Keeping our
Stakeholders and Partners informed
An introduction by Dave Sargeant, Interim Head of Lifelong Services
"I am writing to introduce myself and to share with you some key information about our service, our vision and why we think this is important. Why Lifelong Services? We are creating a Lifelong Service for anyone that has a lifelong disability acquired before the age of 25, including autism. The service is for people that require social care support either as a child or as an adult. We know that moving from children’s to adult’s social services is a huge step for young people and services have not always responded in way that is co-ordinated and person-centred. In creating a single Lifelong service, our vision is to:
- Offer early intervention
- Build on a person’s strengths to develop skills and independence throughout all stages of their life journey
- Promote and maintain safety and good health and
- Facilitate employment
By providing a more joined up experience we know we can make the best use of resources and enable individuals to live a ‘good life’ as defined by them.
What are we doing? We have 6 areas of priority as follows:
 Some of our achievements:
- We’ve developed and embedded My Plan, an outcome-focused single assessment and planning document designed to be used by the person throughout their life
- We’ve designed A Lifelong Services ‘wiki’ with the aim of helping young people and those supporting them through their transition to adulthood
- Recruitment to a permanent head of lifelong services is underway and we’ve secured transformation capacity to help us deliver our priorities
- Learning from other Local Authorities about effective service models and delivery
I am delighted to have this opportunity to take the service forward building on the work already achieved and to steer us on our journey. We’ve lots to do, and intend to keep you updated on developments. For more information on our vision and principles click here.
We want to co-produce the service so are very interested in your views. If you wish to know more or want to tell us what you think, email lifelongservices@westsussex.gov.uk."
Nominations now OPEN!
The Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards 2019 is coming to a venue near you!
We are finalising arrangements and will let you know as soon as possible so you can get this date in your diary.
Meanwhile, nominations are now OPEN and we need YOUR applications. We’d like to recognise and value the fantastic achievements of children and young people in care and care leavers aged between 5-25 years.
The categories of the awards are: Big Hearts, Big Talents, Big Thinkers and Big Strength. There’s also an award category for young people to nominate adults who have made a difference in their lives. All those nominated will receive free tickets for themselves and two guests to attend the ceremony in the Autumn as well as a certificate, trophy and goody bag to recognise their achievements.
For queries or for help completing the form, contact epic.awards@westsussex.gov.uk.
Let’s celebrate the success of our fantastic young people in care and care leavers!
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 Votes at 16 debate makes it to County Council!
Last September, the West Sussex Youth Cabinet held a debate session with senior Members of the County Council; since then, the Youth Cabinet have been writing their motion to present to County Council. In early March the motion was shared with Dr James Walsh (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) and Michael Jones (Leader for the Labour Group) who agreed to be the proposer and seconder for the motion and submit it for consideration at the next County Council meeting. The Chairman of the County Council has agreed the motion can be added to the agenda and will be debated at the 5 April County Council meeting in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Chichester! View the agenda and watch the live webcast on the day.
What are they proposing? The motion proposes that the reduction in the voting age to 16 in West Sussex for local elections is supported and that the County Council also lobby local MPs and government for a UK wide votes at 16. This could be a huge step forward in the voice of our young people in West Sussex.
Read their notice of motion and WATCH THIS SPACE!
Click on the image above to access the links to the training courses
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This bulletin is sent to you as our stakeholders and partners with a warm welcome, keeping you up-to-date with all our service news.
Feel free to send any short articles (with an optional image) by 11am Friday, for inclusion in the fortnightly Tuesday newsletter.
If you have any questions, or know that someone has not received this, please email sarah.dimmock@westsussex.gov.uk.
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