In light of the current economic climate and the severe financial pressures facing both private citizens and business owners, the Heathfield Partnership has added a button called access to advice and guidance for people to access information on organisations who may be able to help.
These range from voluntary organisations who specialise in this field to statutory bodies offering support services. The range of advice being offered covers financial debt, housing, family and personal support to those set-up to provide business advice and expert guidance. We have also incorporated a direct link to "start here" (www.starthere.org.uk) a well recognised service to provide simple help for personal problems. We have sought to provide a single comprehensive source for all organisations who may be able to help in time of need. We will continue to research any other agencies that come to light which maybe of benefit. a library listing of all contact mechanisms is provided and where possible we have listed local groups, rather than national organisations.
These can be worrying times for business people, employers as well as ordinary citizens, finding it hard to make ends meet. We would hope that this initiative will become an easy guide to those who may find advice useful. For citizens without computers there is always free access in our community with the PiP machines located in the Co-op supermarket, the Half Moon pub and Wesson's Café. In each of these machines there is a direct button link to www.heathfield.net
Councillor Rupert Simmons
Chairman
The Heathfield Partnership Trust Ltd
13 January 2009
Updated: June 2011
Age Concern
Aim: To provide welfare services for elderly in the TN21 postal district.
Services: Door to door transport for individuals and groups in private cares and 13 seater wheelchair accessible minibuses. Outings, information and advice.
Accessibility: All hours 365 days a year.
Contact: Mr Clarence Pont, telephone number: 01435 813284 or
Mr John Willson, telephone number: 01435 864159
Website: http://www.ageconcern-eastsussex.org.uk/
They provide:
Home visits
Hearing aid maintenance
Organise hard of hearing groups and deaf/blind groups
Equipment support
For more information contact:
8 St Leonard's Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH
Tel (voice, text, fax): 01323 722505
E-mail: mail@eshrc.org.uk
http://www.eshrc.org.uk/
Xpress is an independent and confidential Advovacy and Children's Rights Service for vulnerable children and young people aged between 8-21 years old in East Sussex. Xpress aims to provide a service to any young child or young person within the age range considered to be vulnerable, but in particular those who:
Have learning and/or physical disabilities
Are Looked After by the Local Authority or Leaving/Left Care
Have mental health difficulties
You can contact an Advocate for support if you are:
Being hurt by anyone
Not being listened to
Not sure about your rights
Need information or advice
Not being given a voice in decisions that are being made about their lives
Want to make a complaint
Helpline is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm - 9.00pm: 0800 454424
The purpose of ‘No Cold calling' zones is to discourage cold callers from specific residential areas - usually a street or small cluster of houses. The introduction of the scheme provides householders with the opportunity to collectively discourage the often-unwelcome practice of cold calling.
The zones are visibly identified by overt signs and by each participant displaying a sticker on their door. Residents are given information on how to deal with cold callers should the signs be ignored and advice about some security products. East Sussex County Council's view with the 44 zones that exist in East Sussex, is that they always belong to the communities and they are only ever the facilitators for the set-up process and one of the enforcing bodies once the zone has been launched. They ask residents to be vigilant and report all cases of cold calling to Trading Standards. However if there is a crime in progress that is always a matter for the police.
East Sussex County Council will assess the information about the caller and if possible make contact with the trader. They would alert them to the fact that the area is a cold calling zone and it is the wish of the residents that traders do not call in their community. The ban on cold calling does not extend to political parties or religious and faith groups.
After the launch East Sussex County Council also carry out a consultation process with the residents to assess the zone and whether they feel safer in their homes as a result of the zone; this is usually about six months after the zone has been launched. Nationally the regulator Consumer Focus and the Trading Standards Institute have been working with the "big six" energy companies on the issue of cold calling in a zone or at a home that has a no cold calling door sticker displayed. An agreement was reached at the end of May 2010 and the companies have agreed to respect the wishes of those residents.
