Situations vacant: jobs offering the best of both worlds

WEST Sussex County Council has vacancies for men and women who value the future of children and want a career that combines paid work with family life. The job title is: Foster Carer.

To mark the nationwide Foster Care Fortnight, which begins on Monday May 17, the County Council is encouraging people to consider a career in fostering.

“We are asking people to look at the skills and qualities they have that could make them great modern foster carers,” said Pat Arculus, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services.

This reflects the main message of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight: Do you have the skills to foster?

Pat said: “Foster care has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Today fostering is a career – one that combines family life with a skilled profession.

“Foster carers are needed throughout West Sussex to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.”

Children and young people come into care for a number of reasons.

“It can be because their parents are experiencing difficulties or because a child has been neglected or abused. For some young people who have a disability the care is shared with their parents to give them support.

”The role of a foster carer is so important in helping these children feel safe, wanted, secure and settled when they are away from their family.

“A foster carer can also help a child or young person to develop their skills and confidence, to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential,” said Pat.

West Sussex County Council’s foster carers come from a wide variety of different backgrounds, ethnicity, ages and experience.

“But what they do have in common is the patience, resilience, space, time, and energy to meet the needs of children in their care – be it for a few days, weeks, months or longer,” said Pat.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to foster and would like more information please call 01403 246484 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering

“Knowing that you have helped change a child’s life for the better can be very rewarding,” said Pat.

Better insulation event for builders

The best way to achieve energy efficient buildings is to ensure that the building is well insulated.

Sussex Building Control, a partnership between Crawley Borough Council and Horsham District Council, is hosting a training event for architects and builders who are working on projects that are required to comply with The Code for Sustainable Homes.

The event will provide them with an insight into the role that insulation can play in helping them achieve the desired code rating. The event will also explain how proper insulation helps with building regulations compliance.

The training, which will be delivered by Kingspan Insulation, is being held in the Council Chamber at Horsham District Council on Tuesday June 29 from

12 noon-1.30pm.

The event is free and is open to councillors and staff from both authorities, architects, builders and contractors.

For more information visit www.sussexbuildingcontrol.org. To book a place email vanessa.good@horsham.gov.uk

Supporting National Child Employment Fortnight

West Sussex County Council is backing National Child Employment Fortnight from Monday May 24th to Friday June 4th.

Staff will be visiting employers across the county during the fortnight. They will be giving information about how employers can ensure all young people are hired safely and legally.

The team will also put posters in schools raising the awareness of the need to have an employment certificate.

By law a young person can be employed from 14 years old, but local authorities can allow employment from the age of 13.

The terms and conditions of employment are subject to certain permitted hours and the type of work.

It is essential for employers to get a work permit for school age employees. Without it, they can face fines of up to £1,000.

Pat Arculus, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “Not everyone knows about the regulations in place to ensure young people’s safety when they are working.

“It is good for young people to have jobs to help them become more independent.

“This legislation is only there to ensure they are not being overworked and that it does not interfere with their education.”

The national campaign is being run by the National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE).

Its statistics show in last year’s awareness drive that local authorities found 38 per cent of school-age children were employed illegally.

For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and search “work permits”, or visit www.bucksinfo.net/nncee

Bright sparks show they’re switched on

The team that masterminded the multi million pound makeover of street lights in West Sussex has scooped a prestigious award.

Officers from West Sussex County Council formed part of the South Coast Street Lighting Team, which won the Best Local Government Project Team category at the Public Private Finance Awards 2010.

West Sussex worked with officers from Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council on the Private Finance Initiative worth £225 million – the largest of its kind in the country.

The judges praised the project team and said: “Developing the largest street lighting project to date during the financial climate required the three councils to work in unison to develop strong relationships with the private sector.”

More than 68,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards are being replaced or upgraded in West Sussex over the next five years.

Equipment over 15 years old will be replaced with modern, energy-saving lights, which will reduce carbon emissions by up to 25 per cent.

New technology will also allow the lights to be dimmed or turned off completely after midnight if the light is no longer required.

Derek Whittington, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “My congratulations go to the officers involved in this important area of work.

“Street lighting is something we all rely on and this contract will mean that we have a modern, energy efficient service for many years to come.”

Crawley Heath – Buggy Walks

These walks are free to take part in, and to help encourge new Mums/Dads/Grandparents to get active & make new friends, within a child friendly group.

Each walk is led by a trained volunteer walk leader.

You walk at your own pace.

