our directors, staff, and volunteers to further develop our organisation and make a real difference for people across East Sussex. Working pattern: Flexible, 28 to 35 hours per weekWe are open to discussing

What we did East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has established the East Sussex Housing Retrofit Programme to support the acceleration of home retrofit activity across the county. As part of this programme, ESCC has commissioned East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) to engage with residents in East Sussex to gain understanding and insight into the views

On the 19th November 2025, the Government launched a consultation to seek views on the local government reorganisation proposals they have received from councils in East Sussex and Brighton Hove, and West Sussex. The consultation ask questions about each of the four proposals made by councils earlier this year. Information about each of the proposals

As we head into the colder months, staying warm at home will be a concern for many. 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

The East Sussex VCSE Alliance is delighted to launch the findings of research it commissioned on the state of the VCSE sector in East Sussex. The co-funded project was led by the Alliance on behalf of voluntary sector organisations, East Sussex County Council and Sussex Community Foundation. Research was undertaken by Colligo Labs, in partnership with Ideas Alliance. It

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former Chair, Keith Stevens. Keith led ESCV with dedication and integrity since its establishment over 13 years ago. He was greatly respected and valued by everyone who worked with him, and will be remembered for his exceptional leadership, kindness, and many lasting contributions to

We are disappointed to announce that Keith Stevens is stepping down from the East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) board.   Keith has been our Chair since ESCV was established over 13 years ago, and we know that many of you have worked very closely with him during that time. We have been extremely fortunate to benefit

We’re proud to sign up to the East Sussex VCSE Alliance Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Charter—a shared commitment to making our organisations more inclusive, fair and accessible for everyone we work with and support. The Charter sets out a clear goal: to embed EDI best practice across all Alliance members through agreed minimum standards

Every year, East Sussex County Council work with East Sussex Seniors’ Association (ESSA) to organise a festival of events across the county, celebrating Older People’s Day. More than 80 free and paid-for activities for the 50-plus age group will be taking place over the next two months to mark International Older People’s Day on October 1 –

Wealden District Council are currently seeking feedback on a draft Housing Strategy which will shape the future of housing in the Wealden district. The strategy sets out a plan to address current and future housing needs across Wealden. The strategy has been developed to ensure that it meets local need but also aligns with the

Term: 10 months starting November 2025Working pattern: 35hrs a weekSalary: £28,815 – £30,915 dependant on experience.Annual Leave: 26 days pro rata, plus bank holidaysLocation: Based at the ESCV office in Eastbourne East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) are seeking a dynamic Business Support Officer to join our energetic team and support the smooth day-to-day operation of

East Sussex County Council want to hear from people and organisations with an interest in housing, about what you think of the draft strategy for improving housing in East Sussex. East Sussex Housing Partnership works to meet local housing needs in the county. The partnership is made up of the five local housing authorities, housing

National surveys have shown that half of adults in Great Britain report feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often, or always. But while loneliness may be a natural emotion, that doesn’t make it any less upsetting or painful. Loneliness can have a significant impact on our wellbeing and, if it is prolonged, it can cause (or worsen)

This week (2-8 June) is Volunteers Week, a national opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make across our communities and to say thank you. Across East Sussex our volunteers are making a difference to services in their local communities every day. We want to thank all of our incredible volunteers and highlight how they

The East Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board has completed its first draft of its Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNA) and have opened it up for public consultation. The aim of the assessment is to set out the current pharmaceutical services available in East Sussex, identify any gaps in services and make recommendations on future development.  It will

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 5 to 11 May, and this year focuses on the theme: “The Culture of Dying Matters.” The national campaign invites people across the UK to have honest conversations about death, dying and grief—shaped by the diverse ways communities understand and experience them. A new Sussex-wide resource has

Sussex residents who are feeling anxious, stressed or struggling with loneliness or depression can now access support from a qualified mental health professional by text. By texting the keyword SUSSEX to 85258, people can connect within 15 minutes for crisis intervention, emotional support and signposting to appropriate services. This service is anonymous and won’t show

Are you passionate about communities? Can you help local people have a greater say in services? As NHS, local authority and voluntary services face a period of change, it’s crucial local people remain at the heart of decision-making. East Sussex Community Voice exists to empower people to have their voices heard and we are seeking

NHS Sussex would like to hear from people who have been supported by a Social Prescribing Link worker, or a similar role. Share your experiences to help improve the service by completing a short survey before 9 March, or volunteering to attend a workshop during March. Social prescribing helps people connect with local activities, groups,

This Share for Better Care Week, take three minutes to share your experience of health and social care. Your voice plays a vital role in making services better, and sharing your story is quick and easy. In the time it takes to boil the kettle or wait for the bus, you can make a real

