Hi! I’m Emma Waring, Project and Engagement Manager forAutism at East Sussex County Council. Welcome to our magazine, and thanks for reaching out to us! My ambition is to show you all we can do, and all that’s out there to be discovered. My ambition is to show all who read this the many, varied ways we can work together, learning about eachother’s worlds. From an exhibition at one of Sussex’leading art centres, the Towner Gallery, to a Brand New Meeting Hub in Bexhill, and cookery, ceramics, jewellery and the art of animation at the Roebuck Centre, Hastings Old Town, there is so much for us all to get involved with.
Let’s share the skills our differences bring to the table. Let’s build a world where we can live together as friends. This is our first edition, let’s use it to signpost paths where we can walk as equals.
Emma Waring
Autopia 2026
What do YOU want it to be?
TheAutism Partnership Board has decided to mark NationalAutism Week next year (30th March - 3rdApril) with a series of events that tie in with their action plan. The full programme is being developed, but it will include a virtual key-note talk from Dr Luke Beardon called ‘Autopia.’
The other confirmed event will be at the TownerArt Gallery in Eastbourne, which will be an opportunity to explore and celebrate themes around neurodiversity. Details will soon be shared, and if you would like to offer ideas please email APB@eastsussex.gov.uk
It’s your show - your time. Your chance to show us all what you could do. Ideas for competitions, festivals, music - send them in and let’s try to make them happen. Show the Neurotypicals what makes us special!
I’m looking forwards to reading your thoughts.
Emma Waring
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term referring to natural variations of the human brain and highlights the value of different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Neurodivergent conditions may overlap and include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s syndrome and other cognitive differences. It is estimated that around 1.6 billion people worldwide are neurodivergent and are at a higher risk of suicide.
This hub aims to increase understanding and better support those at risk. It was developed in consultation with subject experts, the charity Amaze, and neurodivergent individuals from our Lived Experience Advisory Group.
“We seek to promote and celebrate the strengths that being neurodivergent brings while highlighting the many obstacles faced within our society. We know that a sad reality is that the risk of suicide is disproportionately high for people with a neurodevelopmental difference such as autism and ADHD. Accessing support for your mental health while waiting for a neuro difference assessment or post diagnosis can often lead to people feeling passed between services with the strategies and support offered not always respecting these differences.
Grassroots Suicide Prevention highlighting this issue is a significant step in raising awareness and support for neurodivergent people facing mental health challenges. It also provides a valuable resource for those families and professionals supporting them.” Sally Polanski, CEO of Amaze
England international footballer Lucy Bronze, 33, has told the BBC she was officially diagnosed with autism andADHD four years ago.
When she was growing up, the England Euro 2022 winner said she tried to copy her team-mates' behaviour in order to fit in; her mum had long suspected she might be autistic. According to the Professional Footballers Association, around 25% of footballers report certain neurodivergent traits.
Bronze finds it hard to make eye contact during conversation, and her habit of touching her hair during matches has been spotted by team-mates and fans.
"People think 'she's always messing about', but that's just me calming myself down without even realising it," she says. "Getting to sit down and actually speak through my traits and how it affects me, situations that make me feel good or bad, that was the thing that really clicked in my head and made me feel so much better.....a diagnosis is not going to change who you are, but understanding who you are is such a good thing".
‘Bronze has found that some of her differences have been her strengths. “How I process things, being super-focused. People always say, 'Oh, you're so passionate about football'," Bronze says. "I don't know if I'd say I'm passionate, I'm obsessed. That's my autism, it's my hyper-focus on football."’
My Health and Care.
Health and Care Passports are written documents to help people access support and reasonable adjustments that meet their needs.
Passports can be useful in many different situations, such as: when attending an x-ray, a visit to the job centre, being in contact with the police, and many more.
Passports,please!
The East SussexAutism Partnership Board have shortlisted six different passports to promote for one year. The board will develop training for professionals alongside resources to raise awareness across the county.
