news
See what PaCC & amaze are talking about...
Update for families from Brighton & Hove City Council about the coronavirus
You may be hearing a lot in the news at the moment about the reported incidents of coronavirus in the city and we understand parents and carers may be especially anxious and hope the following information will be helpful: Public Health England is the lead organisation responding to the situation. Public Health England is working...
The post Update for families from Brighton & Hove City Council about the coronavirus appeared first on Amaze.
SENDIASS Helpline news
We’re really excited about two developments for our SENDIASS helpline that we hope will cut the time you have to wait to speak to an adviser. We have a new helpline assistant, Boo Vaughan, who will be contacting people who have left messages to book them a scheduled callback with a trained SENDIASS adviser to...
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Face 2 Face peer befriending launches in East Sussex
Amaze’s Face 2 Face peer befriending service is launching in East Sussex. Face 2 Face provides emotional support to parents of disabled children during the very early days, around the time of diagnosis. We have a team of trained befrienders who are ready to support parents in most parts of East Sussex, particularly around Crowborough...
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Tell us what you think of our Compass Card and DLA/PIP projects!
Many of you will have a Compass Card or have had some support from us to claim DLA/PIP disability benefits for your child or young person. Can you help Amaze to continue to improve, and secure future funding for these important projects by filling in one, two or all three of our short surveys! The surveys...
The post Tell us what you think of our Compass Card and DLA/PIP projects! appeared first on Amaze.
New Amazingly Active programme launching in Eastbourne
Amaze is delighted that thanks to a generous grant from the John Jackson Charitable Trust we are now able to offer Amazingly Active – an inclusive healthy exercise programme for young people with additional needs in Eastbourne, as part of our Amazing Futures project. Phase one of this exciting new exercise programme begins in February,...
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Brighton & Hove City Council update on Home to School Transport
This is the latest update from Brighton & Hove City Council on Home to School Transport: “Dear families, Many parents and carers will be aware that a problem last Thursday 16 January caused disruption to the journeys of eight children to school the following morning. We regret disruption caused very much and have apologised to...
The post Brighton & Hove City Council update on Home to School Transport appeared first on Amaze.
What now for the national SEND Review?
Last autumn it felt like SEND was high on the political agenda nationally. In September 2019, it was five years since the Children and Families Act brought in the current SEND system, including EHC Plans, and there was some honest discussion about whether these reforms had lived up to hopes and expectations. The Education Committee...
The post What now for the national SEND Review? appeared first on Amaze.
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Chair
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
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East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Administrative and Communications Assistant
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Administrative and Communications Assistant appeared first on Amaze.
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Engagement Co-ordinator
ESPCF is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. ESPCF’s aim is to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their voice, their views and their experiences matter and contribute towards developing and improving services. We do this...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Engagement Co-ordinator appeared first on Amaze.
The independent review of Brighton and Hove home to school transport is underway
The Independent Review of Brighton and Hove Home to School Transport is now underway. A team from the Local Government Association will spend the next 3 weeks reviewing relevant documentation and 3 focus groups will take place (dates below) providing an opportunity for parent carers to share their experiences and thoughts. Amaze is supporting PaCC...
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Amaze’s East Sussex AGM a big success
Amaze’s first ever AGM in East Sussex took place in December at the Lawn Tennis Association in Eastbourne. It was also our first AGM focused on our direct work with young people as we celebrated our first year of Amazing Futures in East Sussex.The peer supporters, interns and group participants from East Sussex took to...
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New Head of SEN Statutory Services for Brighton & Hove
Welcome to Rhian Hughes who has very recently joined Brighton & Hove City Council as Head of SEN Statutory Services. Rhian has 13 years of experience in SEN management and has worked in four London boroughs. Rhian says “ I am delighted to have joined Brighton & Hove Council as the Head of SEN Statutory...
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Latest on Brighton & Hove SEND Strategy
Work is underway to develop a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy for Brighton & Hove, to be launched next year. This strategy will be co-produced with parents and carers and there will ongoing scrutiny to make sure that the strategy is meeting its aims. Discussions with parents, carers and other professionals and...
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Colour Matching really is catching
We’re delighted to report that our brilliant new Colour Matching is Catching coffee table book is selling like hot cakes – so much so that we’ve ordered another batch in time for all your Christmas stockings – so please order one and help support Amaze this Christmas. The book is hard backed, 230 by 180mm,...
