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Amaze News
16th April 2026
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) seeks Participation Officer (North of West Sussex)
Are you interested in strengthening support for parent carers and their children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West ... Amaze News
15th April 2026
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) seeks Strategic Lead
Are you interested in strengthening support for parent carers and their children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West ... Amaze News
26th March 2026
Celebrate and support us this Board Game Day
Do you love Board Games? Do you want to support Amaze? Celebrate Board Game Day with us this April! National Board Game day is ... Amaze News
19th March 2026
Amaze and West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) confirm merger
WSPCF and Amaze trustees are pleased to confirm that ‘due diligence’ checks are now complete, meaning both organisations have assured themselves that there are ... Amaze News
17th March 2026
The white paper a month on: Amaze CEO, Sally Polanski, shares some initial responses to the proposals
The government’s new white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and associated SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First Consultation sets out a wide-ranging vision for the ... Amaze News
5th March 2026
Amazing Futures Easter holiday scheme 2026 – bookings now open
We’re pleased to announce that we will be running a two week Amazing Futures Easter scheme during the Easter holidays, at the Weller Youth Centre, Knoll Park, ... Amaze News
5th March 2026
Celebrating World Book Day at Amaze
This World Book Day, Amaze is celebrating more than just books. We’re celebrating the power of stories to connect us, comfort us and bring ... Amaze News
3rd March 2026
From open road to exercise bike: completing a fundraising challenge against the odds
At Amaze, we are so grateful to have so many brilliant people take on challenges for us. Running, cycling, swimming, walking on hot coals ... Local SEND news
27th February 2026
The Schools White Paper: What you need to know
The government has published its new white paper, setting out big changes for schools and support for children with SEND. These proposals make changes ... SEND Advice
25th February 2026
Amaze guidance on the use of AI in relation to your child’s SEND
In the last few months, Amaze has noticed that more of you are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for SEND ... Storytrail
5th February 2026
MakeGood designs The Story Trail campaign
Amaze has partnered with Wild in Art to bring you The Story Trail – a free, fun and family-friendly adventure. Between September and November ... Amaze News
2nd February 2026
Renaissance Group Sponsors The Story Trail
Amaze, your local charity supporting families with disabled children, has begun partnering with local businesses to bring The Story Trail to life. Between September ... Amaze News
29th January 2026
Amaze unveils wellbeing workshops for parent carers in East Sussex
We’re delighted to announce that our Parent Groups and Befriending team will be running a host of free wellbeing workshops across East Sussex this ... Local SEND news
29th January 2026
Alternative Provision latest from East Sussex
As part of the government’s SEND and AP Change Programme, East Sussex County Council are testing out a lot of initiatives to try and ... Amaze News
29th January 2026
Plus Accounting Sponsors The Story Trail
Amaze, your local charity supporting families with disabled children, has begun partnering with local businesses to bring The Story Trail to life. Between September ... Amaze News
27th January 2026
Julia Donaldson announced as Story Trail writers judge
Sussex school children invited to enter Story Trail Writing Competition – deadline to sign up and take part in Story Trail Learner Programme is ... Amaze News
25th January 2026
Star Community Housing Sponsors The Story Trail
Amaze, your local charity supporting families with disabled children, has begun partnering with local businesses to bring The Story Trail to life. Between September ... Local SEND news
22nd January 2026
Latest on alternative provision pilot at Varndean and Patcham High School, Brighton
Adapted Learning Provision (ALP) pilot at Patcham and Varndean As part of its work for the government’s SEND AP Change Programme, Brighton & Hove ... Amaze News
22nd January 2026
The Story Trail’s first addition— ‘Sweet Memory’
Amaze, your local charity supporting families with disabled children, has partnered with Wild in Art to bring you The Story Trail—a free, fun and ... Amaze News
18th December 2025
Why artists should submit to The Story Trail
