You are not alone. (Help and support with coronavirus in East Sussex)

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East Sussex together

1 May 2020

An update for everyone in East Sussex

"Everyone is playing their part"

Cllr Keith Glazier

A message from Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council

"Everyone in East Sussex is doing their bit to help overcome this terrible virus. There's a tremendous effort from carers, health services, your councils, emergency services, keyworkers and volunteers all working together. But even if you're just staying at home to stop the spread of the virus, you are playing your part. Thank you. 

"I think it's important we recognise that a recovery and reset from the impact of the virus will not be instant. For some this could take months, or even years, and that's why we are working on a careful recovery plan for East Sussex (although I know some of us have suffered losses that can never be recovered).

"I am optimistic though. If we can somehow bottle the community spirit that is being shown then the county of East Sussex can come out of this an even better place. I hope you'll find the help and advice in this newsletter useful."

See a full video message from Keith Glazier


Does your business need financial help?

business grants

More than 7,000 businesses in East Sussex have received grants to help absorb the financial shocks of coronavirus. The district and borough councils of East Sussex have between them already shared out £86 million of support to smaller firms in the county. 

Support is still available, with more than £70 million of government grant still allocated to district and borough councils for the county. Other support is also available - get in touch with Business East Sussex if you'd like advice about financial help and business growth for your company. 


Waste sites: latest news

Household waste and recycling information

All our household waste and recycling sites (tips) remain closed. The government has asked councils across the country to consider reopening their sites and we are planning how this could be done while protecting the public and staff by keeping social distancing and managing demand.

We'll continue to work on these plans with our partners and the government will give further guidance on this soon: we will keep you updated. If sites can re-open, it is likely that only urgent disposal of waste will be possible to begin with. 

In the meantime we would ask everyone to keep storing bulky items – such as furniture, clothing and electrical items -  and avoid burning waste because it can pose a risk to people with breathing difficulties and may burden the fire and rescue service if fires get out of control. 

Latest information on rubbish and recycling


Domestic abuse - you are not alone

Hand

Following the Government guidance and staying at home isn’t easy for anyone, but it is particularly difficult if you are living with an abuser.

The stay-at-home instruction does not apply if you need to leave home to escape domestic abuse.

These strange circumstances can increase the risk of harm. Survivors may be at home with their partner and unable to escape from the abuse. Abusive partners may have more free time and less to stop them continuing, or worsening, their behaviour.

If you are subject to domestic abuse, you are not alone, there is help available. For advice and support contact The Portal on 0300 323 9985.

If you are in immediate danger, or suspect someone else is, call 999.

If you are unable to talk, call 999, listen to the operator and then either press 55 on a mobile, when prompted, or wait on a landline to be connected to the police, who will be able to help.

For more advice and support, including safeguarding children and adults, visit the Safe in East Sussex website.


Community hubs are here for you

community hubs

If you're feeling isolated, anxious or unwell at home and don’t have anyone that can help you – your local community hub may be able to assist. No one in East Sussex should be left on their own. Community hubs

For all help and support on managing through coronavirus visit our dedicated webpages.

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