The areas covered are all of Heathfield, Waldron, Old Heathfield, Broad Oak, Cade Street and Punnetts Town. The contact for Heathfield and Waldron is Mrs Lee Ede, email address is lee.ede@eastsussex.gov.uk and direct telephone number is 01323 463447. Please find below a link to a press release on this topic: http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/pressoffice/pressreleases/2010/06/2852.htm
To obtain your free no cold calling door sticker, contact Trading Standards on telephone: 01323 463420 or email: trading.standards@eastsussex.gov.uk .
Aim: To improve the quality of carers lives by helping the local community to recognise and value the role of carers and by enabling carers to access the services and support they require.
Services: Adult carers support workers, young carers support workers, training, information, newsletter and consultation meetings, back care information and befriending, hospital liaison worker.
Accessibility: Office hours 9.00am - 5.00pm
Telephone number: 01323 738390
Website: www.cftc.org.uk
Aim: To ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities of the services available to them through an inability to express their needs effectively and equally. To exercise a responsible influence in the development of social policies and services both locally and nationally.
Services: To provide free, independent and confidential advice to all within the aims of citiziens advice.
Accessibility: 9.30am - 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Closed Tuesdays until further notice.
Address: Eden House, The Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1SL
Telephone number: 01825 764940
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wealdencitizensadvice
Drop-in at Kings Church, Station Road, Heathfield on Tuesday mornings, 10.00am - 12 noon.
Citizens Advice Bureau Hailsham
Accessibility: 9.30am - 3.00pm Monday to Friday
Address: Southview, Western Road, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3DN
Telephone number: 01323 842336
Email: hailshamcab@hotmail.com
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wealdencitizensadvice
Citizens Advice Bureau Crowborough
Accessibility: 9.30am - 3.00pm Monday to Friday
Address: Thorpe House, Croft Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1BG
Telephone number: 01892 655303
Email: bureau@crowboroughcab.cabnet.org.uk
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wealdencitizensadvice
Aim: Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feeling of distress or despair including those which may lead to suicide.
Services: Emotional support provided 24 hours a day by telephone, visits to the centre and email.
Accessibility: Drop-in centre open 10.30am - 10.30pm
Telephone number: 01323 735555
Address: The Haven, 13 Bolton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3JT
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org/eastbourne/
Samaritans Tunbridge Wells and District Branch
Accessibility: Phone line open 24 hours a day, drop in between 9.00am - 9.00pm daily.
Telephone number: 01892 532323
Address: 7 Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LJ
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org/twells/
National telephone number: 08457 909090
Aim: To support the elderly through social activities and outings, transport assistance with volunteer drivers, regular visiting for the housebound and bereavement support.
Services: An important part of our service is the newsletter and information posted to over 130 interested men and women. We provide transport assistance with volunteer drivers, regular visiting for the housebound and bereavement support.
Contact:
Mrs Christine Bell
Telephone number: 01435 867271
For families in need. £100-200 awarded, open deadline.
Visit: www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1019
Aim: To provide a floating support service to help people who are struggling to maintain their housing, need support in moving to more appropriate housing, or are homeless. We are able to work with anyone with a housing support need, irrespective of their housing situation.
Services: We are funded by East Sussex County Council and are a free service available to anyone between 16 and 64. Support workers will usually visit people in their own homes, drawing up an action plan with the client and working towards agreed goals. We provide a short-term service that is focussed on helping people resolve immediate problems and then build the skills and knowledge they need to avoid problems occurring in the future.
Access: We accept both self referrals and referrals from third parties. If you would like some assistance and support in this area, or know of someone who would benefit from support, contact Home Works on 01273 898700.
Fact Sheet
Questions and answers
Download link to more information
Run by East Sussex County Council the centre operates out of two sites in Sheepsetting Lane, at the Cross in Hand Primary School and the Heathfield Community Centre. Together, they provide a one-stop shop for children under five and their families, where they can get support, advice and information on a range of family issues.
