Welcome to the June 2026 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter.

Today is Sussex Day, a day to celebrate all that is great about the historic county of Sussex. Here in West Sussex, we have a lot to be proud of, from our rich rural areas to the long stretches of beautiful coastline and historic towns and cities of Chichester and Horsham.

The beauty and diversity of our county is what makes it the destination of choice for the thousands of tourists we see visiting us each year as well as those who use our international airport at Gatwick to travel across the globe.

Sussex Day gives us the chance to reflect on all we have to enjoy whilst also remembering the communities that bring us together. I hope, like me, you enjoy Sussex Day and celebrate the wonderful county we live and work in.

Read more about Sussex Day

Keeping safe during the World Cup

With the FIFA men’s World Cup well and truly underway we’re providing advice and support to businesses and the public to ensure everyone can enjoy the tournament in a safe and healthy way.

Major sporting events can often result in increased risks due to late night activity and crowds of people gathering. Evidence also shows that incidents of domestic abuse can rise, particularly with increased alcohol consumption.

If you see or experience something that makes you feel uncomfortable or raises fear or anxiety, we encourage you to seek advice and report your concerns.

Please remember if someone is at immediate risk you should always call 999.

NOTICE IT. REPORT IT. GET SUPPORT.

Help shape recycling in West Sussex

Residents are invited to take part in a short West Sussex Recycles survey to help improve how recycling and waste prevention information is shared. The survey is open until 30 June 2026, and all residents are encouraged to take part.

Meanwhile all household food waste can now be recycled into renewable energy and fertiliser using anaerobic digestion, following changes at our Horsham facility. Since April, 2,670 tonnes of food waste have been processed, helping to reduce environmental impact and increase recycling across West Sussex. Find out how your leftovers are being transformed into energy and fertiliser by watching our video.

Take part in our short survey

Free local support to stay steady

Are you or someone you know unsteady on your feet? We fund a free 24-week strength and balance programme to help older adults stay steady on their feet and reduce falls.

Led by specialist instructors, the strength and balance exercise classes are ideal for anyone with mobility issues or who has had a fall in the last year.

Held at venues across the county, you can self-refer by emailing info@ahswellbeing.co.uk or calling 01444 657059. Crawley residents should contact Crawley Wellbeing directly on 01293 585317.

Tips to reduce the risk of falls

Stop smoking, feel better

Summer is a great time to think about quitting smoking as many of us want to improve our health and fitness to make the most of the warmer weather.

If you want to quit but aren’t sure where to start, check out Smokefree West Sussex.

They offer free support from trained stop-smoking advisors (face-to-face, over the phone or via the app) and free quit aids, such as nicotine replacement products.

See what it’s actually like to quit with our free, friendly services in this short video.

Watch the video

Volunteer to help young readers

Could you volunteer to help young readers with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat?

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read books and complete reading challenges during the summer holiday. There is also a Mini Challenge for those aged under 4.

Our library service is looking for volunteers aged 14 and over to help us in libraries from July to September by encouraging children to enrol in the challenge, motivating them to continue, chatting to them about their books and giving out rewards for each book read.

Volunteer before 3 July

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Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• Chichester’s Emergency Services, Armed Forces and Community Day will return on Sunday 2 August at Oaklands Park in Chichester bringing together emergency services, armed forces personnel, charities, community organisations, local businesses, and live entertainment for what promises to be one of the region’s largest and most exciting community events.
• Take part in free Biker Down workshops which aim to improve road safety in West Sussex. The next course takes place on 25 June at Shoreham Fire Station.
• The Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has launched a surveyso children can have their say on what it’s like to be a child or young person in England today.
• If you've received an invitation for cervical screening, or missed your last appointment, contact your GP practice to book today. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer and saves thousands of lives every year. Find out more about cervical screening on the NHS website.
• Our Community Food Hubs, run with UKHarvest, have been extended until April 2027 meaning more people can benefit from surplus food for a suggested £5 donation. The scheme is open to everyone with no referral needed and has already saved over 128 tonnes of food from being thrown away.

Drowning Prevention Week takes place from 13 to 20 June. The Royal Life Saving Society UK provides vital water safety information to help children and young people stay safe. If you’re a parent, carer, business or work with children, help educate them about the Water Safety Code.

A few minutes of education can save a life. Find out more here.

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