On the 13th of February Healthwatch East Sussex (HWES) held a One Year On Event with the partners involved in the Rye Listening Tour. During the event HWES shared updates on work that has taken place since the tour including information on their Oral Health in Care Homes Project and engagement with the East Sussex County

Working pattern: 17.5 hours per week – worked over 3 days to include Tuesday and Friday (working pattern to be negotiated). Salary: £27,711 per annum pro-rata (actual salary £13,856 per annum) plus 6% employers pension contribution Annual Leave: 26 days per year plus Bank Holidays (pro rata) Contract duration: Permanent Location: At the East Sussex

Earlier this month the ESCV team took part in a Dementia Awareness Training session run by DISC Dementia Support. The professional session was designed to help us better understand dementia and how to support those affected by it. The training covered important topics like; what dementia is and how it affects the brain, common myths

NHS Sussex, in partnership with Healthwatch, has worked with a group of young people to create a new online health and care feedback platform for Sussex young people aged 13-24 years. The Independent Youth Panel is an online space where young people can access surveys, polls and information, as well as share their own questions and

As we head into the colder months, we know many residents will be worrying about staying warm at home. Rises in energy prices are a big concern, especially for those who already find it hard to heat their home and are on a low income. The cold is not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous

The East Sussex VCSE Alliance are pleased to share ‘Our Journey – 12 months on’, a reflection on the work that has taken place in the last year. The document provides a reminder about the Alliance: who we are, our purpose, vision and mission. It also provides an update on our work and highlights the three principles

It’s Carers Rights Day today (21st November) and this year’s theme ’Recognising Your Rights’.  Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers, supporting a partner, family member, or friend – often without realizing they are carers or understanding their legal rights.  As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This

In early November NHS England launched the latest ‘Act FAST’ campaign, which aims to increase knowledge of the signs of a stroke and encourage people to dial 999 immediately in response to any sign – even if it doesn’t seem like much. Every year in the UK, there are around 100,000 strokes, causing 38,000 stroke-related

The East Sussex Warm Home Check service provides free impartial energy advice and support and is available all year round. What is the Warm Home Check service? This free service for East Sussex residents offers telephone advice for anyone struggling to afford to keep warm at home, with money-saving advice and tips on how to stay warm

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting East Sussex to inspect the local arrangements for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). The inspectors want to know about the help and support that children and young people with SEND get. You can share your experiences by filling in one of the surveys

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sussex have relaunched a campaign to improve mental wellbeing and raise awareness of self-harm and suicide in older people. The campaign ‘Don’t brush it under the carpet’ is launching for a second year running as we head into winter and aims to reach and support older people who

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has recently launched its 10-Year Health Plan engagement exercise, Change NHS. This consultation aims to co-develop the 10-Year Health Plan with the public, patients, and staff. How can you get involved? Everyone in England is invited to share their ideas and it doesn’t matter whether you have a

Earlier this month, East Sussex Community Voice received Think Carer training from Care for the Carers East Sussex.  Think Carer is a free training session to raise awareness of carers and the support that is available to them. The training is open to professionals and volunteers in the public sector, charities, community groups, and businesses

Shared on behalf of East Sussex County Council Most local authorities have significant funding gaps for next year. East Sussex County Council is facing a funding gap of £55 million. As local authorities have a legal responsibility to set a balanced budget, this means making some difficult decisions about how the Council spends its money

NHS Sussex would like to know how people living in Sussex currently feel about local NHS health and care services. They want to hear from local people about their confidence and satisfaction in the NHS and where they feel improvements can be made. As well as going out to local communities, NHS Sussex have published

Stoptober is a national campaign calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign previously. Over 5 million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. That’s why this year’s Stoptober

This year’s National Eye Health Week takes place from 23-29 September 2024, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. Two million people in the UK are living with sight loss that is sever enough to have a significant on their daily lives. Eye tests play a huge part

10th September 2024, marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which is a global movement focusing on raising awareness of suicide, reducing stigma, and encouraging strategies and actions to prevent suicide. This year’s theme is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding,

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex About the roles Amaze is offering two paid internships, one in Brighton & Hove and one in Eastbourne.  If you are enthusiastic and committed to improving the lives

The Volunteer of the Year award is given in recognition of the dedication and commitment made by an individual to a social care setting or service. This award incorporates volunteers of all ages (or anyone over 16 years of age with no upper age limit) and seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication that volunteers

Did you know that over 250,000 people in the UK need Changing Places toilets to help them get out and do everyday things that many of us take for granted? To use a toilet safely and comfortably, some people need extra space and special equipment, like an adjustable changing bench, a toilet with room on

