Two senior members of staff at South East Coast Ambulance Service have been dismissed for sexual misconduct.
Both had positions that brought them into contact with student paramedics.
Secamb chief executive, Simon Weldon said in a letter sent to staff, it was “particularly disappointing” as both individuals held leadership roles.
A spokesperson for Secamb, “We take the safety of colleagues extremely seriously”.
A major programme to upgrade approximately 64,000 streetlights to energy‑efficient LED technology is due to begin in West Sussex.
The £24 million programme, which begins this month, will take place over the next 4 years.
It will also introduce a new Remote Monitoring System, enabling improved management of street-lighting performance, quicker fault detection and reduced maintenance requirements.
It is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by more than 10.7 million kWh, cut carbon emissions by around 1,633 tonnes of CO₂ and generate significant financial savings.
Crawley Borough Council will be joined with community groups, faith leader and residents to honour those who died during pandemic on the National Day of Reflection.
The event will take place this Sunday at 11am in Memorial Gardens and will include reflections, performances, readings and prayers.
Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Culture, Councillor Sue Mullins, says the service is about “honouring those we lost and recognising the enduring strength of the people of Crawley”.
Double amputee Billy Monger has announced he’s getting ready to compete in the 2028 Paralympic Games.
The 26-year-old former racing driver from Charlwood is aiming to enter the triathlon, where competitors battle out a gruelling swimming, cycling and running event.
In 2021 he raised over three million pounds for Comic Relief by walking, cycling and Kayaking across the UK, proving that having a disability doesn’t stop you from achieving great things.
| Thousands of people across Sussex are receiving faster, more appropriate mental health support thanks to an innovative service working in close partnership with the emergency services. |
| Launched in November 2024, the Blue Light Line Rapid Response service provides 24-hour mental health advice and guidance to support emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Beachy Head Chaplains, the Fire Service, Coastguard and the British Transport Police.
From July to December 2025, the service recorded 6,391 occasions where A&E attendance was prevented by providing specialist advice to frontline responders to support access to more appropriate, therapeutic mental health care. In addition, the number of people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act has significantly reduced following advice given to Sussex Police by the Blue Light Line Rapid Response service. Between July and December 2025, 536 fewer detentions were carried out by the police compared to the previous six months. Blue Light Line Rapid Response mental health practitioners carry out assessments over the phone and advise on the most appropriate next steps to support the person in crisis. This may include signposting to specialist crisis support such as the Staying Well services or the Havens, offering a more appropriate and therapeutic alternative to A&E. Between midday and midnight, the Rapid Response team – based in Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne and Worthing provide on scene support to carry out face-to-face mental health assessments and provide advice and support to frontline responders, using mental health response vehicles. Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, A&E may not be the most therapeutic environment, especially when there are no physical healthcare needs. This partnership sees our teams supporting emergency responders with specialist mental health advice 24 hours a day, making sure people receive the most appropriate care in the most appropriate setting.” Andrew Gordon, Head of Mental Health at South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: “The Blue Light Line has become an essential support option for our ambulance crews, giving them rapid access to specialist guidance when it matters most. The service helps crews deliver safer, more effective care for patients and is making a meaningful difference on the front line.” Claire NcNelis, Sussex Police Mental Health Lead, said: “Blue Light Line provide the much-needed expert advice to our frontline police officers and staff, ensuring we can protect vulnerable people and respond in the most appropriate way. “It provides reassurance and clear direction of what action should be taken and where patients can access the relevant support.” Blue Light Line Rapid Response is one of a range of services introduced to help people in Sussex access timely and appropriate help with their mental health. |