Just turn up, wearing comfortable clothing & footwear.
( meeting outside of the main entrance of K2 Crawley)

Every Friday 11:15am to 12:00
Starts Friday 4th June

For Further Information on Crawley Health Walks and
Crawley Wellbeing services please contact 01293 585350
or alternatively view www.crawley.gov.uk/active

Keeping West Sussex Working

West Sussex County Council has confirmed £368,000 funding for Keep West Sussex Working initiatives over the coming year, helping residents and businesses.

The £368,000 is from the government’s Local Authority Business Growth Incentives (LABGI) scheme, which is in its last year.

County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The Council is currently having to make huge financial savings due to the previous government’s poor settlements, but I am delighted that we are in a position to continue to support our businesses and residents through the worst recession since World War II.”

The funding will be spent on a number of initiatives including a project promoting the use of woodfuel in West Sussex, increasing the number of businesses receiving professional business advice and providing further support for residents out of work.

The County Council has been working with a number of organisations to promote broadband in rural areas. Funding from LABGI will help progress this work.

Deborah said: “Broadband is essential for economic growth, especially in rural areas, and is invaluable for new and home based businesses. We are developing our interactive services and an increase in broadband will help to access the hard to reach areas in the county.”

Money will also be invested in skills development across the county. This will include working to increase work-based and work-related learning and schemes to swell the number of residents moving into employment. Also, to work with West Sussex universities and colleges to support and encourage our students.

Deborah added: “Keep West Sussex Working was developed to help our residents and businesses through the recession. While the country may technically be out of recession, many of us are still feeling the impact, and the County Council is keen to do all it can to support people.”

GREENER FOOTPRINTS FOR CRAWLEY COUNCIL

Environmentally minded council staff reduced energy consumption by a whopping 9.6 per cent in the last year.

Boosting green credentials in a bid to reduce the town’s carbon footprint is a top priority for Crawley Borough Council; the 2009/10 energy savings saw a

CO2 reduction of 7.6 per cent across the town hall, The Hawth Theatre and Broadfield Stadium.

Some of the CO2 savings will go towards the council’s 10:10 target – its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010 as part of the international 10:10 campaign.

Keith Blake, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “This is great news and really goes to show the council’s commitment to this. It’s a fantastic saving considering we’d already saved 14.3 per cent in 2008/9.

“This excellent result will boost our 10:10 carbon emission challenge and support all the other green projects planned for the rest of the year. The brilliant thing about all this is it’s not just helping to protect the environment, it’s saving taxpayers’ money too.”

The reduction equates to 530,000kwh of energy and 120,900kg of carbon emissions; it also makes a near £15,000 saving for taxpayers – £150,000 over 10 years.

The majority of the reductions were made from Broadfield Stadium which saw a

14.7 per cent reduction in electricity and 29.3 per cent reduction in gas.

The town hall’s energy efficiency rating also jumped up a notch, moving from E to D.

For more information about Crawley’s 10:10 achievements log on to www.crawley.gov.uk/1010 or to find out more about the national campaign and to join visit www.1010uk.org

Gatwick Airport runway statement from Councillor Claire Denman

Please find below a statement from Cllr Denman referring to the new government’s manifesto plan not to build a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

Councillor Claire Denman, Crawley Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “This is welcome news. Uncertainty over a second runway at Gatwick Airport has placed a cloud over how the town could develop in the future. The new government needs to translate its joint manifesto into policy to enable Crawley to move forward and allow the council to plan properly.

“We now need to concentrate on cementing Crawley’s role as a leading regional employment centre. We will work with our partners at Gatwick Airport, building on its success as the world’s busiest single runway airport, encouraging the passenger mix to broaden to include more business travellers and expanding the connectivity to new and emerging business destinations.”

Share your life with Shared Lives

A creative scheme to help adults with learning difficulties have a short break is on the search for new families to join the project who can provide a welcoming home.

Shared Lives is like adult fostering – people provide short breaks in their home for an adult with learning difficulties, which gives the individual a change of scenery and provides a spell of respite for their full time carer and family.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Service Peter Catchpole said: “To join the scheme, you need to have a spare room in your home, an awareness of how to care for people, and be able to involve the person staying with your family in home life and hobbies.”

Activities people can do include taking a pet for a walk, supporting a local sports event, going out for a meal, visiting friends and relatives, going to the beach, or going to the local pub.

Peter added: “This scheme provides a valuable service offering regular carers a break and the chance for people with learning difficulties to experience a new environment and to socialise with new friends and communities.”

