Aspens offers services for children and young people with a range of disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and those with complex needs aged 8-25 (18-25 with EHCP) across East Sussex. 

Our services are aimed at those who may be in or out of education, facing social isolation or unable to access group-based activities. Our Children's Services support children and young people to develop skills required to become independent and confident young people, through a range of activities and support groups.

Application form

• East Sussex County Council children and young people's services referral form
• East Sussex County Council SEND monitoring referral form

Lewes Young Adults (16-25 yrs)

Collection/drop off point: Nutty Wizard Café, South Street, BN7 2BP

Bi-weekly (every other week), Tuesdays, 6pm-8pm, term time only 

This young people’s community-based group provides a range of fun activities which focuses on improving social and communication skills, building confidence, independence and self-esteem - all while making new friends and having fun!

Hastings Young Adults Group (16-25 yrs)

Roebuck Centre, Roebuck Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3BB

Wednesdays, 7.15pm-9.15pm, term time only

The group focuses on improving social and communication skills, building confidence and self-esteem, all while making new friends and having fun in a relaxed, informal setting

Hastings Teenz (11-15 yrs)

Roebuck Centre, Roebuck Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3BB

Wednesdays, 5pm-7pm, term time only

This young people’s group provides a range of structured and fun activities including music, drama, cookery, art, physical and interactive games. The group focuses on improving social and communication skills, building confidence, independence and self-esteem, making new friends and having fun, all in a relaxed, informal setting.

Dungeons and Dragons (14-25 yrs)

Roebuck Centre, Roebuck Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3BB

Mondays 4:30pm – 6:30pm, term time only

Battle (8+ yrs)

Sussex House, Tills Courtyard, High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE

First Saturday of each month, all year round, 9.30am-12.30pm

This children’s group provides a range of structured and fun activities including music, drama, cookery, art, physical and interactive games. The group focuses on improving social and communication skills, building confidence and self-esteem, making new friends and having fun, all in a relaxed, informal setting.

Battle (11-16 yrs)

Sussex House, Tills Courtyard, High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE

Second Saturday of each month, all year round, 9.30am-12.30pm

This young person’s group provides a range of structured and fun activities including music, drama, cookery, art, physical and interactive games. The group focuses on improving social and communication skills, building confidence and self-esteem, making new friends and having fun, all in a relaxed, informal setting.

Holiday activities programme

We run activity programmes for young people aged 10-25 during the Easter and Summer school holidays and the half-terms in February, May and October.

Engagement service

Our engagement service provides one to one support to young people, with engagement workers visiting them in their homes or in the community at least once a week. Through this regular, consistent contact the team build a relationship and rapport with the young person and support them to engage in their wider community and to feel safe in doing so. The support provided may include help with moving on to further education, finding a job or developing their skills and interests. 

We offer this service to young people living in East Sussex who are aged 11- 18 with a diagnosis (or in the process of getting a diagnosis) of being on the autism spectrum; and to autistic young adults aged 18-25 who have a mental health condition with significant risks.

To be referred to this service you will need to enquire with your current lead practitioner whether you are eligible. Unfortunately we are unable to take self-referrals for this service at this time.

Cost of East Sussex children's services

Costs upon application.

Contact

For more information, email [email protected]