A small volunteer group has put together a guide to help households in Lewes prepare for disruptions such as storms, heatwaves, power cuts and supply issues.

‘Let’s Get Ready’ is a practical, easy-to-use Community Preparedness Handbook. The idea followed a National Emergency Briefing screening at the Depot Cinema Lewes in April this year. Local Green councillor Wendy Maples and Lewes resident Stewart Graham-Hyde were among those who discussed whether the town might benefit from such a guide.

A volunteer working group was set up to explore what such a resource would look like and how it could genuinely support the community. The handbook has been shaped with input from residents and organisations in and around Lewes, reflecting shared knowledge and ideas gathered through extensive research and discussion.

It covers everything from planning, keeping sensible supplies and storage, health and wellbeing, communication and ways neighbours can coordinate during local incidents. It also links with existing resilience work happening through Lewes Town and District Councils, local authorities, emergency services, the Sussex Resilience Forum and community groups.

Residents getting together to promote a new Community Preparedness Handbook for Lewes called 'Let's Get Ready!' Photo: Let's Get Ready.

placeholder image — Residents getting together to promote a new Community Preparedness Handbook for Lewes called 'Let's Get Ready!' Photo: Let's Get Ready.

Cllr Maples said: “We know we need to be better prepared and resilient - but that can’t just come from government top-down instructions; it’s got to be neighbours and communities knowing each other, knowing what works and working together. Excitingly, that’s just what Let’s Get Ready is all about!”

Stewart Graham-Hyde said: "Most of the ideas in this handbook aren't new. They're the kinds of things many of us know or would eventually work out if we had the time. What we've tried to do is bring them together in one place, so that people can prepare in advance and have practical information to hand when they need it.

“For me, one of the biggest lessons from this project has been that preparedness is as much about people as it is about equipment and supplies."

The project is now entering its final review phase and residents will soon be invited to trial the handbook and provide feedback before wider release. The aim is to produce a printed booklet delivered to every household in Lewes, ensuring that residents have practical information available when they need it.

There are longer term plans for the handbook to be released more widely. Details on when residents can take part in trials and how the handbook will be distributed will be announced soon.

For further information, or to join the waiting list for an upcoming webinar showcasing the handbook, please contact Stew at: [email protected]