If you’ve tried to access community support in the last six months, then East Sussex County Council would like to hear from you. Community mental health covers everything apart from inpatient services provided at hospital. It includes services offered by Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (who are the lead provider of NHS mental health care and treatment across

Who are the Samaritans, and how can they help you or someone you know?  The Samaritans are a UK-based charity that provides emotional support to anyone about anything that’s troubling them, no matter how large or small the issue feels. They offer a non-judgmental and confidential service. Samaritans have a variety of contact methods, including

Working pattern: part time – 21 (.6 FTE) hours per week (may involve some evening or weekend working) Salary: £43742 full time equivalent (Pro rata £26,246) Annual Leave: 26 days (pro rata), plus bank holidays Contract duration: Fixed Term to March 2025 (with option to extend for a further year subject to funding review) Location:

Men’s Health Awareness Week 2024, hosted by the Men’s Health Forum, aims to encourage men to speak up and share their stories. Starting June 10th and ending on June 16th (Father’s Day), Men’s Health Awareness Week allows fathers, brothers, sons, and male friends to open up to one another, shedding light on the health difficulties

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Healthwatch East Sussex. Our volunteers give people a voice in health and social care by raising the profile of issues that matter to patients and service users, playing a crucial role in improving local health and social care services. Why Volunteer with Healthwatch East Sussex?

Today (3rd June) marks the start of Volunteers Week and we would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers! They represent their communities and are passionate about ensuring patient, public, and community voices are heard and listened to. They bring a wealth of experience and skills and a

What is Young Healthwatch? Young Healthwatch is part of Healthwatch East Sussex, an organization which listens to the public and feeds information back to decision makers to help make services better for people. Young Healthwatch looks at the healthcare issues that directly effect young people. We aim to ensure that young people’s thoughts, ideas and

On Wednesday 12th June, we are hosting an Open Office at our new office space in Eastbourne.   The event is open to the public, community groups and local organisations. Drop in to find out more about us and how you can get involved in the work we do.   When: 12th June, 12:30pm – 02:00pm   Where:

This years Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is all about getting out and about and finding time for the things you most enjoy.  This year, it takes place from May 13–19, and the theme is ‘Movement’.  Movement is so important to protecting our mental health, it brings us a

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded Investing in Volunteers. East Sussex Community Voice is proud to be an organisation that values it’s volunteers. Our volunteers are an integral part of what we do, they are the voices of our communities and ensure the public voices are heard and listened to. Over

Working pattern: 35 hours per week with a flexible approach to days/hours required Salary: £22,366- £23,893 dependent on experience plus 6% employers pension contribution Annual Leave: 26 days per year plus Bank Holidays Contract duration: Initial 12 months contract with potential to become permanent depending on funding. Location: Hybrid working at the East Sussex Community

Become a Youth Consultant with NHS Sussex. NHS Sussex are looking for young people aged 16-24 years to become Youth Consultants and help shape future NHS health and social care services in Sussex. The Youth Consultant Role Meeting with healthcare professionals about plans for services and sharing a young person’s perspective. Helping involve children and

East Sussex Community Voice are pleased to invite you to our Forging Links event where we will be showcasing a steel sculpture designed by a group of local young travellers and created by a local blacksmith.   The young people hope this event will bring together the local community to better understand the lives of

East Sussex Community Voice is currently supporting four community organisations who have received grant funding for diabetes projects as part of an NHS grant programme. In November 2023, we held a project training and networking day for representatives from each project. The day included training from Diabetes UK as well as an opportunity for projects

Do you want to make a difference? NHS Sussex are looking to recruit volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds to support them to put people and communities at the heart of NHS Services.   There are two types of volunteer roles available and you can give as much or as little time as you have available.

As we head into the colder months, we know many residents will be worrying about staying warm at home. Rises in energy prices are a big concern, especially for those who already find it hard to heat their home and are on a low income. The cold is not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous

‘What Matters To You: care, support and independence for adults in East Sussex’ is the brand new adult social care strategy for the county. The title reflects the approach taken to developing the strategy: asking people who need care and support, their carers and families, what was important to them. Mark Stainton, Director of Adult

This week (1-7 June) is Volunteers Week, a national opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make across our communities and to say thank you. We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the fantastic contribution our incredible volunteers make. From observations and conversations our volunteers have gathered feedback and insight that have helped to

East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) has recruited two new senior staff to help deliver our programmes and projects. Veronica Kirwan joins ESCV as Executive Director on 20th February from Peabody, a large housing association based in London. Veronica is excited at the challenge of her new leadership role adding “I am delighted to be joining East Sussex Community Voice. In these