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 Children & Young People's Services

Young adults community group (16-25 yrs)

Community-based activity, collection and drop off based on venue of activity.

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 5:00pm – 7:00pm, term time only

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 8-25 during the Easter and Summer school holidays and the half-terms in February, May and October.

Weekend groups

Hailsham

Sundays - term time 

Youth group: 10am – 1pm

All-inclusive 1:1 2pm – 5pm 

(Venue details given on application)

Battle

Sundays - term time 

All-inclusive SEND group – 10am – 1pm

SEND youth group – 2pm – 5pm

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

Blackboys

Saturdays - term time

Youth groups:

10am - 1pm 

2pm – 5pm 

Blackboys Village Hall, Gun Road, Blackboys, Uckfield, TN22 5JY

All-inclusive SEND group:

This young person’s group aims to give young people with SEND, who might have struggled in previous youth groups through behaviours of concern or had difficulties with social relationships, the opportunity to take part in a group. The group is highly staffed to reduce risk but allows a greater level of interaction.

We hope to put on a range of structured and fun activities including 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 and informal setting.

SEND youth group:

This children’s group is for young people with SEND and provides a range of structured and fun activities including 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 and informal setting.

Keyworker service

In response to the NHS long-term plan to support young people with learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Conditions, or both, with a high risk of requiring emergency services, including specialist mental health support, Aspens has received funding from the NHS to establish a service aimed at providing Keyworkers for these young people.

The Keyworkers will offer personalised, autism-sensitive, weekly support. The project aims to assist young people and their families or carers in feeling supported with their mental health, understanding their autism, overcoming barriers, and providing strategies to achieve both short-term and long-term goals, ultimately working towards a better quality of life for the young person.

The Aspens Keyworker project is designed for young people aged 0-25, with a focus on personalised care and utilising a PBS framework as guidance. Keyworkers will initially build trust and rapport with the young people and their families, and start coordinating a care package while establishing a network of support to help improve their mental health and quality of life. 

Cost of East Sussex children's services

Costs upon application.

Contact

For more information, email [email protected]