Eligible people and healthcare professionals can book transport by calling the new dedicated number: 0300 777 4444. You can also find general service information, answers to frequently asked questions, and leaflets at www.emedgroup.co.uk/sussex.

The service has been shaped by the latest national guidance as well as extensive engagement with people who use current services, clinicians, Healthwatch in Sussex, and our acute, mental health and community hospital trusts.

The Council agreed to use £11.4 million of its limited reserves as well as savings of £13.5 million to set a balanced budget. The funding gap the Council is facing is the result of increased costs and demand for services, as well as long-term reductions in Government funding.

You may remember that Adult Social Care consulted on 11 of its savings proposals between September and November 2024. 10 of the original proposals changed following public consultation and detailed financial appraisals. The Council’s Cabinet agreed all 11 savings proposals at its meeting on 25 February 2025, although the proposals on the East Sussex Floating Support Service and the day service at Linden Court were then ‘called-in’ by the Council’s Scrutiny committee for discussion. The proposals that were agreed are now going ahead, while the two that were called-in have been discussed at Scrutiny committee and referred to Full Council for further discussion.

Thank you to everyone who shared your views in the consultations. The consultation website has information about the proposals and what changed, as well as explaining how call-in works.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to look after your body and lift your mood. These free, weekly one-hour walks take place at locations across the county. They’re designed to be an easy and sociable way to help you gradually get into a regular walking habit. They’re only about an hour and not too difficult and being with a friendly group also helps to keep you motivated and feel encouraged.

During Autism Week, East Sussex County Council were pleased to announce the launch of the East Sussex all-age autism action plan, which has been developed in partnership with people with lived experience of autism. Crucially, it’s been informed by the voices of autistic people, their families and carers, in order to help shape and improve local services.

The plan aims to promote the voice of the autistic community in East Sussex, while highlighting the areas that are important to autistic people. You can read more about the action plan, as well as finding local resources and information for autistic people, in our Your East Sussex article.

East Sussex County Council worked in partnership with Rother District Council to launch the first smoke free beaches in England. Since ‘No Smoking Day’ on March 12, Bexhill beach from the De La Warr pavilion to the Coronation Bandstand on East Parade and all of Camber Sands beach are now designated smoke free.

Visitors are being asked to support the initiative by choosing not to smoke on these beaches, helping to protect children and young people as well as the environment from the harmful effects of smoking.

Public Health in East Sussex want to hear about the effects of extreme weather, natural disasters, or environmental problems on your wellbeing.

In 2023 the government reported the latest evidence showing the health effects of climate change in the UK. Public Health would like to assess how climate change is affecting the health outcomes of people in East Sussex.

The survey results will inform the development of the East Sussex Climate Change Health Impact Assessment. The assessment will support the development of plans for protecting people’s health and wellbeing in the future.