Artists from Sussex and beyond have started working on their BookBench designs for our Story Trail. These BookBenches will be scattered around the city ... Amaze News
11th December 2025
Why you should sponsor The Story Trail
Are you a business in Sussex? We want you to be part of the city’s biggest event of 2026 as a BookBench sponsor. The Story ... SEND Advice
2nd December 2025
Tips for a calmer Christmas if your child has SEND
We all know Christmas can be stressful – and this can be intensified when your child has special educational needs or a disability. So ... Local SEND news
1st December 2025
Help with the cost of Christmas
With the festive season upon us, we know that many families will be struggling to afford everyday expenses let alone Christmas. There is help ... SEND Advice
30th November 2025
SENDIASS guide to SEND tribunals
Amaze has heard from many families who are worried about long waits to have an appeal heard by the First-Tier (SEND) Tribunal. With waits ... SEND Advice
26th November 2025
Getting support over Christmas
We know the Christmas holidays can be a difficult time for many families. If you or your child are struggling to cope over ... Amaze News
19th November 2025
I’m taking on a running challenge for Amaze – here’s why you should too
Amaze is lucky to have one place in the London Marathon 2026 (we have another runner who has chosen us as their charity, yay! ... SEND Advice
14th November 2025
Your rights as a carer
We know that many of our parents don’t consider themselves to be carers. But it’s important to recognise that the extra responsibilities you have ... Amaze News
12th November 2025
Amaze and West Sussex Parent Carer Forum announce merger in 2026
We are excited to announce that from April 2026 Amaze will host West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) in the same way that we ... SEND Advice
23rd October 2025
Managing meetings and paperwork
When you have a child with additional needs, just managing their medical appointments, school meetings and disability benefits can seem like a full time ... Amaze News
14th October 2025
I walked on fire for Amaze – here’s why you should too
Thinking of fundraising for Amaze? Read on to find out more about our 2025 Firewalk and why walking on hot coals is an impressive ... Amaze News
9th October 2025
Applications open now for The Story Trail Artists
Amaze is calling on artists to take part in The Story Trail partnered with Wild Art to the streets of Brighton & Hove between ... Amaze News
1st October 2025
Amaze launches The Story Trail
Amaze unveils new art trail for 2026 – inviting everyone to #SitWithUs Get ready to dive into Brighton & Hove’s first storybook art trail. ... Amaze News
25th September 2025
Amaze officially launches our young people’s website at Youth Voice Day
On Sat 21 September young people from our Amazing Futures groups came together at our Eastbourne site to share their views at our Youth ... SEND Advice
23rd September 2025
How to make the most of therapy for children with SEND
When your child has additional needs, getting them to say words, take steps, sleep soundly, keep friends, or just stay well, can require extra ... Amaze News
18th September 2025
Strictly come dancing comes to Lewes with Amaze event
We’re inviting you to get dancing at our Strictly Come Dancing-themed fundraiser on Friday 10th October. The event takes place at the All Saints ... Local SEND news
17th September 2025
Applying for a school in Brighton & Hove without an EHCP
Are you choosing a school without an EHCP? Are you thinking about using ‘compelling medical or other exceptional reasons’ to make the case for ... Amaze News
17th July 2025
Trio Brighton Marathon Runners
Jenny, Jackie and Georgina came together to run the incredible 2025 Brighton Marathon for Amaze. Jenny shared with us the journey it took to ... SEND Advice
15th July 2025
Getting support over the summer
We know the holidays can be a difficult time for many families, with reduced support, changes to routines, and stretched budgets. If you or ... Amaze News
5th June 2025
My Amaze journey: Volunteer to Intern
For Volunteers’ Week, we want to thank all our brilliant volunteers and inspire others with their stories. This time we hear from Angelina, who ... Local SEND news
21st May 2025
Update from East Sussex County Council on developments in SEND education
Would you like to know more about developments in East Sussex that aim to improve the educational experience of children and young people with ... Amaze News
20th May 2025
Amaze launches its new strategic plan for 2025-2030
Sally Polanski, Amaze CEO, explains the thinking and processes that underpin our brand new organisational strategy Many thanks to the 200+ young people, parent ... Local SEND news
14th May 2025
Supported internships explained – what are they and who can get one?