New households would be welcomed from all across West Sussex, in particular the Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex areas where there is a shortage of people signed up to the scheme.

The County Council is also looking to develop a ‘day share’ scheme and is keen to hear from potential carers who could offer someone regular opportunities to join in their normal day, for example food shopping, walking a dog, fishing or gardening, or even joining in hobbies such as woodwork, and arts and crafts.

There’s also an opportunity to provide longer term care in your family home for adults with learning difficulties. The County Council is always on the lookout for families who have a spare room, and are able to welcome someone into their family and give them support, advice and guidance.

People who are interested in being trained to become a paid Shared Lives Carer and can make a regular commitment can contact the Shared Lives scheme on 01444 254463 or contact Jo Braine (Shared Lives Scheme Manager) on 07702 668911, or e-mail adult.placement.scheme@westsussex.gov.uk. There is further information on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.

Olympians needed for roll of honour

What do Brian Jacks, Alan Minter and Mick Jones have in common, apart from being former Olympians? They all have links with Crawley.

West Sussex-Ahead of the Game, the countywide initiative to help us make the most of the London 2012 Games, is compiling a list of past and future Olympians and Paralympians.

We’re looking for people with a strong connection to Crawley – born, living, training or educated in the county – that either have the potential to compete in the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, or have competed in any previous Olympic or Paralympic Games.

West Sussex has a wealth of sporting talent, and there are many current and former Olympians and Paralympians with a connection to the county.

Crawley has many former Olympians and Paralympians including Nick Buckfield (pole vault, Atlanta 1996, Athens 2004), Sharron Davies (swimming, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980, Barcelona 1992), Brian Jacks (judo, Tokyo 1964, Munich

1972 and Montreal 1976), Mick Jones (hammer, Seoul 1988), Sascha Kindred (swimming, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008) and Alan Minter (boxing, Munich 1972).

West Sussex-Ahead of the Game needs help to compile a roll of honour. If you are, or know a potential or former Olympian or Paralympian, then email info@westsussex-aheadofthegame.com

Ifield Community College Choir: “School music at its best”

Ifield Community College Choir have for the second year in succession won through to represent the South East at the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham on July 6th. Competing with youth choirs representing whole regions and counties, as well as choirs from independent and state schools, the Ifield choir was showered with praise by the adjudicators.

The 50 strong choir’s winning performance at the regional festival in Reading (on March 31st) was described as “school music at its best”, by the adjudicators, who went on to describe the performance as “Outstanding”.

“Amazing.some incredible singing” “From the very first note I was transformed.” “An instantly captivating sound..the choir sang with passion and commitment”

“Great singing, great drumming. This was most exciting”.

In a part of the written report reserved for advice for future action, an adjudicator wrote “Record it!”

The adjudicators complemented the choir on its musicality, discipline and presentation and held the choir up as a model for all school choirs in its cohesion, accessibility to all ages and equal mix of boys and girls. The choir has also integrated drummers and singers from the town’s Diego Garcian/Mauritian community into the performance – who were also singled out for praise.

The repertoire consisted of a South African Wedding Song called Fiela, the 16th century part song ‘Il est Bel et Bon’, ‘She has No Time’ By Keane and an a cappella arrangement of ‘Human Behaviour’ by Bjork.

The National Festival of Music For Youth is a week long festival which selects the cream of Britain’s musical talent from 70 regional festivals (many lasting two days) staged around the UK. Each day of the National Festival is devoted to different musical ensembles, with the Tuesday 6th July devoted to choirs. ICC choir will have their main performance in Birmingham Town Hall, but will also take part in informal performances at other locations in the city.

Local History Day at Crawley Library

Crawley Library is holding a local history day on Saturday (May 15), with talks, walks, information and advice.

The day falls in the middle of the Library’s month-long exhibition of local historian’s Roger Bastable’s work.

The programme for the day is:

• 9.45am-10.30am – Children’s Storytime: Unlock the memory box. Anyone can turn up to this free event, and enjoy stories from the past, discovering childhood joys from years ago, courtesy of Crawley Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS).

• 10am-11.15am – Talks on Roger Bastable, Local Historian: Aspects of his life. This free event includes talks about Roger as a teacher, as a researcher, and will featurehis mother talking about his life.

• 11.30am-1pm, 2.30pm-4pm – Guided Walk: A walk through old Crawley. This will be led by Charles Kay, ex-Reference Librarian for the town. Tickets are £3.