The local PCT provides child health clinics and ante natal sessions at the Heathfield Community Centre. There is a health visitor led breastfeeding support group each Tuesday and smoking cessation services are also available. Baby massage sessions are planned for June and July 2010, and the centre's crèche staff are co-ordinating their sessions to support some healthy eating cooking courses and other family learning opportunities.
Some of the other activities on offer, or in the pipeline, include tumble tots and baby gym sessions; various parenting programmes; and child and family safety sessions run in partnership with Wealden District Council and the Fire Service.
The Cross in Hand School site has now become the venue for a regular child minder drop in, to support the 20 plus childminders in the area and has a regular music and rhyme session. A new set of courses are planned for September 2010 and it is hoped to set up a toy library.
For more information about Heathfield Children's Centre, please contact Tina Pugh on 01323 444888 or visit eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenscentres.
Adult Social Care Direct (known as Social Services)
Aim: Social care helps people who need extra support, or vulnerable people to live as independently as possible. We do this by working with health services, voluntary groups and private care organisations.
Services: We offer a wide range of services. wherever possible, we try to help people live as independently as possible in their own homes and local communities. our services include: home-care, day-care, respite or short-break care (to give carers a break), help for carers, meals in the community (meals on wheels), specialised advice and support for people with hearing, sight or speech problems, equipment, adaptations and telecare alarm systems to help people live independently at home, support services for people with a physical disability, car badges for people with a permanent disability, support services for people with a learning disability, short-term rehabilitation services for people over 60, residential care and support services for people with a mental health problem.
Contact:
Social Care Direct (Adult Services)
East Sussex County Council
St Mark's House, 14 Upperton Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN21 1EP
Telephone number: 0345 6080191 Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm or out of hours call the Emergency Duty team on 07699 391 462
Website: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcarehealth
Email: socialcaredirect@eastsussex.gov.uk
Family Information Service
For information on childcare, parenting and family support, leisure activities, schools and services for children and young people throughout East Sussex. Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Telephone number: 0345 6080192
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/educationandlearning
Email: childrenservices@eastsussex.gov.uk
If you are a parent or carer and are having problems looking after your children, we can help. With our support you can start enjoying life with your children again, take an active part in their growth and development, and be confident they are safe in their own homes.
Contact:
Family Support - Sussex Downs & Weald
Sackville House
Brooks Road
Lewes
East sussex BN7 2FZ
Telephone number: 01273 482802
Website: www.eastsussex.gov.uk
Do you need a handyperson grant?
Do you need help with small jobs around your home?
Do you find it difficult to pay for this help?
Are you aged 65 or over?
If you have answered yes to all three questions and live in East Sussex the Council may be able to help you. For more information contact:
Supporting People
East Sussex County Council
Sackville House
Brooks Close
Lewes
East Sussex BN7 2FZ
Tel no: 01273 482805
Email: supportingpeople@eastsussex.gov.uk
The East Sussex Credit Union is a not for profit, community savings and loan co-operative helping its members - all local people - to save, budget and obtainaccess to affordable loans of between £500 and £5000. Many of its members want to borrow sums which are too small to be of interest to the big banks, indeed they maynot even have a bank account. their loans often prevent members from falling into the hands of loan sharks. The Credit Union now has the following drop in points inWealden (no appointment necessary):
Crowborough Citizens Advice Bureau, Croft Road,Thorpe House, TN6 1DL - each Tuesday 1pm-3pm
New Hailsham Citizens Advice Bureau, Southview,Western Road (next to library), Hailsham BN27 3DN -each Wednesday 12noon-3pm
New Uckfield Citizens Advice Bureau, The Hub, CivicApproach, Uckfield, TN22 1AL - each Thursday 10am-1pm
The Credit Union also needs local people who are prepared to invest in their community. The funds it has available to lend are the savings of other members of The Credit Union. Could you be a saver with us? Your money is protected by the financial services authority in exactly the same way as if you deposited it with a high street bank. Youcan invest up to £10,000. Interest is not paid but all members can vote at the AGM on whether to declare a dividend related to the amount of your savings. You can withdraw your funds whenever you choose.
