Sector Wide Reports and Resources

Tackling Loneliness in East Sussex – Rotherfield St Martin

Rotherfield St Martin (RSM) is dedicated to helping older people live independently, stay connected, and remain active in their community. Loneliness is a growing social and public health issue, and this report explores how it affects local older residents including its causes, who is most at risk, and the barriers that prevent meaningful connection. Drawing on the experiences of service users, volunteers, and staff, the report highlights how community-based support and trusted relationships can reduce isolation and build resilience. Its insights aim to shape future services, strengthen partnerships, and ensure older people’s voices remain central in creating a more connected community.

‘Evaluation and learning – Mr Hastings and St Leonards’ Summary Report

This report shares key findings from a three-year initiative funded by East Sussex County Council, hosted by Hastings Voluntary Action and led by local men. The evaluation highlights the project’s impact on fostering collaboration between local men, community groups, and services, and its role in shaping future strategies for healthier, longer lives for men in Hastings and St Leonards.

Making it Happen

The Making it Happen project ran from December 2019 to March 2025 enabling communities to create change on their own terms and strengthen the resilience of places and people. Through investing in local strengths, relationships and community leadership, the programme helped build confidence, connection and collective power in 13 areas across the county.

East Sussex Compact 2025

The East Sussex Compact was designed as a set of principles to facilitate collaborative, supportive partnership working in East Sussex between and within the VCSE and public sectors. It was revised in 2020, but its promotion and implementation were delayed by the pandemic. East Sussex VCSE Alliance members reviewed it in July 2024, and through Voluntary Action led events, gathered feedback and provided recommendations for Partnership Plus on the refresh of the Compact. The result was the production of the draft East Sussex Compact 2025 and the accompanying draft Resolving Disagreements and Disputes Guidance.

Social Prescribing for Older People – Learning Report

Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) were recently involved in a pilot of social prescribing for older people in Hastings, with a particular focus on financial wellbeing. The pilot learning has been shared nationwide in a report; HVA exceeded the number of older people they had anticipated reaching out to, gaining some really rich insight. HVA have since been invited to join the National Academy for Social Prescribing Innovation Hub.

Healthwatch East Sussex Impacts of changes in cost of living on health and wellbeing

Between July and September 2024, Healthwatch East Sussex asked people to share their experiences of changes in the cost of living and any effects these may have on their physical and mental wellbeing. The survey was answered by East Sussex residents, with 69% of respondents saying their overall quality of life was negatively impacted by cost-of-living increases. The report includes 12 recommendations all aimed at improving the experiences of people facing challenges due to the increases in the cost of living. The report is here

Volunteering Voices: A Future Vision  for Hastings

To understand how patterns of volunteering were changing and how organisations needed to respond Hastings Voluntary Action commissioned the Institute of Volunteering Research to undertake research and analysis to understand better how to nurture and encourage volunteering. The report is here

Facing the Future: Applying the Lessons of COVID 19 and the Pandemic  

HVA facilitated the Community Hub for Hastings during the pandemic and worked with partners to reflect on what was learnt and Identify the strategic issues affecting the VCSE in the future. The Facing the Future report was the results of a series of discussions workshops and interviews and was endorsed by the sector at a major conference.