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New ‘Amazine’ e-magazine for young people with SEND launches in the new year
Amaze is launching an accessible new online magazine for young people with SEND, by young people with SEND. “Amazine” was the idea of young people in our Amazing Futures peer support groups, who’ve been working hard to put together the first edition. The e-magazine is being coordinated by our Student Project Worker, Megan O’Brien, who...
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Parents and schools at inclusion conference
This year’s ISEND Inclusion Conference on 19 November broke new ground as it brought parents and school staff together to look at the theme “Working Together for Better Outcomes”. All East Sussex schools were invited to book a place for their SENCO or head and one or two parents from their school to all attend together....
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Independent Review planned for Home to School Transport in Brighton and Hove – PaCC UPDATE
It was a difficult start to the autumn term for many parents whose children rely on Home to School Transport to get them to and from school. Problems arose following changes in the way Home to School Transport is run which involved a new tender going out to multiple taxi companies with multiple new routes....
The post Independent Review planned for Home to School Transport in Brighton and Hove – PaCC UPDATE appeared first on Amaze.
New parent carer forum for East Sussex
East Sussex Parent Carer Forum (ESPCF) is the new forum for parent carers of children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in East Sussex. Local parent support groups iContact and ImPACT are working together to set up ESPCF to ensure that every parent carer in East Sussex feels that their...
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‘Colour Matching is Catching’ – new coffee table book in aid of Amaze
‘Colour Matching is Catching’ is a bright and beautiful coffee table book that celebrates Brighton’s colourful quirkiness, in aid of Amaze. Available now, ‘Colour Matching is Catching’ is stuffed with brilliantly witty pictures of local residents colour-matched to their home, their cars and each other. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to Amaze to...
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New Amaze patrons comedians Joe Wilkinson and Angela Barnes celebrate BIG CHEER success with Amaze
New patrons Angela Barnes and Joe Wilkinson are celebrating with Amaze following our BIG CHEER comedy night at Komedia on Thursday 10th october. Amaze’s flagship fundraising event sold out yet again and raised £5,600 for local families with disabled children. Over the last eight years, ‘BIG CHEER for Amaze’ has generated a whopping £70,000! Angela...
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Volunteer peer supporters wanted for our Amazing Futures Brighton groups for young people
We’re looking for more young people to join our friendly team of volunteer peer supporters at our Brighton peer support activity groups. Our next training course for new volunteers starts in November. About you You must be aged 18-25 and either have additional needs yourself, or have had experiences that help you understand what it’s like...
The post Volunteer peer supporters wanted for our Amazing Futures Brighton groups for young people appeared first on Amaze.
Amaze burglary on Friday 18 October
As you may have heard, thieves broke down our door on Friday night, and spent some time smashing the locks to every locked filing cabinet and drawer, walking away with hundreds of pounds of laptops and camera equipment. A small amount of petty cash was also taken. It is thought someone somehow gained access to the...
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Brighton & Hove home to school transport – council response to PaCC’s action plan
Brighton & Hove City Council has published a response to Brighton & Hove PaCC’s emergency action plan on the home to school transport crisis, which was compiled following feedback from the parent carer community. Download the home to school transport briefing from Brighton & Hove City Council [pdf 69kb]. Within this document you will see that several...
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New Parent Carer Forum in East Sussex
We are pleased to announce a new parent carer forum is being set up in East Sussex. Parent support groups iContact and ImPACT have been awarded a 3-year contract by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to develop a forum which effectively represents the views and needs of families with children...
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Amaze seeks Communications and Editorial Assistant
15-20 hours per week (flexible depending on availability) Rate: £12.11 per hour, equivalent to NJC Scale Point 16 4 month contract (with potential to extend) Amaze is an award-winning local charity that gives information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. We are looking...
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Eastbourne office on the move
Amaze’s Eastbourne office is waving a fond farewell to Highlight House at the end of the month. From Tuesday 1st October, we will be located in a young people friendly space that’s better suited to our needs as we expand: the new YMCA Youth Advice Centre. This new location is only a 10-15 minute walk...
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Join the Union – Amaze’s new group for young autistic people in East Sussex
Make friends, have fun and be yourself. Our Amazing Future’s project is launching a new community group for 14-25 year olds with ASC in East Sussex – the Young Autistic Union (YAU). The Young Autistic Union is all about empowering young people with autism to have a voice and have an active role in becoming an...