St John’s College recently announced a new programme of Supported Internships to be delivered at the University of Sussex. They join a number of ... Local SEND news
14th May 2025
Developments in SEND Education in Brighton & Hove
As parent carers you have first-hand experience of some of the issues facing SEND education in Brighton & Hove. Though we know the pace ... Amaze News
7th May 2025
Amaze summer holiday sessions in Brighton & Hove – bookings open
We are pleased to be running two sets of holiday sessions in the summer in Brighton and Hove for young people aged 14-25 with ... Amaze News
23rd April 2025
Take on a challenge for Amaze in 2025
Could you do something big and brave for Amaze? We’re looking for daredevils and thrillseekers to take on some of our exciting events this year to ... Amaze News
25th March 2025
Why I climbed Yr Wyddfa for Amaze
Thinking of getting out your comfort zone? Read on to find out more about our Yr Wyddfa trek. Denise climbed a mountain for Amaze ... Amaze News
25th March 2025
Changes to our Parent Groups and Befriending Service
Amaze’s recent restructure, driven by reduced funding and increasing costs, means some changes to our Parent groups and befriending service across Brighton & Hove ... Amaze News
19th March 2025
Our Marie speaks to MPs about ‘What matters’ to young people with PMLD
Marie Baker, manager of our Parent Groups & Befriending service, spoke at the House of Commons last week. Marie was there as part of ... Amaze News
19th March 2025
Amaze urges MPs to reconsider disability benefits changes
Amaze has today written to MPs in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex to ask them to reconsider changes to disability benefits. The changes ... Amaze News
17th March 2025
Celebrate Amaze this Board Game Day
Grab your friends and family and play Board Games this April to support Amaze. On the 11th April, the UK celebrates National Board Game ... Amaze News
27th February 2025
Amaze awarded funding to support primary aged-children with transition to secondary
Amaze is one of a small number of charities to receive funding from NHS Charities Together’s Innovation Challenge Fund. The fund sees £923,100 initial ... Amaze News
12th February 2025
Tough times: changes to Amaze’s work in 2025/26 and our strategic plans for the longer term
“It is an overused saying that times are tough, especially as we know that for many families with children and young people with special ... Amaze News
12th February 2025
ND Family Support Service celebrates NHS partnership recognition
We are pleased to share that our ND Family Support Service has been recognised as an example of good partnership working between health services ... Amaze News
12th February 2025
Big Cheer 2025 raises nearly £7000 for Amaze
Comedian and Amaze Patron Angela Barnes led the line up for ‘Big Cheer’, our annual fundraising comedy night earlier this month. We’re delighted that ... Local SEND news
11th February 2025
East Sussex Local Area Partnership gets middle rating in Ofsted and CQC SEND inspection
The report of the Ofsted and CQC East Sussex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspection was published on 4 February 2025. The inspection ... SEND Advice
4th February 2025
SENDIASS top tips for when your child won’t go to school
Our SENDIASS team, many of whom are parent carers, give us their dos and don’ts for parents trying to manage this tricky issue ... Amaze News
21st January 2025
Santa bus raises over £3000 for Amaze
Santa Bus 2024 raised an outstanding £36,579 for local charities. In the lead up to Christmas Santa Claus travelled all the way from the ... SEND Advice
9th January 2025
Tips for adapting your home for your disabled child
Getting a major home adaptation for your disabled child is a complex process that may take a long time. Our SENDIASS team worked with ... Amaze News
7th January 2025
Big Cheer returns for 2025 this February
Comedian Angela Barnes leads line up for Big Cheer, a fundraising comedy night for Amaze in February. Angela Barnes will be joined by Joe ... Amaze News
5th December 2024
Amaze AGM & Conference – shaping our future priorities with the local SEND community
Amaze held our Annual General Meeting and SEND Community Conference on 28 November at Sussex University. Huge thanks to everyone who came and contributed to ... Amaze News
27th November 2024
Help us develop our strategy for 2025-2030
To help develop our strategic plan for 2025-30, Amaze is keen to get the views of local parent carers and young people with SEND ... Local SEND news
16th September 2024
Spotlight on the SEN Team in Brighton & Hove
Ever wondered what the SEN Team does and how they support families in Brighton & Hove? We spoke to the Head of the SEN ... Amaze News
16th September 2024
Eastbourne Family Fun Day in pictures!
