Hello

I was really pleased to visit the team at Grandad’s Front Room in Bognor Regis, which was recently awarded £3,000 from my Safer in Sussex Community Fund to its 'Safe Start' project.

This initiative is making a real difference to people in crisis, helping them rebuild their lives and feel part of a stronger, safer community.

Grandad’s Front Room has a live radio link to local community and business wardens and the town’s police community support officers. This enables swift information-sharing between businesses to help reduce criminality and provide support to vulnerable people, when they need it most.

This year alone, Grandad’s Front Room has collected almost 300 weapons including flare guns, knives and even a samurai sword, which have been safely handed in to the police to help keep our streets safer.

The project also provides essential items such as furniture and white goods to individuals and families in need, including those fleeing domestic abuse, recovering from crime-related trauma or transitioning out of homelessness.

Projects like this are essential in tackling the root causes of vulnerability - by supporting vulnerable people, preventing reoffending and rebuilding trust through community-driven, non-judgemental care.

Old Police Cells Museum - Volunteer Tour Guides

The Old Police Cells Museum has now been brought under my stewardship, ensuring its long-term future as a vital cultural and educational resource. 

Located in the basement of Brighton Town Hall, the Museum offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of law enforcement, crime and justice from the early 19th century to the modern day.

It occupies the original Victorian police cells that were in use from 1832 until 1967. These atmospheric spaces tell stories of Sussex’s policing past, including the tragic murder of Chief Constable Henry Solomon in 1844, the Mods and Rockers era and the changing role of women in the force.

We're looking for volunteers to lead guided tours in and around the Old Police Cells Museum, when it reopens to the public in 2026.

Volunteer Tour Guides ensure that visitors have a pleasant and informative experience. They have a passion for sharing the history of Sussex Police with visitors, answering relevant questions and queries when guiding groups and supporting all aspects of their visit, from greeting to exit.

You can find out more about this voluntary role and how to apply on the Old Police Cells Museum website.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner