Providing highly-rated support to men and women in Eastbourne

I have been sent quotes from clients of BHT’s Home Works project in Eastbourne which we run in a partnership with Southdown Housing Association. The service is funded by East Sussex County Council through the Supporting People programme.

“…the workers have given me more confidence and I can do things I couldn’t believe (possible)”

“…the support and guidance was amazing.  She has helped build my confidence and made me a stronger, happier person”

“…from start to finish my needs were met beyond my expectation……there is always room for improvement although since I have received such good support I fail to see where improvements could be made”

“I am in awe of the support that I have been given”

“…without doubt I would not still be here if not for you and your team…”

“…I have accessed Housing Benefit myself to get my rent paid directly to me after having meetings with my worker, I have more capability to do things on my own…”

“…..I was treated with respect and as an individual despite my disability, and my personal choice adhered to…”

What is great about Home Works is that men and women from across East Sussex don’t have to worry about approaching different organisations. It is just Home Works whether you live in Eastbourne, Hastings, Wealden, Rother or Lewes. You can be assured of a first class service whether it is provided by BHT or Southdown staff

If you live in Eastbourne, Lewes or Wealden, contact Home Works West on 01273 898700

If you live in Hastings or Rother, contact Home Works East on 01424 858341

Get advice as early as possible

An issue of concern at BHT is the fact that some people who are facing losing their homes are not going to Court when possession orders are being considered. We know, for example, that in Hastings there are an estimated 2,000 households struggling to meet their mortgage costs with around 200 of these in serious arrears.

When there is a court date it is so important that people do attend. There is often a chance that something can be negotiated and agreed to prevent the household losing their homes. Of course it is better if they get advice at an earlier date because the sooner they get advice the better chance there is of protecting their home.

To get advice you should call our advice centres as follows:

• Hastings and Rother 01424 721458
• Eastbourne and Wealden 01323 642615
• Brighton and Hove 01273 234737

The worsening trends in binge drinking and alcohol-related deaths requires sober consideration

I have recently read a really worrying report from the Association of Public Health Observatories in England regarding alcohol misuse in Sussex.  Areas like Brighton and Hove, Hastings, Eastbourne, Adur, Arun and Worthing compare very poorly when compared to the situation in the region.

Life expectancy is lower in many of these areas due to alcohol, particularly amongst men, and deaths due to alcohol are particularly high in Brighton and Hove where 25.5 men per 100,000 die from alcohol related causes (the regional average is 10.1), a high proportion of them from chronic liver disease.

Is the position getting any better.  Not if you look at the trends of adults who binge drink. Compared to the previous year, the numbers estimated to binge drink are rising in every district including the leafy districts such as Wealden, Horsham and Mid-Sussex.  However, the highest increase is in Brighton and Hove where the numbers estimated to binge drink have increase from 19% to 27.3%. 

This worsening trend of binge drinkers must ring alarm bells since alcohol-related illnesses, including chronic liver disease, and alcohol-related deaths will increase in the years to come.  A very sobering thought.