Having the free flu jab could stop vulnerable people ending up in hospital, or even dying, this winter.

Allison Cannon, Chief Nurse and Director of Quality for East Surrey and Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: 

“Flu is potentially a very serious illness, and the flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and help ease pressures on your local NHS.''

Last year, 1 in 4 eligible people did not claim their free jab.

Find out who is eligible for a free vaccination and how to access one.

Home Works and STEPS are two services in East Sussex supporting people facing housing difficulties. These valuable services help people stay in their home and remain independent for as long as possible.

Recently some changes have been made to the services, who can use them and what they can do.

Read about the changes and why they've been made.

10 October was World Mental Health Day, and a range of activity took place across East Sussex. Celebrations included:

The launch of a new and improved mental health service directory for residents and health and care professionals.

The promotion of Ten Top Tips mental health guide for schools, which was a focal point of the Royal visit.

Interactive events in Hastings and Eastbourne.

Read our full article to find out where to access the service directory, download Ten Top Tips and read more about the educational events.

During National HIV Testing Week, HIV Prevention England is encouraging people who think they might be at risk to get tested to help stop HIV.

There are now more opportunities to test for HIV in East Sussex than ever before. HIV testing is free and confidential and is important for lots of reasons.

The sooner you find out if you have HIV and start treatment, the better it is for your health. Having HIV for a long time without knowing can damage your health. It’s also important to help stop HIV, as most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it – the only way to be sure is to get tested. People on effective treatment can’t pass on HIV.

Find out how to order a free home-sampling test kit, how else you can get tested, and how to support National HIV Testing Week.

Earlier this month, local government, NHS, voluntary and community organisations took part in the UK’s biggest digital inclusion campaign. Every year, Get Online Week encourages thousands of people to improve their digital skills and confidence and discover how getting online can enhance their life.

There are lots of ways people can access, manage or improve their health and wellbeing by using digital tools, and it’s easy to get started.

Here are 5 things people can try to manage their health online.

Learning doesn’t just expand the mind, it can benefit the body too – something that the Fellowship of St Nicholas (FSN), which supports children, young people and families through its community learning courses, endorses wholeheartedly.

Nicola benefitted from the 'Build a Happier You’ course, she says; “The course has made me focus on my strengths and made me believe in myself again. It has put me on a more positive path and given me the confidence to achieve whatever I want to achieve.” 

Visit the ESBT website to read Nicola's story and find out where to get more information on FSN courses.