2024/2025 Cllr Miss Claire Needs

I am so proud to have been elected Mayor of Bognor Regis. I have served on Bognor Regis Town Council for around five years now and I like to see myself as approachable, welcoming the opportunity of meeting new people and embracing new experiences. I’d describe myself as very outgoing, always trying to see the ‘the fun side of life’ as well as working hard for the community I am proud to serve through my roles as both a Town and District Councillor, and now, also as Mayor.

A little bit about me, I am 39 years of age and a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and anxiety. I live in a local care home, and I have resided in Bognor Regis since I was 21 years old, having originally grown up in and around Reading, where I attended primary and secondary mainstream education. Following this I attended a specialist residential college in Hampshire which taught me valuable independence skills and where I studied GNVQ Health and Social Care.

Soon after relocating to Bognor Regis, I quickly became involved in the local community and began volunteering for various organisations and charities, including at ‘Scope’ charity shop and Grandads Front Room. I worked as a teaching assistant at Edward Bryant School and have always believed in creating diversity and equality for all.

My hobbies include socialising with friends, spending time with family and visiting lots of different places. I’m also a big fan of Disney, unicorns, and all things brightly coloured, which I think reflect my personality.

The most important attribute I will bring to my role as Mayor, is that I love doing whatever I can to help improve the lives of others as well as making Bognor Regis an even better place to live, work, study, and visit.

Mayor's Consort - Mrs Jane Smith

Mayor's Charity - Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice