news
See what PaCC & amaze are talking about...
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...
The post East Sussex Parent Carer Forum seeks Chair appeared first on Amaze.
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...
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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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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...
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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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More specialist nursery hours at PRESENS Jeanne Saunders Centre in Brighton & Hove
From September 2018 children attending the Jeanne Saunders Centre (JSC) specialist nursery will be able to use all of their 15 hours of free early learning funding. And children entitled to 30 hours of free early learning will be able to use up to 15 hours at an alternative setting. PRESENS JSC will also be...
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Tell us why you’re proud for Disability Pride 2018
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 an invitation to enter our Pride Prize Draw by telling us what makes you swell with pride. We’ll be asking you on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AmazeCompassCard/ and through our weekly e-newsletters...
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Amaze seeks Amazing Futures East Sussex Project Coordinator
Amazing Futures East Sussex Project Coordinator 21 hours per week based in East Sussex Salary: £26,470 pro rata (actual for 21 hours £15,882) NJC 29 Fixed term contract for one year but with likely extension This is an exciting opportunity to set up a new project with a well-regarded charity. You will have experience of working...
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Important changes to support with EHCPs
One of Amaze’s very successful projects, Independent Support, will be closing on 31 July 2018. After nearly four years supporting families with their EHCPs, the Department of Education is ending national funding for this project. We have received a great deal of positive feedback from parent carers and young people who have used the Independent...
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Volunteers lead the way at Amaze
As it’s Volunteers Week, Amaze would like to highlight the work of its inspirational Face 2 Face team. With 26 members, the Face 2 Face team offers emotional support to parents, particularly around the time of diagnosis. All of our volunteers (and our coordinator) are parents of children with SEND and the power of the...
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Sussex Freemasons visit Amaze to celebrate £30k donation to our Disability Living Allowance project
We were delighted to be visited recently by representatives from Sussex Freemasons to celebrate their generous donation of £30,000 towards our Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Project. The funding will help Amaze provide a team of trained volunteers to support the most disadvantaged families in Brighton and Hove to complete disability benefit forms. As part of...
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GDPR and Amaze: taking your data privacy seriously
Amaze and GDPR You might have read or heard about something called GDPR, which affects data protection law in the UK from next Friday, 25 May. GDPR (or the European Data Protection Regulation) is a brand new part of EU law on data protection and privacy that relates to all countries in the EU, including...
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Tell the government what you think about SEND reforms
The government’s Education Select Committee is embarking on a review of the SEND reforms introduced in 2014. They want to evaluate the success of the SEND reforms, how they have been implemented, and what impact they are having in meeting the challenges faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. As...
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events
See what's happening...
Free Amaze workshop - How to claim DLA (Disability Living Allowance) [Brighton]
22nd January 2020 - 9:45 am - 12:30 pm
Amaze meeting room, Community Base
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing Futures focus group session [East Sussex]
22nd January 2020 - 23rd January 2020 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC)
56-58 Seaside
EastbourneAmaze SENDIASS EHCP annual reviews workshop [East Sussex]
23rd January 2020 - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
State Hall
Station Road
HeathfieldAmazing Futures peer support activity sessions for young people [East Sussex]
23rd January 2020 - 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC)
56-58 Seaside
EastbourneYoung Autistic Union - group for young people with ASC [East Sussex]
29th January 2020 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The Pelham Community Hub
Holliers Hill, Sidley
BexhillWhitehawk coffee morning for parent parers - "Making sense of DLA and PIP"
30th January 2020 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Whitehawk Inn
Whitehawk Road
BrightonAmaze parent carer workshop - Preparing for the future [East Sussex]
30th January 2020 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
State Hall
Station Road
HeathfieldAmazing Futures wellbeing and relationships session for young women [East Sussex]
30th January 2020 - 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC)
56-58 Seaside
EastbourneDads Group - monthly meet up for fathers of children with additional needs
30th January 2020 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Stoneham Pub
Portland Road
HoveFree Amaze workshop - How to claim PIP (Personal Independence Payments) [Brighton]
03rd February 2020 - 9:45 am - 12:30 pm
Amaze meeting room, Community Base
113 Queens Road
BrightonLooking Forward - post-16 options workshop [East Sussex]
03rd February 2020 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Jobcentre Plus, St Anne's House
2 St Anne's Road
EastbourneAmaze Face 2 Face breakfast club - [Brighton]
05th February 2020 - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Alcampo Lounge
London Road,
BrightonLooking Forward - post-16 options workshop [Brighton]
05th February 2020 - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The Hangleton & Knoll Project, St. Richard's Church and Community Centre
Egmont Rd
HoveAutism Saturday Club for under 8s (Brighton)
08th February 2020 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tarner Children's Centre
(Morley Street entrance)
BrightonAmaze SENDIASS understanding the Education, Health and Care needs assessment [East Sussex]
11th February 2020 - 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Willingdon Community school
Broad Rd
EastbourneAmazing Futures "Dramaze" - free drama club for young people with SEND [Brighton]
12th February 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing Futures gaming evening [Brighton]
14th February 2020 - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Extratime, Village Centre,
Windlesham Close, Portslade
BrightonAmazing Futures free peer support sessions for young people [Brighton]
18th February 2020 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Community Base, Conference Room
113 Queens Road
BrightonAmazing 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
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
BrightonAmazing Futures gaming evening [Brighton]
13th March 2020 - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Extratime, Village Centre,
Windlesham Close, Portslade
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
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
Brighton