Compassionate Communities West Sussex

In West Sussex, we are developing a ‘Compassionate Communities’ approach to supporting people through death, dying, bereavement and loss.

A network of health and care organisations, including community and voluntary sector organisations, have come together to take action as part of ‘Compassionate Communities West Sussex’.  We have asked people in our communities what a compassionate community means to them, and developed our vision to reflect what people told us.

Our vision

West Sussex is a place where people living with illness and dealing with death, dying, bereavement and loss feel supported by their friends, family, neighbours and the people they interact with in everyday life in emotional and practical ways. 

The places where people spend time – libraries, cafes, places of worship, shops, clubs, workplaces, schools, and virtual spaces – are safe, compassionate spaces where people feel included and where they find comfort and reassurance at difficult times. 

People of all ages who are experiencing crisis and loss feel connected and valued, and they know that others in their community are looking out for them - willing and able to listen and to provide practical help.

Compassionate communities in action

Compassion and kindness have been more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen so many examples of people’s capacity to be there for their friends, family, neighbours and others in their community over the last year – Compassionate Communities in action across West Sussex.

Selsey Community Forum are just one great example of this.  Their 'Selsey Covid-19 Mutual Aid' community project involved partners from across the town, and led the local response to meeting the needs of local people and promoting their health and wellbeing during lockdown.  Their activities included having a buddy on every street, support from neighbours, providing nutritious meals to people who were shielding, setting up a lending hub for home entertainment and many other support activities. See the Selsey Community Forum website for more details.

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