We had such an amazing time at our family fun days in Portslade and Eastbourne this summer. Our Parent groups and befriending team invited ... Amaze News
12th September 2024
New information about private assessments and NHS Right to Choose
With continued long waiting lists for some NHS assessments, Amaze and local health services are working to get the right information out there about ... Amaze News
11th September 2024
Fun filled summer with Amazing Futures
Amazing Futures in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex have had a busy and a fun-filled summer, with over 60 young people with special ... Amaze News
10th September 2024
Balancing Act project enters first research phase
Amaze is delighted to be a partner in Balancing Act, an international research project that aims to learn from experiences of effective community support ... Amaze News
30th August 2024
Dreaming of a Life-Changing Win? Join the Amaze Lottery
Ever imagined what it would be like to have £25,000 at your fingertips? Perhaps a dream vacation, a much-needed home renovation, or a significant ... Amaze News
21st August 2024
New Amaze guides to training for families with neurodivergent children and young people in Sussex
Amaze’s ND Family Support Service has worked alongside partners in health, education and social care to produce two brand new guides to training for ... Local SEND news
21st August 2024
Support for children and young people and their families following the Cass Review of gender identity services
We know many families are feeling uncertain about where to turn since the independent Cass Review of gender identity services. After encouragement from Amaze, ... Amaze News
20th August 2024
Looking for something to entertain the kids this summer 2024? Don’t forget to use your Compass Card!
The end of the summer 2024 is almost here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping the kids entertained while making the most ... Amaze News
1st August 2024
Compass website closure
On Monday 5 August we’ll be closing our Compass Card website. Don’t worry! The Compass Card is still going strong and still has the ... Volunteering
25th July 2024
Event photographer volunteer
Could you help us capture the joy of our events? We’re looking for volunteers and we’d love to hear from you. Amaze is a ... Amaze News
18th July 2024
Running opportunities in 2025
Looking for a challenge for 2025? Look no further! Help keep Amaze running by taking part in a running event next year. Signing up ... Local SEND news
21st June 2024
Anxiety clinics for vaccinations
The NHS Child Immunisation Service is now offering anxiety clinics for children and young people aged 0 to 19 years who need a little ... Amaze News
20th June 2024
Refugee Week 2024
This week is refugee week, celebrating the contribution of refugees. The theme this year is ‘our home’, which invites people to mark what home ... Amaze News
17th June 2024
Amaze Xtra holiday scheme summer 2024 – booking now open
Booking is now open for the Amaze Xtra summer holiday scheme for young people in Brighton & Hove with SEND aged 14-25. This Amazing ... Amaze News
11th June 2024
Our request for election 2024 candidates in Sussex
For families with disabled children, the need for change has never been greater. Waiting times are up, money is down, and families tell us ... Amaze News
20th May 2024
International research project launched to review support for families with disabled children
Amaze has been selected as one of six organisations worldwide in ‘Balancing Act’, a new research project conducted by researchers from Queens University Canada. ... Amaze News
20th May 2024
Young people enjoy “Big Days Out” with Amazing Futures East Sussex
Over the past few months we’ve been super busy with our Big Days Out at Amazing Futures East Sussex. Whenever we consulted with young ... Amaze News
16th May 2024
Latest from Amazing Futures Brighton & Hove
As always, we’ve been really busy over in Amazing Futures Brighton and Hove. Here’s some of what we’ve been up to lately… Firstly, we ... Amaze News
16th May 2024
New parent groups & befriending service – a partnership with ESPCF and PaCC
Amaze’s Face 2 Face service for parent carers is changing. Rebranded ‘Parent groups and befriending’, the new service is a partnership between Brighton & ... Amaze News
9th May 2024
Crowdfunder for Amaze reaches initial £10,000 target
A crowdfunding campaign for Amaze, funding our work supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Sussex has reached its’ initial ... SEND Advice
30th April 2024
