Release date: 28 June 2024
People around Littlehampton are being asked to take part in a new pilot scheme that offers free support to plan for a full and healthy life in older age.
Life Transitions aims to help people make informed decisions on matters including retirement, moving home, experiencing changes in health and mobility, becoming a carer or experiencing a bereavement.
The pilot is available free of charge to people aged 40 and above in Littlehampton and the surrounding areas including Angmering, East Preston and Rustington.
Cllr Amanda Jupp, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “We all face challenges and changes as we grow older, and it can often be difficult to know what we might need in the future to ensure a good quality of life.
“It is never too early to start planning for your future. If you live in the pilot scheme area and are aged 40 or older, I would like to encourage you to take advantage of this free support to help you think about what steps you can take as you move into older age.”
The scheme has been developed by West Sussex County Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council.
It offers trained volunteers who are available for one-to-one conversations in person, over the telephone or online via video call. These conversations help people think about what’s important to them, what resources they have and what they will need to feel prepared for any significant changes they may experience in later life.
As well as conversations with trained volunteers, a free digital app that helps people plan for the future is also available to download via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
The app will help you to create an action plan for your future, with lots of helpful prompts and resources.
The Life Transitions app has been developed by East Sussex County Council, but it includes content for residents of West Sussex which is based on public feedback about the kind of help and support they might benefit from.
To find out more about how you can benefit from the Life Transitions scheme, please contact lifetransitions@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 07724 287034.
Free information and support to help you look after yourself, stay safe and connected with your local community is also available to everyone in West Sussex via the Connect To Support website.