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Amaze seeks two Young People’s Peer Support Interns
Paid Internship Opportunity Two roles available: in Brighton & Hove and Eastbourne Amaze Young People’s Peer Support Interns 12 hours a week for up to 9 months (in Eastbourne) and for 6 months (in Brighton) with the potential of extending this to a year, funding permitting £9 per hour (based on living wage guidelines) Watch a...
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Home to school transport issues in Brighton & Hove – update
[Scroll down for update from Brighton & Hove City Council.] We know that there have been some delays confirming home to school transport (HTST) arrangements, and mistakes made, for some families in Brighton and Hove in receipt of HTST for their child. We know how essential it is for both the child or young person,...
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Face2Face Befriending Training Opportunity in Brighton & Hove starting in September
Are you the parent of a child with additional needs or disabilities? Do you feel you have knowledge and lived experience that could help support other parents and carers? Would you like to take up a valuable and fulfilling role as an Amaze face to face befriender? Face2Face offers emotional peer support to parents of...
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Amazing Futures in East Sussex want to hear your views!
Our Amazing Futures project in East Sussex wants to expand and develop a group for young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We’d love to know what you think and your opinions will help to design the project. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and share with anyone you think may...
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SENDIASS East Sussex volunteers wanted
Would you like to help parents and young people with SEN and disabilities in East Sussex get the information and advice they need about education, health and social care? Amaze is recruiting now for volunteers to support parents who use our Special Education Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) We are keen...
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Amaze seeks DLA volunteers
Could you be a DLA volunteer? Amaze are recruiting volunteers to help our families make claims for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). We all need support to do the hard stuff… and DLA claims are tough! We’re looking for volunteers who are warm, approachable and have a non-judgemental attitude. You will be good at listening, enjoy...
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Amaze and PaCC chosen as beneficiary charities by new mayor of Brighton & Hove
Introducing the new mayor of the city of Brighton & Hove! Congratulations to Councillor Alexandra Phillips, the youngest ever mayor of Brighton & Hove, taking up the ceremonial chains at 33 years old. Amaze and the Parent Carers Council PaCC are delighted to have been chosen as two of the beneficiary charities for her year...
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Amaze seeks Database Co-ordinator
18 to 21 hours per week Location: Brighton Salary: NJC 25-26 £28,785 – £29,636 (pro rata) Fixed-term for two years, with likelihood of extension subject to funding Amaze is a Sussex based charity that supports families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We are looking for an experienced Database...
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Amaze seeks Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
12 to 14 hours per week Location: Brighton Salary: NJC 23-24 £26,999 – £27,905 pro rata Fixed-term for one year, with likely extension, subject to funding Amaze is a Sussex based charity that supports families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This new role offers an exciting opportunity to maintain...
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Looking Forward launches in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex
Looking Forward is a new programme from Amaze for young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged 14-25 who are thinking about options for education, employment and training. We are based in Brighton & Hove and Eastbourne. As part of the preparation for adulthood young people need to think about their next steps in...
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Amaze is seeking Compass volunteers (Brighton)
We’re seeking one or two volunteers to help ensure the smooth running of the Compass Project at Amaze. The Compass Project has been running in Brighton & Hove for over 16 years, and in West Sussex for three years, managing the Compass ‘disability register’ and Compass Card scheme. With over 4,000 Compass Card holders across...
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Sue White retires from Jeanne Saunders Centre
We’re sad to report that after 16 years working for the Pre-school Special Educational Needs Service (PRESENS), Sue White will be retiring as Head of the Jeanne Saunders Centre at the end of this term. Sue says, “I feel very privileged to have worked with such amazing children and their families, as well as alongside such...
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My favourite day – Renaissance Legal artwork competition for children and young people with SEND
Our friends and partners Renaissance Legal have just moved to a lovely new office space and really want some bright new artwork to liven up their bare walls. They would like children and young adults (between 4 and 25) with disabilities or SEN to share a pictorial story of their favourite day. There will be...
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Amaze seeks Data and Performance Manager
21-30 hours per week Location: Brighton Salary: NJC 29-34 £26,460 – £30,756 pro rata Fixed term contract for two years but with likely extension Amaze seeks a Data and Performance Manager to lead and develop the effective use of data and information within Amaze, to inform both our service improvement and the work of partner agencies...
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Amazing Futures for young people with SEND in East Sussex – peer supporters needed now!
Amaze is really excited to be expanding our Amazing Futures project into East Sussex and we are now looking for Peer Supporters aged 18-25 who can help support young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Training is free and takes place on Thursday 15 and Thursday 22 November from 5 to 7.30pm at The...
