When we think about Sussex and the coastline, we picture summer holidays, fairgrounds and candy floss, fun games on the beach and sunny days. This may be the case for many holiday visitors, but the reality is there are multiple challenges facing the coastal communities here.
Our Tackling Poverty report highlights some of the issues these areas face, from an aging population and poor health and disabilities, to higher housing and living costs and limited job opportunities. The current Cost of Living crisis has only exacerbated the issue.
To explore this in more detail we are taking a focused look at the town of Hastings in East Sussex.
"The sense of community and resilience in Hastings is truly heartwarming. Despite the challenges highlighted in the report, it is uplifting to see dedicated staff and volunteers working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents. The generosity of our donors and supporters is also vital to make a positive impact in the local community, and make Sussex a great place to live for everyone."
HASTINGS
Hastings has a rich history as a seaside town, attracting people from London and the South East when its ground-breaking pier was built in 1872. As piers fell out of fashion from the 1980s onwards the town’s tourist trade declined.
As highlighted in the report, Hastings is now one of the Sussex towns performing poorly across all seven key deprivation measures, which include income, employment, education and training, health and disability, crime, housing and living environment. The town has the highest multiple deprivation score (34.15) in the county and the highest percentage of income-deprived residents (20.1%).
An aging population
As one of the biggest towns in the South East, Hastings’ population has increased to just over 92,000 (Census 2021). 20.22% are over 65 with 15.3% of residents claiming Pension Credit, exceeding the national average of 11.3%.
Looking at changes in population there is a projected decline in Sussex of the 0-19 age group and Hastings has a much larger decline (-14.7%). Whilst the working age population is likely to remain static across Sussex, the proportion of those aged 15-64 in Hastings is expected to fall by a considerable amount (5.6%), which is, in turn, likely to have an impact on the labour market, with associated consequences.
Health & disability
One of the likely causes of the challenges faced by Hastings residents is linked to long-term health issues and poor outcomes for those with disabilities. Hastings has also the highest percentage of disabled individuals among all Local Authorities in Sussex (21.7% compared to 16.9% nationally). Additionally, it has the largest proportion of individuals with premature disabilities, as 14.7% of those under 65 are disabled under the Equality Act.
Unemployment and worklessness
Another reason for this high level of deprivation is linked to high levels of unemployment in the town. Hastings stands out with the highest percentage of individuals aged 18-24 claiming unemployment benefits (8.99%), which is more than twice the average in Sussex. The link with health and poverty is clear with 75% of all out-of-work benefits claimants and 69.1% of homeless households being people with health-related conditions.
SO WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE GROUND?
At the Foundation we see and hear examples of the amazing work done by groups and charities in and around Hastings. Local organisations, like many of those we work with, are helping to tackle these challenges. Their dedication has a huge impact across our communities, offering support to residents struggling to make ends meet. From food and warmth, non critical debt advice and getting people off the street, these groups, very often small and local, are there for Hastings.
In this post we've highlighted some stories from charities and groups based in Hastings.
Hastings Advice and Representation Centre (HARC)
HARC offers specialist welfare benefit advice and representation. Their free and confidential service addresses inequalities, relieves poverty and improves the quality of life for vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the county.
Their community work is carried out at a range of venues and home visits, and provides support to some of the hardest to reach in the community. It effectively removes barriers imposed by homelessness, insecure housing, poor physical and mental health, lack of transport and social isolation.
“Family ‘C’ met with our advisor following a visit to the local foodbank. It was the start of multiple appointments which led to a payment and debt management plan. The support received has made a huge difference for the family: their income has been increased and debts are being managed. The pressure on their mental and physical health has been alleviated and the wellbeing and quality of life for the whole family has vastly improved.”
Education Futures Trust
Education Futures Trust provides high quality and innovative support and learning tailored to improve the life chances of vulnerable children and adults, particularly in Hastings.
The grant awarded by the Foundation enabled the group to set up a ‘warm space’ to offer their clients a refuge from the cold during the winter months. Warm drinks, snacks and hot meals were offered throughout the day, while skills-based activities would take place for those who wanted to be involved. The staff also offered advice, for example how to reduce the heating bills, or how to cook simple meals at home. Those attending used the 'warm space' to its full potential - to access hot food and drink, as well as to build social relationships.
“Those that use our services tell us that they are struggling. When attending our all-day courses, many come without food and try to hide this. When provided with donated pastries, they will often keep one to take home for ‘tea’. Those receiving our food hampers tell us that they only want food that can be eaten cold from the can; avoiding potatoes and items requiring heat or preparation.
We have learned that those we work with are going hungry and are cold. The choice between food and heat is no longer the challenge: many have neither.”
Bags of Taste
Bags of Taste supports vulnerable people in poverty in Hastings. Their Mentored Home Cooking courses are attended by those on a low income, who live in areas of high deprivation or are at risk of poor health outcomes.
One of the goals of the courses run by the group is to reduce health inequalities by encouraging individuals with limited budgets to prepare affordable and nutritious meals. Their initiative helps develop positive dietary habits, improved financial situations and overall wellbeing for the long term.
Their work is specifically focused on the most vulnerable in society, and they work closely with local referrers to identify beneficiaries. All attendees are disadvantaged by poverty and many have multiple and complex challenges, facing unemployment or suffering from mental health issues.
Since the start of the programme, the group has successfully delivered over 4,000 courses, reaching many residents suffering from mental and physical health illnesses or disabilities, as well as carers and single parents.
“I feel more confident about preparing food from scratch. I always used to think it was much harder than it actually was. This course has helped me realise that it’s not always more expensive to cook from scratch, and I can definitely make a saving in my food shop; buying in bulk helps us get us through the month.”
Our Tackling Poverty report highlights the desperate need in parts of Sussex, and offers insight and evidence of the need for more philanthropy, so we can make even more of a difference. The data and insights outlined in this report will also be a valuable resource for the voluntary sector in the county, providing crucial data to support funding applications to the Foundation and other funders.
Get in touch with the Philanthropy team to discuss how your donation can help make a difference in the Hastings area, Or you can donate directly to our Tackling Poverty Fund.
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