WSCC E-Newsletter March 2018

West Sussex County Council. www.westsussex.gov.uk
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WSCC E-Newsletter March 2018


Welcome to the latest E-Newsletter from West Sussex County Council...


Switch and save

Your Energy Sussex

You may switch your car or home insurance regularly, but do you check you’re getting the best value for money with your gas and electricity?

Residents across Sussex can now buy competitively-priced gas and electricity through Your Energy Sussex, the council energy partnership led by West Sussex County Council.

Your Energy Sussex is different to most energy suppliers because it’s operated by local councils who want residents to pay less for their gas and electricity. It’s also run on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis where profits are used to help local people who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

To find out what you could save, call 0800 952 0001 or visit the Your Energy Sussex website.


We're recruiting LGBT foster carers and adopters

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week


This week is national LGBT Fostering and Adoption Week (5-11 March).

If you’re Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender and thinking about fostering or adoption, the County Council would love to hear from you.

One in ten children are adopted by same-sex couples according to the Department of Education’s latest findings.

Jo adopted two children through West Sussex: “Although I’m gay it didn’t even cross my mind to worry about applying to adopt, I worried more about the fact that I was single!

"Now we’re a family and I wouldn’t change it for the world."

Click here for more information about adoption and fostering.


Together, we can stop Child Sexual Exploitation

CSE Awareness Day


Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day 2018  takes place on Sunday 18 March and aims to raise awareness of this devastating form of child abuse.

Everybody has a part to play in preventing CSE by knowing the warning signs of abuse and how to report concerns.   

If you see or hear something of concern, or you suspect a child may be at risk of sexual abuse - please call Sussex Police on 101. 

Or click here to report your suspicions online.

Visit the County Council's CSE campaign page for more information.


Did you attempt Dry January? Tell us how you got on!

Dry January


West Sussex residents are being encouraged to share experiences from their Dry January journey.

The County Council’s Public Health team is running a survey to collect participants’ feedback from their month-long, alcohol-free attempt.

From cutting back during the week to completing the 31-day challenge, or having the motivation to try again – all personal accounts are welcome.

If you would like to complete the survey, please click here

The survey closes on Wednesday 28 March.

For more information, tips and support on making small changes towards a healthier lifestyle, visit www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk


Calling all West Sussex business owners!

Fire training courses


It’s so important to make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a fire.

That’s why West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is putting on a range of training courses for you and your employees.

Taking place at Worthing Fire Station, the following courses are running over the next few months:

Management of Fire Risk Assessment: 22 March, 16 April, 17 May, 28 June

Fire Warden: 16 March, 19 April, 15 May, 14 June

Fire Extinguisher Training: 16 March, 19 April, 15 May, 14 June

To find out more and to book your place, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/frsct 

Remember to tell us where you heard about the course when you book!


Feed your compost. Reduce your waste.

Composting


It might seem too cold to be thinking of getting out in the garden at the moment, but if you haven’t got one already a compost bin can actually be handy all year round. 

Lots of food waste such as vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags can go into your compost bin. You’ll also get the added bonus of some lovely soil for your garden.

Get some top tips and find out how West Sussex residents can buy a composter at a special reduced rate here.

For more waste tips and advice, you can also follow West Sussex Waste on Facebook and Twitter.


Out now - Taste West Sussex's new issue!

Taste West Sussex


The new Spring edition of Taste West Sussex magazine is out now. 

It’s full of interesting local features plus competitions to win local gin and chilli oil, a hamper of gardening goodies, brewery and flower nursery tours. 

You can read the e-magazine at www.westsussex.gov.uk/taste.


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