Four guest speakers deliver presentations on what issues are affecting Rother.

Graham Peters introduces how the South East Local Enterprise Partnership is working with partners to help create sustainable jobs in Rother, working to improve road, rail, cycling and walking networks. Providing opportunities for larger commercial investment will help develop industries and support small local business growth. Find out more here: http://www.southeastlep.com/ and http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/business/eastsussex/default.htm

Naomi Ridley presents a case study on social enterprise and how these organisations in the local area are working to enable vulnerable people to access support, services and opportunities for skills development. Find out more about the programmes here: http://www.hfs.org.uk/bexhill.html. The Hastings Furniture Service has been established for 27 years and is a valuable resource for those on low incomes to access low priced furniture for their homes. 

Richard Watson talks about the causes of health inequalities; Social, economic and environmental; Lifestyles and behaviours, and; Access to services. The current aims of the Reducing Health Inequalities Programme, which started in November 2014, include reducing the difference in the life expectancy of those in the most and the least deprived areas. For more information visit http://www.hastingsandrotherccg.nhs.uk/#.

Anne McLoughlin takes a look at affordable housing in rural Rother and the challenges that people face living in rural communities. Hastoe is a rural housing specialist working across the south of England. The issues include: low wages / high house prices; fuel poverty (poor gas networks in rural areas), and; lack of homes for young people. This is addressed through the Community Development Model. Hastoe works with rural communities to ensure developments meet their needs. For more information visit http://www.hastoe.com/area/17/About-Hastoe.aspx.