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National Stress Awareness Day 2018
November 7th is National Stress Awareness Day. Whether you’re a parent carer, or a young person with additional needs, the extra challenges you face can lead to extra stress. When you’re stressed out, everything is harder to deal with. On top of that, stress can be very bad for your health and cause all kinds...
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Increase in autism and language support in Brighton & Hove schools
Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS) has announced an increased level of support across the city for children with autism. From September 2018, BHISS will have a combined Autism and Language Team which will include seven advisory teachers (including SEN Specialist Teachers), three family practitioners and an administrator. From the start of the autumn...
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Give us your views on new standards for Information, Advice and Support Services
Amaze is the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. This means we are funded by these two local authorities to provide impartial advice and support to parent carers of children and young people with SEND and to young people themselves up to 25....
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New Assistant Director of Health and SEND in Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove has a new Assistant Director for Health, SEN and Disabilities, Georgina Clarke-Green. We asked Georgina to introduce herself to parent carers in the city: “I am delighted to be the newly appointed Assistant Director for Health, SEN and Disabilities. I feel privileged and excited to have been given the opportunity to work...
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Sort out some fun activities for the summer
If, like many of us, you’ve only started thinking about what to do in the summer, it’s not too late to get some activities sorted to keep the kids busy over the summer. Where to start? Amaze’s Fun Stuff leisure guide Amaze’s brand new Fun Stuff leisure guide [pdf 2mb] is a great starting point –...
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Amaze seeks Amazing Futures East Sussex Project Coordinator
21 hours per week Location: Eastbourne Salary: NJC 29 £26,470 pro rata (actual for 21 hours £15,882) Fixed term contract for one year but with likely extension Exciting opportunity to set up a new project with well-regarded Sussex charity Amaze. You will have experience of working with young people with additional needs and the development...
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Celebrate Disability Pride with lots of Compass Card offers
Disability Pride 2018 is from 11.30am to 7pm on Sunday 14 July on Hove Lawns and the Compass Team at Amaze is celebrating with six unmissable, time-limited Compass Card offers from our lovely Compass Card Partners. Catch them while you can! You can see more information about each of these organisations on our free Compass...
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events
See what's happening...
Amazingly Active peer coach training [East Sussex]
24th February 2020 - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Defiant Sports Hub,
Sovereign Harbour Retail Park
EastbourneAmazing Futures - group for young women and non-binary people [Brighton]
26th February 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonWhitehawk coffee morning for parent carers - ‘Expert Parents speaking from experience’
27th February 2020 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Whitehawk Inn
Whitehawk Road
BrightonDads Group - monthly meet up for fathers of children with additional needs
27th February 2020 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Stoneham Pub
Portland Road
HoveAmaze workshop - SEN support in school [East Sussex]
03rd March 2020 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ditchling Primary School
46A Lewes Road, Ditchling,
HassocksFree Challenging behaviour workshop (2 of 2) - [Brighton]
03rd March 2020 - 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
BMECP Centre
10a Fleet Street
BrightonAmaze Face2Face breakfast club - [Brighton]
05th March 2020 - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Alcampo Lounge
London Road,
BrightonAmazing Futures "Dramaze" - free drama club for young people with SEND [Brighton]
11th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonWills and Trusts - Planning for the Future Workshop
12th March 2020 - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing Futures creative project with MyMarc Art Project and Phoenix Brighton (1 of 2)
12th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Phoenix Art Space
10-14 Waterloo Place
BrightonAmazing Futures gaming evening [Brighton]
13th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Extratime, Village Centre,
Windlesham Close, Portslade
BrightonAutism Saturday Club for under 8s (Brighton)
14th March 2020 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tarner Children's Centre
(Morley Street entrance)
BrightonAmazing Futures free peer support sessions for young people [Brighton]
17th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonAlexander Technique workshop for Compass Card parents and Carer's Card holders [Brighton]
20th March 2020 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Amaze, Community Base
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing Futures group for young women and non-binary people [Brighton]
25th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Young People's Centre
69 Ship Street
BrightonPRESENS and Face2Face Social Afternoons
30th March 2020 - 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
The Jeanne Saunders Centre
31 Palmeira Avenue
HoveSENDIASS workshop - EHC needs assessments (Brighton)
31st March 2020 - 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Amaze meeting room, Community Base
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing Futures creative project - Young People's Creative Day (2 of 2)
14th April 2020 - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Phoenix Art Space
10-14 Waterloo Place
Brighton