Passports can be useful in many different situations: when attending an x-ray, a visit to the job centre, or being in contact with the police – they help the professional understand what people’s needs are and how to support them better. This might be by making adjustments such as dimming bright lights, offering a quieter space, or making an appointment at a time of day that is less busy.
The passport takes the pressure off the individual to speak up for themselves. This is important, especially at times that are stressful, such as a medical appointment.
The passports can be viewed and downloaded hereADD LINK WHEN READY. We encourage anyone using a passport to give their feedback, which helps improvements to be made. Share your feedback here or emailAPB@eastsussex.gov.uk
The Bexhill Nest
NEW BASE…. NEW START!
Plans are underway to create a neurodivergent hub in the disused bowling pavilion in Bexhill's Egerton Park. The project, named "The Bexhill Nest," is led by the non-profit Space for Yew CIC and aims to be a free, sensory-friendly space for neurodivergent children and families, as well as a supportive base for other organizations serving the community. Renovations have begun, including the installation of new windows and doors, and the group is seeking donations and support to fund the rest of the project.
Where are we?
Visit our Crowdfunder page to donate supplies or funds. (Crowdfunder website addy here?) If you represent an organization or professional looking for a space, you can complete the Expression of Interest form on Facebook. Follow the project's social media pages for the latest news. The project is a community effort, and other forms of support may be needed. Look for ways to get involved through our social media pages. (Their addys here?)
What will we do there?
Provide a free, neuroaffirming hub with sensory-safe spaces and peer-led support for neurodivergent children and families. The hub will also offer flexible rooms, WCs, a kitchen, and outdoor space for other organizations and professionals to rent, creating a supportive base for neurodivergent-friendly practice. Renovations have started, with new windows and doors being installed. The project is community-driven and is seeking donations of supplies and funds for the renovation and future activities.
The disused bowling pavilion in Egerton Park
AtAspens' Roebuck Enterprises, Roebuck St in Hastings’Old Town, we give people on the autism spectrum the skills they need to lead their lives as independently as possible, offering a wide range of social, creative and educational activities to develop communication, self-help, leisure and employment skills, as well as a safe space to connect with others. We hold close links with local colleges and community projects, so that people who join our workshops can share their skills with the local community.
Activities at our friendly Roebuck centre include Catering (Berks Emporium) which produces a range of cakes, chutneys and jams. We make small batches in our professional kitchen using local and seasonal ingredients. Participants gain catering skills and work experience and local cafés offer all we make to their many customers.
GO – Glazed Over (Ceramics)
Our pottery making enterprise strand, the 'GO pots' range, includes stencil and stamp decorated earthenware dishes, plates, tiles and ornaments. 'GO' potters learn skills, gain work experience, build confidence and develop their creativity. Our handmade 1066 tiles, dishes and net huts are available in the Shipwreck Museum in Hastings, and in many other craft shops.
Me – Metallic engineers (Jewellery)
We use precious silver, brass and soft aluminium alongside semi-precious stones such as amber and garnets to make one-off pieces and seaside-themed charm bracelets. The jewellers train using new tools and mastering age-old techniques.
UP – Unique Perspectives (Graphics and animation)
Unique Perspectives produces art, film and design projects from an original viewpoint. Our output is a 'spectrum' that describes the divergent abilities of our creators. The 'Up' enterprise strand works on our social media, graphics and promotional materials. Participants use our well-equipped computer graphics suite to create their designs and artwork.
New Training for Docs about Us!
NHS England has created an alert system so that health and care professionals can record, share and view details of reasonable adjustments across the NHS, wherever a person is treated.
This is a big step in addressing health inequalities experienced by those with both visible and invisible disabilities. We would urge anyone working in health, social care or support work to complete this e-learning module - please also share it across systems and remind local teams to complete this important training.
You need an NHS Learning Hub Account to access the training, which is free to set up here...