• 11.40am-12.45pm – Crawley’s Local History: How can you join in? A number of free talks from the town’s museum, Borough Council, WRVS, and the Library itself on their latest historical projects, and how you can get involved.

• 2.15pm-3.30pm – Crawley’s Medieval, Victorian and Modern new Towns: from 1200 to the present day. A talk by Peter Gwynne, local historian and author. Tickets are £3.

The Library is on the lookout for more photos of Crawley from the 1940s to 1980s, particularly of the early years of Bewbush and Maidenbower. Bring along your originals on the day, and staff will be on hand to scan them while you wait.

Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Libraries, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for all the family to learn more about the history of the wonderful town of Crawley.

“Local organisations, including the County Record Office and museums, will be at the Library on the day to explain what they do, offer advice and give information on volunteering opportunities.”

For more information, and to book tickets for any events, visit the Library in Southgate Avenue, or call 01293 651751.

Come and Join the Ride Out

in aid of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity

Sunday 9th May from 11am – 4pm

We are having a ride out in aid of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity to promote Safer Biking in Crawley, Shoreham and Sussex. So if you would like to take part please come along to P&H Motorcycles on Sunday 9th May from 11am to show your support. We are asking for arrivals from 11am ready to ride out from 1pm. There will be plenty to do on the day before the actual ride out and the first 200 will recieve a goody bag which is jam packed with safety information, security tips, discount vouchers and freebies.

We are working in conjunction with Shoreham Fire Station (BN43 6LA) and will have a technician on site to give your bike a free saftey appraisal should you require one.

We are raising money for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and so would like to suggest that a £2 donation per bike is donated, but it is up to yourselves. We look forward to seeing you all at P&H on 9th May.

The route can be viewed online at Google Maps by following this link to the ride out route

How to win new business in the public sector

Find out where opportunities exist for your business in the public sector supply chain

Working in partnership with the Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Diamond, Crawley Borough Council, Mid Sussex District Council, West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council you are cordially invited to attend our forthcoming, free of charge, development seminar on “How to win new Business from the Public Sector”.

Business opportunities from the Public Sector

Your attendance at this 2hour session will help you find out how changing pressures on purchasing teams in large organisations is creating new sales opportunities for small businesses. Don’t wait, reserve your place now!

• Benefit from a unique insight into the Council’s procurement and how to successfully tender for new contracts.

• Increase your understanding of local area opportunities the organisations involved, their supply chains, the standards required to supply to them and the efficiency savings that are driving their purchasing agenda.

• Discover how your company can ensure private ‘face-to-face’ appointments with the region’s key decision makers.

• Learn how becoming more sustainable will increase your chances of winning new contracts.

Event details

Date: Thursday 3rd June

Time: 10am-12noon

Venue: Crawley Library, Crawley

To reserve your place please email rheanna@btob.co.uk or call on 0207 700 008 stating which seminar you wish to book onto.

Book now – limited places.

Contact: rheanna@btob.co.uk or call 020 7700 0008

Your views on youth services needed

A major consultation has begun this week to help shape new-look Youth Services in West Sussex.

These services are the latest to be reviewed to ensure they are meeting modern needs and pressures as well as giving value for money.

West Sussex County Council has stressed that no final decisions have been taken at this stage, and the on-line consultation will play an important part in the wide-ranging review of all services offered to young people.

But, the overall aim will be to find the best way of creating an ‘Integrated Youth Support and Development Service’ that can combine the functions of the Youth Service, the Youth Offending Service and Connexions – the advice and information service for young people, which also works to improve employment and further education opportunities.

Dedicated youth teams could be formed to deliver services in areas with highest need.

Earlier this year, the County Council said it hoped to ensure targeted support for vulnerable young people such as young offenders, Looked After Children, teenage parents, young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and young people with drug or alcohol problems.

The review must lead to savings of £2 million – money that would be re-directed into areas under growing budget pressure such as caring for growing numbers of Looked After Children.

Pat Arculus, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, who will take final decisions at the end of July, said: “Our Youth Service is very highly valued, but needs and demands have changed rapidly over recent years.

“We want to develop a service that is helping young people with the modern pressures they face, and ensure that we put our resources where they have the most impact.

“I hope that everyone with an interest in our young people, and giving them the best possible future will take the time to look at the consultation and submit their views.”

Staff, schools, residents and partner organisations are being encouraged to take part in the online consultation, ending on May 25.

The questionnaire can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay and there are also links to it from the website for young people in West Sussex www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk as well as the West Sussex Grid For Learning