West Sussex Community Safety

10/09/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, a global opportunity to raise awareness of su***de prevention, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and prioritise su***de prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need.

If you're feeling unable to cope, experiencing suicidal feelings or worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else, help is available on the 'How are you really feeling?' pages of the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website: https://bit.ly/4caIx2S.

***dePreventionDay

07/09/2026

Today marks the start of End Digital Poverty Week, a national campaign highlighting the challenges faced by millions of people who lack the devices, connectivity, skills or confidence needed to fully participate in an increasingly digital world.

To help combat this issue, organisations across West Sussex are working together to help residents access the tools, skills and guidance they need to get online and make the most of digital services.

Whether you're getting online for the first time, looking to improve your digital skills, or need help using online services safely and confidently, help is available across the county.

Through the Digital Inclusion, Access & Safety Partnership Digital Support Directory: https://bit.ly/4b5WePi, you can find local organisations offering:

📱 digital skills training
💻 one-to-one support and drop-in sessions
🌐 access to public computers and internet connections
🔒 guidance on staying safe online

Together, we can help ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the digital world.

Digital Poverty Alliance

04/09/2026

Staying Well Crawley is extending its opening hours. Find out more below ⬇

Staying Well Crawley is extending its opening hours!

From 1 September 2026, the walk-in mental health crisis support service will be open every day from 3pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

✅ No appointment needed
✅ Alternative to A&E
✅ In-person and virtual support available

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, help is available.

📍 Learn more: https://orlo.uk/Upju6

01/09/2026

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has signed the Digital Poverty Alliance's Charter for Digital Inclusion, marking another step in its efforts to help more residents get online.

The council already works with partners across West Sussex through the Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety (DIAS) Partnership to help more people benefit from the digital world. This includes improving access to devices, internet connectivity and digital skills support.

By signing the Charter, the council is strengthening its commitment to reduce barriers to getting online and ensure more people can benefit from the services, information, and opportunities available digitally.

Whether you're looking to build your digital skills, use online services or learn how to stay safe on the internet, help is available. Visit the DIAS website 👉️ https://bit.ly/4giFx78 to find out more, or speak to staff at your local library (West Sussex Libraries) about the support and resources available.

28/08/2026

Bank card fraud isn’t just about losing your wallet. Criminals are increasingly using phishing messages, data breaches and fake websites to steal card details and make unauthorised purchases online.

One of the simplest ways to stay protected is to switch on spending alerts through your banking app. Instant notifications help you spot suspicious transactions quickly and take action before more money can be spent.

When paying in shops, consider using Apple Pay or Google Pay whenever possible. These digital payment services help protect your card information by hiding your actual card number, making it harder for criminals to access your details. You should also keep your PIN secure and never share it with anyone.

Taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference in reducing your risk of becoming a victim of card fraud 👉️ https://bit.ly/4qnHFOi.

Photo by Aleksandrs Karevs on Unsplash.

26/08/2026

Emergency alerts are sent by the Government to provide warnings and advice in life threatening emergencies, such as severe flooding or extreme weather.

While these alerts can be an important safety tool, unexpected notifications may create challenges for some people, including victim-survivors of domestic abuse who keep a secondary or concealed phone for safety reasons.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and have a hidden phone, it is possible to change your device settings to turn emergency alerts off. The process varies depending on your device, but Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse organisation, has produced a short step-by-step video explaining how to manage these settings (link in the comments section).

If you're supporting someone affected by domestic abuse, please share this information with them so they can make informed decisions about their safety.

25/08/2026

With A-Level, T Level, GCSE and vocational qualification results now out, some young people may still be feeling worried, stressed or uncertain about what comes next.

If your child is finding things difficult after receiving their results, there is help available on the e-wellbeing website💜

If you are struggling right now, or you know someone who needs some help, you are not alone 💜

Our website has lots of info, tips, and services that can offer support 🫶

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3sd2Vds or click the link in bio ⬆️

West Sussex County Council

24/08/2026

The internet has so much information it can sometimes be difficult to tell what’s true or false - and if we struggle to know the difference as adults, what does that mean for our young people?

As parents, carers, or guardians there are lots of important conversations you need to have with your children and sometimes it can be hard to work out the best way to navigate them.

To help start conversations about trusting what you see online, the Government’s ‘Kids Online Safety’ website has a section offering clear, practical advice to help build your child’s confidence in spotting fake content 👉️ https://bit.ly/4fe1unJ.

From explaining critical thinking and how algorithms shape what we see, to encouraging checks of reliable sources and assessing the trustworthiness of online information, the website is a useful prompt to get children to pause, think and question what they see online.

Photo by fizkes on Shutterstock.

21/08/2026

If someone you know got their GCSE results/vocational qualifications yesterday and is feeling emotional about the whole experience, there is information and advice available for them to access on the e-wellbeing website ▶ https://bit.ly/4gJIj5j

Results Day can bring up a lot of different emotions, and it's OK if you're just feeling one emotion, or feeling lots of different things.

There is no right or wrong way to feel; whatever you are feeling, your feelings are valid 💜

West Sussex County Council

20/08/2026

This Saturday (22 August) marks the United Nations International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, reminding us of the importance of understanding, respect, and freedom of religion for everyone.

Sadly, some people still experience abuse, harassment or discrimination because of their perceived or actual religion, race, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Whether it happens online, in public or within the community, no one should have to face hate or prejudice alone.

If you or someone you know has experienced a situation like this, help is available. The Hate Incident Support Service (HISS), delivered by Victim Support, offers free, confidential advice and tailored support to anyone who has experienced a hate incident or hate crime, regardless of whether they are a victim, witness or third party.

By reporting incidents and accessing support, we can all play a part in creating communities where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

There's a link to the form in the comments section 👇️

Photo by Pascal Müller on Unsplash.