Stay safe this summer
It’s summertime and we hope the weather cheers up again soon so we can all get out and about and enjoy West Sussex in the sunshine.
Even though restrictions have been lifted coronavirus is still with us and it’s important that we protect ourselves and others.
Remember to take regular coronavirus tests (you can order them free online), wear a face covering in crowded places, give each other space and get out into the fresh air if possible.
You can see the latest Covid-19 figures for West Sussex here.
One job – get the jab
If you’ve got young friends or family members aged 18 to 25 who haven’t been vaccinated – then please encourage them to get the jab – it’s their passport to enjoying life to the full again after missing out on so much.
Book or call to receive first and second jabs or attend a walk-in vaccination clinic taking place across West Sussex throughout the summer – no booking needed.
Up to last Monday (2 August), 640,061 people in West Sussex have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccination, which is 85.5% of the county’s estimated over 18 population.
If you’ve had your jabs then get your NHS COVID pass. It shows you’ve had your vaccinations and may be required to attend events, venues and when travelling abroad.
Find out all the latest data on vaccination take up in your area on the link below.
Beach ready? Check the App!
If you are heading for the coast and looking to avoid crowded beaches then download a free app: Beach Check UK. It allows visitors to check the state of a number of participating West Sussex beaches before they set out.
Simple to use, the app follows a traffic light system; red means crowded and best avoided, amber less crowded but busy, and green means uncongested beaches.
Currently in West Sussex, beaches featured on the app include West Wittering, Worthing (Main, West & East), Goring, Lancing and Widewater.
Download it from Google Play and the Apple App store (with no in-app purchases necessary).
Experience West Sussex, our tourism partnership, is also working to keep our county safe this summer. Check out the new safety and environmental guides which ensure everyone enjoys their day out, short break or holiday.
Free holiday club spaces
Free holiday club spaces are available across West Sussex for eligible children and young people.
If your child receives Free School Meals (means tested) then they could take part in our Holiday Activity and Food Programme, running now, free of charge.
Football and other sports clubs are being held, or they can learn about healthy eating or explore farm and forest schools, there’s something for every young person to enjoy.
Search all of the Activity and Food events near you via the link below. Please note there are currently a number of free places for eligible families, but these are limited and may book up.
What next? Advice after exam results
A-level and GCSE students will be opening their results two days apart next week after completing another hugely disrupted academic year. We wish all West Sussex students the best of luck.
Results day for A levels and other vocational courses is next Tuesday (10 August) with GCSE results due out on Thursday (12 August).
Exams were cancelled for a second year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so students will be awarded teacher-assessed grades.
Our Careers Team will be on hand to help with what happens next, and can give advice on carrying on in education, training, an apprenticeship or a job.
If you need advice please call 0330 222 2700. There’s also a live chat facility between 10am and 4pm each weekday or you can email the team at careersadvice@westsussex.gov.uk.
Emotional wellbeing support is also available for children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties. The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website has a dedicated area with information for children and young people.
Any old cars?
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is appealing for donations of old, unwanted vehicles.
The service relies on donations of used vehicles from members of the public for firefighters to use for training.
This allows them to prepare for rescuing people who have become trapped in their vehicles following a road traffic collision.
Collection and removal of vehicles is free to any address within West Sussex.
To donate a car call 0330 2228377, or email frsmedia@westsussex.gov.uk with the following details: your name, contact phone number, make, model and registration of the vehicle, whether it is taxed or SORNd plus the full address, including a postcode, of where the vehicle is parked.
Small steps – big difference
Are you interested in finding out about climate change and the environment in West Sussex and how you can take small steps to reduce your carbon footprint and be kinder to the planet?
If so, why not subscribe to our Environment and Climate Change eNewsletter here?
Our monthly email contains local climate news and county council project updates, as well as information and quick-links to organisations, funding grants and local activities.
Find out more
It’s summertime and the walking is easy!
If you fancy a gentle stroll in West Sussex then we have devised 14 easy countryside trails.
The walks, which can be downloaded, are for everyone to enjoy, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, those wanting a gentler walk and walkers who are less mobile.