Agenda item - Mayor's Communications

34.1    The Mayor gave the following communications:

“Good afternoon, Councillors, Colleagues and Residents. It’s a pleasure to be with you all here today.

Last month, I had the honour of attending the Southeast Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association Awards Ceremony at the Flying Museum in Hampshire, alongside the Leader of the Council and our Chief Executive. It was a proud moment for Brighton & Hove City Council as we were formally presented with the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

This prestigious recognition reflects three years of dedicated work to better support our reservists, veterans, and armed forces personnel employed by the council. It is a testament to our commitment to inclusion, respect, and meaningful action to those who have and are currently serving. 

Over this period, we have introduced and strengthened policies that directly support our military community. We’ve hosted training courses led by external organisations to educate both members and officers on the Armed Forces Covenant. We’ve helped establish the Brighton & Hove Veterans Group and built strong relationships with all 12 cadet units across the city ensuring their participation in key civic events such as VE Day, Remembrance Sunday, and Armed Forces Day

One of the cornerstone achievements was the creation of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers – Training and Mobilisation Policy, developed in close collaboration with Eric Page from our Equalities Team. This new policy provides clear guidance on additional paid leave for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers to attend annual training camps, a vital step forward from our previous Special and Carer’s Leave Policy. It outlines the legal framework, training commitments, and mobilisation process, ensuring our staff are properly supported in their service. To reinforce this, we’ve updated our HR systems to record relevant data and leave taken for training. 

I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Eric Page and Wendy Jepson for their leadership and dedication in shaping these policies. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring our council is inclusive and supportive of our serving colleagues has been instrumental.

I also wish to thank our Outdoor Events Team, led by Ian Baird, for their continued support of civic events including Remembrance, VE Day, and Armed Forces Day. Special thanks to our Remembrance

Committee and key partners such as Michael Button from Take Shelter, whose work in organising Armed Forces Day has helped us engage meaningfully with our local cadet units, reservists, veterans, and personnel.

Brighton & Hove is home to a vibrant and dedicated armed forces community. Through these initiatives, we have not only strengthened our internal policies but also deepened our connection with those who serve bringing our city together in pride, respect, and gratitude.

Receiving the Gold Award was a moment of celebration, marked by a stirring performance from an army band and even a flypast a fitting tribute to the organisations, large and small, who have demonstrated their commitment to our armed forces personnel and veterans across the Southeast of England. 

Brighton & Hove remains a city that honours service, supports its people, and leads with compassion.

Thank you.

Councillor Sankey presented the award to the mayor. 

Before we move on to today’s agenda, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the remarkable events and initiatives that have taken place across our city over the past couple of months.

August began with a vibrant celebration as I had the honour of launching the Rainbow Run, a 5km charity event around Hove Park marking the start of our city’s Pride celebrations. Organised by the Rainbow Run charity, this year’s event raised funds for Allsorts, one of my chosen Mayoral Charities. The park was filled with colour, laughter, and joy. Later that month, I welcomed Simon, Ian, and the Rainbow Run committee to the Mayor’s Parlour, where they proudly presented a cheque for £6,000 to support Allsorts’ vital work.

The following day, my Consort and I joined the Pride celebrations, where I had the privilege of starting the parade and travelling aboard the Pride Bus. It was a day of unity, celebration, and unforgettable moments.

I was deeply honoured to host a VJ Day Service at St Helen’s Church in Hangleton, led by my Chaplain, Reverend David Hazell. Together with veterans, cadets, residents, and community leaders, we paid tribute to the courage of those who served, the strength of families who waited, and the resilience of communities who rebuilt. We were especially moved by the presence of Anne Bawden, a 96-year-old Hove resident who shared her powerful story of internment in Lunghwa Camp in Shanghai - a story immortalised in the book and film Empire of the Sun. Her words were a profound testament to patriotism, faith, and the enduring human spirit.

I had the pleasure of visiting Pelican Parcels’ new offices and warehouse in Hove. This remarkable charity redistributes pre-loved and new items, from baby clothes and books to prams and play mats - to families facing financial hardship across Brighton & Hove. Their work, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, is a beacon of compassion and community care.

We also welcomed schoolchildren and municipal leaders from Ashikata in Japan, strengthening our bonds of international friendship and cultural exchange. I participated in the Festival of Chariots, helping clean the streets as the chariot was pulled along the seafront. I joined the Army Careers Team for a volunteer day cleaning Brighton beach and learning more about employment opportunities in the armed forces.

I had the pleasure of visiting Tower House, run by the St Vincent de Paul Society, where they hosted a joyful afternoon tea. The centre welcomes anyone over 50, regardless of faith, and offers a wide range of clubs, classes, and services aimed at reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing. It was a truly uplifting afternoon.

The Mayor’s Charities have been active, hosting a Tea and Cake Fundraiser at the Royal Pavilion Café - a lovely opportunity for guests to connect and learn more about the charities making a difference in our city. I also met with the new General Manager at The Grand Brighton Hotel to discuss future partnerships and support.

This weekend, I’ll be joining the Hove & Adur Sea Cadets for a sponsored ‘Sleep Out’ in Hove Park to raise funds for my Mayoral Charities. I’ve been gathering thermal sleeping bags and supplies, and the Civic Office has shared the sponsorship link. Every contribution goes directly to supporting my Mayoral Charities, and I’m deeply grateful for your generosity.

Looking ahead, in early November I will host the launch of the Brighton & Hove Buses Santa Bus Appeal at Brighton Town Hall. And in December, I’ll be joining the Santa Bus itself with my charities spreading festive cheer and raising vital funds.

Last week, we gathered once again at St Helen’s Church for the Civic Harvest Festival Service. Joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, dignitaries, community leaders, and our armed forces community, we gave thanks for the gifts of creation and the strength of community. Donations were made to Oasis Foodbank in Hangleton and Lunch Positive, a charity supporting residents living with HIV. We were also joined by Sophie and Jonathan from Mile Oak Farm who even brought their tractor to the church! A wonderful reminder that farming and stewardship of the land remain vibrant in our city.

Next month, I will have the great privilege in leading the city in honouring those who gave their lives in service, with 12 commemorative events taking place across the city from Rottingdean to Portslade. These services are proudly supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and our dedicated community partners, volunteers, faith leaders, and armed forces personnel. I warmly invite all members, colleagues and residents to join us in remembrance to pause, reflect, and pay tribute alongside communities across the nation. And a gentle reminder the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launches on 23 October. Poppies will be available at the Town Halls and across our city. Your support helps honour the past and support those who serve today.

Finally, I would like to share a short BAFTA-awarded film titled The Run, which Councillor Sankey and I watched at the ‘It Takes A Village’ event hosted by Brighton & Hove Fostering Service last Thursday. The event focused on how to support Black and Global Majority children in the care system. The film gives voice to young people who have lived in care. Though actors tell the story, the experiences are real. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Fostering Services Team for the incredible work they do across our city and now, I will ask the AV Team to play the film. Thank you.