All posts by ianr

South East domestic abuse charities face ‘perfect storm’

Domestic abuse charities in the South East say they are facing a “perfect storm” as the impact of the cost of living crisis bites.

Fewer donations, soaring energy bills and difficulties filling volunteer posts are putting a strain on services facing the prospect of more referrals as people struggle to make ends meet.

Louise Gibsey is the deputy CEO of Safe in Sussex, a charity that provides support for those affected by domestic abuse in West Sussex.
She said: “Over the next few months, we are anticipating more referrals and more people seeking our support.
“Alongside this, we are already witnessing a dip in donations. A lot of people are seeing less disposable income right now so every penny counts.
“When people don’t have that spare income to give, it impacts charities such as us.”

Fiamma Pather is the CEO of Your Sanctuary – a charity which runs refuges in Surrey.
She said: “We feel as if we are now living in a perfect storm where our services will be needed more than ever but we may be unable to meet those needs.
“We are already feeling a reduction in the number of volunteers who are applying to us. People who may have been able to in the past are now having to work longer hours or take up second jobs in order to make ends meet.
“Older people who had spare time to volunteer are now looking after grandchildren whilst the parents are out at work because the cost of childcare is so prohibitive.
“So some long-standing volunteers have sadly had to leave their roles and the number of new volunteers making contact has greatly reduced.”

Deborah Cartwright is the CEO of Oasis Domestic Abuse Service – a Kent-based charity that provides refuge and safe accommodation.
She said: “For victims of coercive control, a cost of living crisis means experiencing more hardship in trying to manage on already-limited incomes, especially where they are subjected to economic abuse by a controlling partner.
“We’re concerned this will mean less opportunities for victims to break free from abusive relationships.
“As well as this, we’re also experiencing the soaring cost of living. At Oasis, our energy bill has tripled”.

Marian Duggan is a trustee for the Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse service in Kent.
She said: “The added difficulties that may arise as a result of the current cost of living crisis may significantly curtail a victim’s ability to escape. Without financial security or independence, it may be very hard for a victim to start over from scratch, especially if they have dependents to care for, too.
“It is also important to recognise the impact of increased costs on domestic abuse refuges and charities, who will also have difficult decisions to make about how to continue providing necessary support services to those in crisis situations.”

A government spokesperson said: “Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives. We are working across government to ensure victims, survivors and their families are fully supported during this difficult time.
“Our Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan invests over £230 million, including over £140 million to support victims and survivors.”

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Image released in police search

An image has been released of two people police would like to speak to in relation to an assault outside a Crawley kebab shop.

Image: Sussex Police

It happened outside ‘Best Kebab’ in High Street, Crawley, around 1:55am on Friday, July 29.

The victim was punched by an unknown man and suffered facial injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Investigating officers believe the man and woman pictured could help with their ongoing enquiries and are keen to identify them.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Surrey & Sussex cricketers given Central Contract offers

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced the Central Contract offers for England Men’s international cricket for the year from 1 October 2022, with both Sussex and Surrey cricketers included.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, takes into account the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats in the next 12 months, whilst also recognising performances in the preceding year.

In total 30 players have received Central Contract offers – 18 England Annual Central Contracts, six England Increment Contracts, and six England Pace Bowling Development Contracts.

From Sussex fast-bowlers Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson have been given contracts. Ben Foakes, Ollie Pope and Sam Curran have all received Annual Central Contracts, alongside Reece Topley, Jason Roy and Jamie Overton.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Plans to build a hydrogen refuelling station at Crawley Metrobus depot

Crawley Borough Council have received plans to build a hydrogen refuelling station at the town’s Metrobus depot.

A hazardous substances consent application, for units in Wheatstone Close, will enable the company to convert their current fuel status from Diesel to Hydrogen.

A spokesperson for Metrobus said the company is investing in hydrogen fuel cell electric buses for routes between Crawley, Manor Royal, Gatwick Airport and Horley.

54 buses are planned to be introduced over the course of the next year, making them Europe’s first commercially operated hydrogen bus fleet.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

A deer brings M23 motorists near Gatwick to a standstill

Image: National Highways.


As the traffic was flowing around Surrey and Sussex, for some drivers on the M23 yesterday morning, they were almost at a standstill.

Three different incidents brought things to a near halt on the southbound carriageway as a vehicle fire near to Gatwick Airport, was surpassed by a live deer seen roaming on the motorway.

One lane out of the four was reopened after the deer was caught and removed, but then a broken-down vehicle in the middle of the carriageway caused the remaining three lanes to stay closed.

This then led to an increase of tailbacks as vehicles could only pass in single file.
Altogether, the three incidents resulted in delays of around 90 minutes. The motorway was then reopened up again around 10am.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com