#53: "You Can't Just Slide This Under The Mat And Say, 'Oh, We're Just Going To Do This, And Nobody's Going To Notice.'"

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #53 "You Can't Just Slide This Under The Mat And Say, 'Oh, We're Just Going To Do This, And Nobody's Going To Notice.'" Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra - Members of Hop 50+ at Impact Initiatives 🔍 Episode summary In this special community edition of Sussex And The City, Richard Freeman visits the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove to hear directly from members of the Hop 50+ programme run by Impact Initiatives about the future of Sussex. Rather than debating constitutional reform, the conversation focuses on buses that don't arrive, community spaces that keep people connected, concerns about mental health services, affordable housing, local identity and whether decision-makers truly understand everyday life. The discussion reveals widespread support for decisions being made closer to local communities, but also a clear warning. If Sussex is about to undergo its biggest governance change in a generation, residents believe they need to understand it, shape it and feel part of it. Devolution cannot simply happen to people. Along the way the group reflects on rural isolation, public transport, tourism, local newspapers, Airbnbs, culture, ageing well and what makes Sussex distinctive. Throughout, they return to one central question: can a future Sussex Mayor provide a long-term vision while remaining close enough to the communities they serve? The result is one of the most grounded conversations in the series; less about political structures and more about what good local leadership should actually feel like. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation; connecting people who care with the communities and causes making a difference across Sussex. Through grant-making, philanthropy and local partnerships, Sussex Community Foundation helps strengthen communities, reduce inequality and support grassroots organisations throughout the county. To find out more, visit sussexcommunityfoundation.org. --- 🎯 In this episode Why many residents have never heard about Sussex devolution Community centres as essential public infrastructure Mental health, prevention and local wellbeing services Rural Sussex and fears of being overlooked Public transport, concessionary travel and accessibility Housing affordability, second homes and Airbnbs The decline of local newspapers and civic engagement Arts, tourism and protecting Sussex's character What people actually want from a Sussex Mayor Building a long-term vision that communities recognise as their own 🧠 Key themes Devolution needs public consent Participants repeatedly argue that constitutional change cannot simply be announced. Residents need to understand what is happening, why it matters and how they can influence it. Community is preventative infrastructure From mental wellbeing to tackling loneliness, local community organisations provide services that reduce pressure elsewhere in the public sector. Rural and urban Sussex both matter Any future strategic authority will need to balance the needs of Brighton & Hove, coastal towns, market towns and rural communities rather than allowing one perspective to dominate. Better communication builds trust Many participants describe feeling disconnected from modern politics. Clear information, visible leadership and meaningful engagement are seen as essential if devolution is to succeed. Identity should unite rather than divide While local loyalties remain strong, contributors believe Sussex needs a clearer shared story that celebrates its coastline, countryside, culture and communities. Think beyond election cycles The group consistently calls for decisions that improve quality of life over decades rather than responding only to short-term political pressures. 👥 About Hop 50+ and Impact Initiatives Hop 50+ is a community programme delivered by Impact Initiatives, one of Sussex's largest charities supporting wellbeing, resilience and social connection across the county. Through activities, advice, volunteering and community events, the programme helps older residents remain active, connected and engaged within their local communities. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future