Tips for helping young people with additional needs understand money
Here’s our top tips for helping young people with additional needs understand more about money: The basics Find out what your child knows already. ... Amaze News
22nd April 2024
Amaze launches crowdfunder to support disabled young people
Amaze has today launched a crowdfunding campaign for their work supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Sussex. Local charity ... Amaze News
7th March 2024
Amaze challenges you to ‘reach new heights’ with South Downs and Snowdon treks
Local charity Amaze is inviting local people to take on one of two thrilling challenges to raise money to support families with disabled children ... Amaze News
6th March 2024
Amaze takes part in international research project on support around SEND
Amaze will feature as a case study in the research project, which will be formally launched in Brighton this week (7 March 2024). Amaze ... Amaze News
5th February 2024
Amaze seeks Community Champions
Could you offer a few hours on an irregular basis to local families with disabled children? If this sounds like you, Amaze would love ... Amaze News
2nd February 2024
SEND reforms Change Programme rollout
Following the outcome of the SEND review, in March 2023 the government published an Improvement Plan setting out proposals for making changes to the SEND ... Amaze News
4th January 2024
Drusillas’ Park hosts fun day for Amaze families
Drusillas’ recently invited some of the families from our befriending service to visit the park for a fun day. The visit took place ... Amaze News
20th December 2023
Run this year for Amaze
Looking for a challenge in 2024? Look no further. Help keep Amaze running this year by taking part in a running event. Many people ... Amaze News
15th November 2023
Amaze’s awesome art exhibition
We are thrilled to announce ‘Amaze’s Awesome Art’ – a FREE exhibition, open to the public for viewing Friday 1 December – Sunday 3 ... Amaze News
10th October 2023
The Big Cheer 2023
Another year, another great Big Cheer! Thursday 5 October saw us come together at Komedia in Brighton for our annual night of fundraising and ... Amaze News
10th October 2023
Extratime youth club and participation project transferring to Amaze
Over recent months we’ve been in discussions with our colleagues at Extratime about transferring Extratime’s youth club and participation project to Amaze when Extratime ... Amaze News
17th July 2023
Developing Amaze’s website for young people: how your feedback has shaped our plans so far
Over the past few weeks we have been reaching out to young people with SEND to ask about their needs and ideas for the ... Amaze News
6th June 2023
Amaze launches new weekly lottery
Amaze is excited to offer a brand new way to support the charity – a weekly lottery! For just £1 per play, per week, ... Amaze News
29th May 2023
Key numbers from the past year
Having just completed our annual reporting for year 2022/23, we wanted to share some of the key numbers that tell the story of Amaze ... Amaze News
23rd May 2023
Amaze’s website development – how your feedback has shaped our plans so far
In March, we asked you to complete a short survey about how you use the Amaze website and how you value it, as part ... Amaze News
24th January 2023
Amaze chosen as Drusillas’ Charity of the Year!
We are absolutely thrilled to be Drusillas’ Charity of the Year 2023! When you visit the park, you’ll be able to donate cash to ... Amaze News
21st November 2022
Celebrating 25 years of Amaze
Amaze is celebrating our 25th birthday this month! Our story began in 1997 and 25 years later, we now support over 3,000 families every ... SEND Advice
15th November 2022
Choosing leisure activities for children with SEND
Choosing leisure activities for children and young people with SEND Like everyone else, disabled children and young people want to spend free time with ... Amaze News
22nd September 2022
SENDIASS resources on home education, EOTAS and school avoidance
From calls to our advice line, we know that families need more information about home education. To answer some of your initial questions, our ... SEND Advice
11th May 2022
Managing the transition to secondary school
Managing the move to secondary school The move to secondary school brings new opportunities but can often feel daunting for both parents and children. ... SEND Advice
30th June 2021
Making the most of EHC Plan Annual Reviews – a SENDIASS guide
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan this must be reviewed once a year. When everything is going well and your ... SEND Advice
30th April 2020
