Sussex Outreach Support

Sussex Outreach Support (SOS) is starting to work in partnership with RVA and Citizens Advice 1066 and the Rural Rother PCN to set up four satellite rural hubs across Rother. With support from Southeast Communities Rail Partnerships we have access to four train stations; Etchingham, Battle, Robertsbridge and Rye.

The idea for the satellite hubs is to enhance and support what already exists in each location plus help identify the gaps. The aim is to provide a mixture of access, such as 1-2-1 appointments, drop in advice and group session activities from organisations such as Citizens Advice and the Rural Rother Primary Care Network. There will be a collaborative approach from all the partners involved so that the limited resources available are not overburdened. The intention is that if several services have a mutual client, they can work together more effectively and efficiently.

The plan is also to have regular well-being activities available, such as art groups, music groups and talking groups. I am hoping that this approach of using a neutral space that offers drop in access and a wide range of activities and services will create a welcoming environment to all with no stigma attached. We would like the hubs to be manned by trained staff who will deliver consistent triage, advice and signposting to the services that will be available at the hubs.

I have referred to the hubs as satellites. This is because they will be indeed satellites of the main hub which is being developed in Bexhill in conjunction with RVA and Citizens Advice 1066. The core model will apply to each setting, but obviously moulded to each area as we know that the needs and wants will differ across the patch. We hope that this means a more equitable service is delivered to both our towns and our villages. In the future we would like to provide more targeted pop-up advice clinics in specific rural areas, where we have been able to identify specific needs. We also hope to develop the idea of a mobile food pantry. These services will be provided by the mobile hub that is being supported by the Government’s Levelling Up fund.