How has lockdown 2.0 been for you?

If you’re struggling with loneliness, we have plenty of resources that can help to improve your wellbeing as we prepare to enter tier 2 restrictions.

Meeting a friend outside, using free resources from our libraries and volunteering are some ways that can help if you're struggling with feeling lonely. 

Find out more: Fighting the loneliness

We're reaching that time of year where we are officially allowed to feel festive! 

To conjure up some excitement for the big day why not try your hand at homemade Christmas decorations and gifts?

Here's some ideas for how to put in some extra thought into your décor and gift-giving this year: Have yourself a homemade Christmas

Do you have an elf in your house during the lead up to Christmas Day? 

Elf on a Shelf has become a popular addition to homes in recent years, and this year the pandemic can be used as inspiration for even more mischievous scenarios. Elf-isolation pod, anyone?

We've come up with a selection of ideas for your elf this December: Ideas for mischievous elves

Recycling your electrical items just became easier!

You can now recycle your old and broken small electricals from home if you live in the Rother, Wealden or Hastings area.

Everything with a plug, battery or cable can now be recycled. Simply place your old items into a standard-size carrier bag, and place it on top of either your waste or recycling bin on collection day. Please make sure to remove batteries where possible and place these in a separate bag.

Find out more: Recycle your old electricals from home 

Local support for NHS Test & Trace launches. A new service with West Sussex County Council’s COVID-19 Community Hub has just gone live to support the national NHS Test and Trace system.

Creative and digital business support scheme extended. The South East Creatives programme – set up by the South East Creative Economy Network to help the creative and digital sector across East Sussex, Kent and Essex – will now be available until June 2021.

Online booking re-launched for birth registrations. Since the service recommenced in June, the registration team have been contacting parents in chronological order to book birth registration appointments, but now families can book an appointment themselves.