The impact of Covid-19 on Sussex Support Service

Pre Covid-19 the centre provided a wide variety of activities for older people living in the Wealden area. Covid-19 & lockdown have affected everyone, but one of the most impacted groups in our community have been older people and carers. We had to close our face to face group services but were able to continue with one-to-one telephone support and the occasional one-to-one face to face meetings weather dependent.

What we do!

Victoria Pavilion Support Centre welcomes those with dementia and extra care needs. The trained care team are able to provide professional care and facilitate tailored, engaging, stimulating activities including exercise, arts, cognitive stimulation and music therapy. All this as well as giving carers and loved ones much needed respite, advice, guidance and support. With the kind support of East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership we are able to provide accessible transport (by arrangement) to and from the centre.

We have had some great times at Victoria Pavilion and had the pleasure of knowing some wonderful people over the past 6 years. Here is a little video created for our 4th anniversary to give you a flavour of our activities.

What our service users say:

' Life was boring before I came along and now I enjoy the company, songs and everything in general, oh and the cake I like the cake. I get brought by my daughter but if I didn't I would catch the bus.' Chris 

'I was bored before coming now I meet friends and have a good chat every week.' Cathy

'Its a happy meeting place.' Shirley

Funding & Support already given

Recently, we have been extremely fortunate to have had the support of Screwfix Foundation, Sussex Community Foundation and the Uckfield Lions. The money from these organisations will go towards refurbishments to make the centre Covid-19 secure and ready to open.

Dawson Hart Solicitors have chosen us to be their charitable organisation of the year and are working hard to fund raise on our behalf in these challenging times.  Laura Manton, (Director) and Tracey Pugh, (Legal Assistant) will be putting on their running shoes to take part in one of the most challenging 10km in the country. They will be running the Beachy Head 10km on Sunday 25th October to raise money for us. You can donate here to support their amazing efforts.

Coronavirus and lock down has affected everyone, but one of the most impacted in our community has been the older people and their carers. Any donation you can give with help us help them!

To open safely and to get us through what will likely be a difficult time ahead we are reaching out for support of our community, to help with our general on going running costs which include our rent, lunches for attendees and other day to day costs which we have now reduced to be as lean a service as we can be without compromising on the support we provide.

Our Aims

'Our long term aim is to create a Support Centre for older people in Wealden at Victoria Pavilion, a place older people can feel safe, supported, have fun, and join in stimulating activities regardless of their health challenges.  As well as a place carers can turn to for respite, support, training and signposting to information and guidance.’ 

Margaret Dodé-Angel, Director of Sussex Support Service CIC.

What happens to your donation

All donations will be used to support ongoing running cost of the centre to ensure it's continuation so that our older community have access to stimulating engaging activities and quality health hot meals.

Any donation big or small is very gratefully received and will help us to reopen and stay open.

Find out more about us here.