As at: June 2011
East Sussex County Council have produced a range of factsheets on the following subjects:
Saving energy
Benefits
Advice for businesses
Debt and managing money
Jobs and re-training
Free things to do and places to visit
You can download these from www.eastsussex.gov.uk/beatthedownturn or
Telephone 01273 481920 or write to:
Your County
FREEPOST NAT 20637
County Hall
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1BR
Stating which factsheets you want
As at: November 2009
Credit Crunch Advice
http://www.wealden.gov.uk/community/credit_crunch/index.aspx
Housing
For all housing enquiries (council or private), please contact Wealden District Council by one of the following means:
Accessibility: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday. They will have a number of Housing Options for consideration.
Telephone number: 01323 443322
Email: housing@wealden.gov.uk
Website: www.wealden.gov.uk/housing
Council Tax
For all council tax enquiries please contact Wealden District Council by one of the following means:
Accessibility: 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Contact:
Telephone numbers:
Council Tax: 01323 443385
Non-domestic rates: 01323 443387
Emails:
Council Tax: counciltax@wealden.gov.uk
Non-domestic rates: businessrates@wealden.gov.uk
Website: www.wealden.gov.uk/council/council_tax_and_finance/council_tax/index.aspx
Benefits
Wealden District Council is trying to make sure people are aware of their entitlement to benefits. For all benefit scheme enquiries please contact Wealden District Council by one of the following means:
Jaki Hall: 01323 443774
Telephone number: 01323 443500
Email: benefits@wealden.gov.uk
Website: www.wealden.gov.uk/council/council_tax_and_finance/housing_council_tax_benefit/index.aspx
Credit Union
Accessibility: Open from 9:30am to 4.00pm, Monday - Thursday and between 9.30am and 1.00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact:
Community Base
113 Queens Road
Brighton BN1 3XG
Telephone number: 01273 234 858
Email: info@credit-union.org.uk
Eebsite: www.credit-union.org.uk
Business Debtline
Telephone number: 0800 197 6026
Website: www.bdl.org.uk
Consumer Ccredit Counselling Service
Telephone number: 0800 138 1111
Website: www.cccs.co.uk
Model Minds
Virtual mentor and coach to help manage your spending.
Website: www.modelminds.com
Moneybasics
Independent information about money.
Website: www.moneybasics.co.uk
National Debtline
Source of money and debt advice.
Telephone number: 0808 808 4000
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Payplan
Source of free debt advice.
