The NHS in Sussex is making good progress with the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

You can stay up to date on the latest vaccine developments in East Sussex on the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website. The website tells you who is currently eligible to be vaccinated, and how you'll be invited.

At the moment the jab is being given to: those aged 50 and over, people who are at moderate and high risk from the virus, people on the GP Learning Disability Register, those who live or work in care homes, eligible health and care workers, and unpaid carers. If you are in one of these groups and have not yet had your vaccination then please book your appointment today. Go online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119. If you cannot book via the national services, please speak to your GP led service to arrange an appointment locally.

People in East Sussex that have no means to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment can also now book a free return journey to help them attend.

Together we can stop it

Whether you are concerned for someone else, or in need of support yourself, preventingsuicideinsussex.org is available to provide support for those in need. 

If you have suicidal thoughts, seek help. Sharing your thoughts is important and can help.

As well as knowing where to go for support, it is also important to know what to look out for if you are worried about someone.

Visit www.preventingsuicideinsussex.org now for advice.

People who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to coronavirus will no longer be advised to shield from 1st April 2021.

If you're in the CEV group you should soon receive a letter from the national government with updated guidance on steps you can take to reduce your risk, and extra precautions to follow once shielding ends. 

In Sussex 90% of people in the CEV group have been vaccinated. If you are in the CEV group and haven’t been vaccinated yet, please book online through the national booking service or by phone on 119, or contact your GP-led service.

It is vital that you keep following the restrictions and rules about social distancing and face coverings for the time being, even if you have had the vaccine.

Get information on local support if you're in the CEV group.

If you’ve used East Sussex Adult Social Care services or know someone who has, why not join the People Bank and have your say on service development and improvement?

You can get involved as much or as little as you want to. From filling in surveys, giving feedback on campaigns, to taking part in discussion groups or sitting on project panels.

Join the People Bank today to get involved!

Information can be provided in a different format or language, or we can help you to apply – just ask.

Find out more and apply.

Healthwatch East Sussex, the local independent health and care watchdog, has  launched two surveys that local people are invited to take part in.

Firstly, you can take part in the East Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Survey. This aims to capture the direct experiences of people who have been vaccinated, and to better understand the views of those who are yet to receive their vaccination. 

Share your views on COVID-19 vaccinations.

The second survey is on experiences of hospital discharge. This asks about people’s experiences of hospital discharge between December 2020 and March 2021. 

Share your views on hospital discharge. 

Both surveys close on 31 March, and you can take part online, by phone, or by post.

Local people are being encouraged to boost their digital skills this month as libraries across the county support All Digital Week, which runs from Monday, March 22 to Sunday, March 28.

Although libraries are currently closed due to the national lockdown, people can still get involved in the initiative by improving their digital skills remotely and accessing services online. Once libraries are allowed to reopen there will be even more support available to residents.

As well as providing access to eBooks, eAudio, eNewspapers, and eMagazines online, East Sussex libraries offer an extensive selection of digital services ranging from IT support and qualifications, to wellbeing information, essential computer sessions and private rooms for job interviews.

For more information about all the digital services available at East Sussex libraries visit the library web pages.

Residents can also get support by phone. General library information is available by calling 0345 60 80 196, and IT For You can be contacted on 01323 463759.

March is ovarian cancer awareness month. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It mainly affects women who have been through menopause but it can sometimes affect younger women.

Do you know the signs of ovarian cancer? The key symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Loss of appetite, difficulty eating and feeling full more quickly
• Pelvic or abdominal pain over a period of time
• Needing to pass urine more frequently

Seek medical advice if:

• you've been feeling bloated, especially more than 12 times in a month
• you've experienced other symptoms persistently
• you have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Early diagnosis saves lives, if you're worried speak to your GP.