Activities and Events
Find SEND Activities and Events
SEND-Specific Directory (on 1Space)
The Local Offer also lists hundreds of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specific services, on 1Space. This includes a category for activities and events:
Services also include activities and events for parents, carers and siblings. You can use the filters and search function within each category to find suitable activities for you.
If you are new to 1Space, you can find out more about how to use the directory:
Follow Our Social Media Channels
SEND East Sussex is the name of our Facebook, X and Instagram social media accounts. This is where we aim to inform followers about upcoming activities and events. These are activities and events that can be enjoyed by children, young people, parents and carers.
Following us on social media is another great way of keeping up-to-date with the latest news, information and guidance about SEND:
- Follow SEND East Sussex on Facebook
- Follow SEND East Sussex on X / Twitter
- Follow SEND East Sussex on Instagram
SEND Connect East Sussex Newsletter
SEND Connect East Sussex is our newsletter for children and young people with SEND, and their families. It provides information, advice and resources. The newsletters include Education East Sussex updates, news, ideas, activities and events.
You can sign up to our newsletter mailing list. This will allow you to receive future newsletters to your email inbox.
If you would like to feed into future newsletters, or have any feedback or questions for the team, please contact:
i-go (Register and Free Leisure Discount Card)
i-go is a register and free leisure discount card. It is for people 0-25 with additional needs living or studying in East Sussex. This could include learning, physical, or social, emotional and mental health needs. A diagnosis is not always necessary.
The i-go leisure discount card gives you:
- Exciting offers from i-go partners at leisure centres, attractions, activities and clubs
- Accessibility information to help you plan your visit
When you apply for an i-go leisure discount card, you also join The Children and Young People’s Additional Needs Register.
Find out more about i-go by visiting their website:
Short Breaks
Short breaks, also known as respite, are a range of services that support children, young people and their families. These allow children and young people some time away from their families, while enjoying new experiences.
Find out more by visiting our page on short breaks.
The short breaks page also explains the process for providers on how they can apply for a short breaks grant.
Parent of Deaf Children Workshops
We offer workshops for parents of deaf children. They are designed to provide information, support, and guidance. These resources can help parents:
- understand their child's deafness,
- learn practical strategies for communication and support, and
- connect with other families facing similar challenges.
We offer a relaxed, supportive space in a friendly environment. This allows parents and carers to share and explore deaf related themes.
Some sessions focus on a specific theme or a (professional) guest visiting. If this is the case, we will highlight it alongside the time, date and location.
A facilitator will run each session. On some occasions, a Teacher of the Deaf will come along.
Please book to attend the workshops. Contact Gaea Thompson by emailing gaeat@willingdonprimary.co.uk to book, or for more information / enquires.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the session start.
Young children (pre-school and under) are invited to these sessions. There will be toys to keep them pre-occupied.
Upcoming workshops are:
- Thursday 12 March (6:00pm to 8:00pm) at Teaching and Learning Centre, 9 Park Lane, Eastbourne, BN21 2UU. This session is on 'Audiology', with the focus on Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants and other devices. It includes understanding the level of hearing loss and equipment use for school or at home.
- Thursday 7 May (6:00pm to 8:00pm) at Teaching and Learning Centre, 9 Park Lane, Eastbourne, BN21 2UU. This session is focused on ‘Causes of Challenging Behaviour / Anger and strong feelings’.
- Thursday 2 July (6:00pm to 8:00pm) at Teaching and Learning Centre, 9 Park Lane, Eastbourne, BN21 2UU. This session is focused on ‘Transition to next year / Transition to Secondary School’.
Deaf Role Model Days
We run Deaf Role Model Days where children (between school Year 1 to Year 6) get an opportunity to meet an adult who is deaf.
With deaf role models, deaf children are more likely to:
- strengthen their skills,
- self-determination,
- language skills, and
- explore more options after finishing school.
It helps them to be aspirational and reduces the potential impact of deafness on their mental health.
Unless specified otherwise, these days take place at the:
- Deaf Support Facility (DSF), at Willingdon Primary School, Rapson’s Road, Eastbourne, BN20 9RJ.
Upcoming workshops are:
- Friday 20 March (9:30am to 2:30pm). In the morning the deaf role model is Lottie (auditor for the NHS). In the afternoon we have a virtual meet with deaf role model Scott Garthwaite (TV presenter known as PunkChef!).
- Friday 8 May (9:30am to 2:30pm)
- Friday 17 July (9:30am to 2:30pm). The deaf role model will be Ruth Montgomery (professional flautist and composer). She also created and runs a charity called Audiovisability.
If you're interested in attending any of these events, please email gaeat@willingdonprimary.co.uk
Amaze Events
Amaze are a charity that have various upcoming workshops, groups, clubs and events. You can find out more by visiting the Amaze website:
Amazing Futures East Sussex
Amazing Futures (part of Amaze) is for young people aged 14 to 25 with SEND, living in Brighton & Hove or East Sussex.
They run face-to-face peer support activity groups for young people with additional needs. Events on offer include games, art, seafront walks, an LGBTQ+ group, and much more.
These events are a great opportunity to meet people of a similar age and to get involved in a range of activities. You will also have the opportunity to talk to a trained peer support volunteer at the groups. They are not there to tell you what to do. They are happy to listen and support you to find your own solutions to any problems you may have.
Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms
We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.