Telephone number: 0800 917 7823
Website: www.payplan.com
Taxaid
Telephone number: 0845 120 3779
Website: www.taxaid.org.uk
Church of England:
All Saints, Waldron
Reverend: David Charles
Church Wardens:
Richard Hughes
Telephone number: 01435 866472
Graeme MacKenzie
Telephone number: 01435 866419
St Bartholomew's, Cross-in-Hand
Reverend: David Charles
Church Wardens:
Richard Hughes
Telephone number: 01435 866472
Graeme MacKenzie
Telephone number: 01435 866419
All Saints, Old Heathfield
Reverend: David Guest
Telephone number: 01435 862457
Church Wardens:
Mrs Christine Monson
Telephone number: 01435 873378
Christine Luker
Telephone number: 01435 863054
St George's, Broad Oak
Reverend: David Guest
Telephone number: 01435 862457
St Richards, Upper Station Road, Heathfield
Reverend Malcolm Jones
Telephone number: 01435 862744
Roman Catholic:
St Catherine's, Mutton Hall Hill, Heathfield
Father Michael Creech
Telephone number: 01435 862191
Other Denominations:
Cross-in-Hand Methodist Church, Cross-in-Hand
Reverand: David Proud
Church Steward and Secretary:
Mrs Ann Bates
Telephone number: 01435 863981
Ebenezar Strict Baptist Chapel, Scotsford Road, Broad Oak
Mr Cottingham
Telephone number: 01435 862526
Heathfield Chapel, Punnetts Town (Evangelical)
Secretary:
Mr J Austin
Telephone number: 01435 830280
Kings Church, Heathfield (Christian)
Mr Delves
Telephone number: 01435 863786
Email: office@k-c-h.org.uk
Union Church, Heathfield (Baptist and Congregational)
Reverend Mark Welch
Telephone number: 01435 868160
Email: mswelch@tiscali.co.uk
Welcome Baptist Church
Reverand: Guy Partridge
Telephone number: 01435 864646 (between 9.00am - 1.00pm during the week)
Email: guy@welcomechurch.org.uk
Heathfield Chamber of Commerce
Contact:
Trevor Goldsmith
Telephone number: 01435 865858
Sussex Enterprise
The Chamber of Commerce for Sussex. Practical support and information to help you run your business.
Telephone number: 0845 6788867
Website: http://www.sussexenterprise.co.uk/
Locate East Sussex
If you are thinking of relocating to Heathfield or any part of East Sussex contact commercial property experts.
Telephone number: 01424 205512
Website: http://www.locateeastsussex.org/
Wealden District Council
Guidance and advice for businesses.
Telephone number: 01892 602887
Website: www.wealdenbusinesshelp.org.uk
Business Support - speak to our economic development team
on 01892 602884 or visit http://wealden.gov.uk/creditcrunch
Business Rates Advice - see the notes with your rate demand
or call 01323 443387 or visit www.wealden.gov.uk/creditcrunch
Contracts and tenders with Wealden and other Councils call
01323 443352 or visit www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk
Planning surgeries - every week at Hailsham and Crowborough
call 01892 602011 for details or visit www.wealden.gov.uk/creditcrunch
Regulation advice - advice and support on red tape call
01323 443276 or visit www.wealdenbusinesshelp.org.uk
and don't forget WDC's partner organisations listed below:
Business Link
Business link have compiled 9 free printable guides covering a range of subjects.
Business Link's Guide to doing Business in Tough Times offers practical help for your business during a downturn. It focuses on key areas such as getting sales, finding finance and planning and highlights the actions you can take to help your business succeed. To access your free guides you have to register your details.
Website: www.businessquestionsanswered.co.uk/support
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Aim: To be and remain the largest and most effective organisation promoting and protecting the interests of the self employed and small business owners within the UK.
Services: To recruit continuously at a high level, to retain as many members as possible, to promote the interests of members, to protect members' business, to publicise the benefits of self-employed and business ownership and to identify the continuously changing needs of members. Telephone number: 01323 482018
Website: www.fsb.org.uk
EDEAL (Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd)
Aim: EDEAL provides confidential and impartial business advice to all businesses, ranging from pre-start to mature. The service embraces social enterprises and voluntary organisations as well as private, commercial companies. Our vision is to be the preferred provider of quality business support services across Kent & Sussex, recognised as contributing to the prosperity of the region and ambitious in growing our services to that end.
Services: EDEAL can provide you with a range of business services including: consultancy, training, mentoring and start-up units. In addition, we can introduce you to a wide range of professional organisations dedicated, like EDEAL, to helping your business succeed. So EDEAL is a good place to start, whatever your business need, and we look forward to helping you and your business.
Contact:
EDEAL
EDEAL Business Centre
Dittons Business Park
Dittons Road
Polegate
BN26 6hY
Telephone number: 01323 489800
Website: www.edeal.org.uk
Surviving the Recession Presentation given by Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP, Heathfield (please click on link below)
Disclaimer:
"The information, materials and opinions contained in this presentation are for general information purposes only, are not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on or treated as a substitute for specific advice relevant to particular circumstances. Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on information or materials contained in this presentation. If you wish to find out more about the information contained in the presentation, please contact Nick Redman."
Nick Redman FCS
Finance Director
Telephone number: 0845 1658 176
Funds for Training/Help with your skills
We can give you information and advice to help you improve the skills of your staff and volunteers.
Newhaven Community Employment Partnership offer information, advice and guidance on getting into work and learning for people living in or around Uckfield and Hailsham. You can meet with a qualified and experienced Client Adviser.
Telephone numbers: 08000 721774 (free from a landline) or 01273 516347.
Hailsham appointments will take place at Prospects House, George Street and Uckfield appointments will take place at Wealden Skills Centre, Bellbrook Business Park. They will try their best to see you within two weeks.
If you wish to book a free Home Safety Visit or you are a carer for someone you believe could benefit from a visit, please click on the documents below for the relevant forms and more information.
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Email address: claire@counselling-directory.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 8030 233
The purpose of the site is ultimately to provide the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help. The website also contains a number of sections on emotional disorders (types of distress section) and provides some useful statistics. Every counsellor on the site who has submitted their profile has either sent a copy of their qualifications and insurance cover, or is registered with a professional body online with recognised codes of ethics and practice, this way you can be assured of their professionalism.
Here is the page that links directly through to counsellors listed in East Sussex: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/region_24.html.
You are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking when you use your free NHS Stop Smoking Service.
East Sussex Stop Smoking Service: 0800 917 8896
Clinic - Tuesdays 6.00pm - 7.30pm, Heathfield Community Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield
Get involved, change your world and get volunteering; for 16 to 25 year olds.
www.vinvolvedeastsussex.org.uk
Are you a carer? Would you like to take a short break from your caring role?
If so, the British Red Cross North Wealden Carers Respite Scheme may be of interest to you. This free service runs throughout Wealden, covering places such as Heathfield, Crowborough, Uckfield, Hailsham and surrounding areas. Our highly trained volunteers offer practical assistance and emotional support to unpaid carers such as yourself, with services including help with shopping and light housework, meal preparations, completing forms, dog walking and advice on how to access other services. If you would like to use, or find out more about this wonderfuscheme, then please contact Julia on 01273 227800/ 07834 496774/
For more information click on this link.
Cruse Bereavement Care - download our leaflet
Call about crime anonymously - just tell us what you know, not who you are:
0800 555 111
NHS Direct
The NHS offers a wide range of help, advice, information and support for any health needs you may have. You can contact NHS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to talk to a specially trained nurse of health information specialist.
Telephone number: 0845 4647
Website: www.nhs.uk
Sussex Mental Healthline (support and information)
The Sussex Mental Healthline provides mental health advice and support to anyone living or working in Sussex. It has been developed with people who use mental health services. Available Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays.
Telephone number; 0300 50 00 101
Website: www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/public/healthline
East Sussex Link
The County's Local Involvement Network in Health and Social Care
The role of the East Sussex Link is to involve every person from its local community with regard to all aspects of publicly funded health and social care. For more information contact:
Telephone number: 01323 514510 or 01323 514514
Website: www.thecountylink.net
The East Sussex Link
1 Faraday Close
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN22 9BH
Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt education and advice charity (number 1095705), chaired by Dennis Benson (also Chair of Rosemere Cancer Foundation).
As well as being listed on many local authority sites up and down the country, the charity's free phone helpline is already referenced on:
This service offers independent, impartial advice to businesses suffering
financial problems.
http://www.businessrescueservice.co.uk
At this website you will find useful information on a range
of business rescue and insolvency issues.
Free service providing short-term care and support for carers. For more information contact 0800 0280 831, enquirieskentandsussex@redcross.org.uk or visit www.redcross.org.uk
