THE MAG - OCTOBER LISTINGS GUIDE
Introduction
Well it's been a bit of a week. Welcome to a special edition of THE MAG packed to the brim with listings for the neurodivergent communities of East and West Sussex. A heavy cold has delayed the planned MAG EXTRA and I'd like to thank paracetamol for its help in getting this edition out. There's likely to be some updates to this set of listings, so keep checking back to see what's going on.
Coming later in the week once I stop snivelling, sneezing and coughing will be the first of our mental health issues and that is going to be spectacular. Later in October, there will be a packed MAG EXTRA and a special edition on parenting/children/young persons which I'm already so proud of and there's loads of content to come for that one.
Remember you can join our Facebook group to get regular updates. They're often very entertaining to read (especially regarding a certain other local site who is letting down the community on a daily basis) and the latest news updates. Oh and look out for my letter in The Argus about THE MAG that should be in there sometime in the next week.
THE MAG ARCHIVE
To access previous editions click on these links. They are all packed to the brim with news, reviews, listings, interviews, business and group profiles and feature articles.
Events Update
B!tch On the Mic with Jess Nicks
One of the highlights of last month’s ADHD Experience 8 - Take 2 show at the Brunswick was Jess Nicks. This talented lady will be back at that venue on Sunday October 4th at 2pm. There's also a show at The Bread and Roses in Clapham, London on Saturday October 10th at 5:30pm.
With her one-woman show ‘B!TCH ON THE MIC,’ a taster of which we were treated to in August. Her full show teaches “that our thoughts are just fiction of the mind. You don’t have to believe or obey them.” Enter a world where debitching the brain takes place with a host of characters who “hijack our thoughts, blocking us from true potential.”
Getting curious with our thinking “creates more options” and “we get ourselves instead of deadends.” Our thoughts are just “fiction of the mind”.
Away from her stage shows, Jess is also a coach and wellness practitioner (based in Brighton) with a range of services offered online or in person. Her one-woman show sees these characters come alive on stage and audiences love seeing them. A Debitch Your Brain free starter pack is on her website.
On November 22 from 11am to 4.30pm at The Barn at Westdene, BN1 5EE, there's a Day of Deb!tching. This is described as a "powerful, playful and deeply transformative day designed to help you break free from the inner critic that keeps you doubting, overthinking, shrinking and second-guessing yourself."
Her signature Deb!tch yur Brain coaching framework will be explored during the day. More about this and a review of her brilliant and revealing show in our mental health special out very soon.
The Lonely Club meets every Sunday between 12pm and 4pm at the JustLife Hub in London Road, Brighton. It was brilliant to see Organiser of the Lonely Club Lara back at the Hub a few weeks ago for the first time since giving bith to her lovely daughter Lottie. Lara has been speaking extremely honestly about life as an autistic first-time mother on Instagram writing that she "wanted to share more honest content" about her experiences."
ADHD Aware
ADHD Aware provides a number of services for the local area. You do not need to have been officially diagnosed with ADHD to be able to access their services. A number of support sessions are held each month, more details on this page.
The in-person drop-in session takes place at the Friends Meeting House in Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF. They are held on the first Wednesday of the month between 7pm and 9pm, so that will be October 7. You need to be aged at least 18 and there is no problem bringing along a friend, family member or partner.
Then on Thursday October 13, there's a Zoom event for parents of children and young people from 7pm to 8.30pm.
The online group discussion is on Tuesday October 20 from 7-9pm with the in-person event on the 27th at the same time at the Brighton Foyer in Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA. Free snacks are available at the in-person event and it's followed by an optional trip to a local pub for a good old chat.
The subject for this month's group discussions is executive functioning. They describe that as "a set of mental skills that help people plan, organise, manage their time, pay attention, process information, and control their behaviour." Therefore the discussion will be about experiences in relation to "paying attention, self control and managing your emotions."
In November, the subject will be self-monitoring, planning and prioritising, task initiation and staying on task.
There's online Partner Peer Support on Wednesday October 21 from 7pm to 9pm. The busy month ends with a meeting for Parents of Young Adults 18+ on Wednesday October 28 from 7pm to 9pm.
A Couples’ Course is being held next year. It begins on Thursday January 29 and runs for seven weeks through to March 25. This costs £360 and is run by Karen Doherty who is a leading UK neurodivergent couples psychotherapist and skilled facilitator Yvonne Rivers.
The deadline for applications is November 18. The course follows ADHD Aware’s “trusted peer support model, enabling couples to connect and share experiences. The course will explore “both the unique strengths and challenges of being in a neurodiverse relationship!”
For lots more information about what is going on, you can register for their newsletter.
South Coast Amigos hold their next meet-up at the Alcampo Lounge in London Road, Brighton from 7pm on Thursday October 15. More info on their Facebook page. This is one of the busiest events I go to and they are great fun. Head for the table with the Pink Flamingo.
Help is available from AgeUK West Sussex at their hub on the Ground Floor at 95 Queen's Road, Brighton BN1 3XE. The hub offers face-to-face help for older people in Brighton with plenty of advice, information and support on a wide range of subjects. This includes cost-of-living support, help at home, care planning, benefit check, getting a blue badge and more.
It is open weekdays from 9.30am to 4pm. There is a Calm Hour on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 10:30am. This is described as a "calmer lower-stimulation environment across the hub to support inclusivity and accessibility for everyone."
During the hour, there are softer voices used by those in attendance all helping to create a more relaxed atmosphere. It is therefore ideal for those who are members of the neurodiverse community or have problems with anxiety, sensory sensitivities or just prefer a calmer environment.
The hub assures they are not looking for silence, but a "calmer shared space, no one will be turned away." We'll have more about AgeUK in future editions.
mASCot have a pub meet at the Stags Head, 37 High St, Old Village, Portslade, Brighton
BN41 2LH from 7pm to 11pm on Thursday October 8. In November, the pub meet is being held on November 4.
At Community Base (South Wing) in Queen’s Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, there is a monthly Check-In and Check Out drop-in session held by local charity Grace Eyre for people with a learning disability who receive fewer than six hours’ support a week. This takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month (October 29) between 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
This is the chance to meet friends, have a cuppa, play pool and ask any health and well-being questions you may have. You can come on your own or be accompanied by a friend or family member.
The charity is asking for your support so they can be chosen as one of the Co-op’s local causes. By Monday September 1 they had been selected by 1,728 people and would love to get to 2,000 with just a few more weeks of the nominations to go.
By choosing Grace Eyre as your local cause, it can raise funds for Grace Eyre every time you do your shopping at the Co-op. The charity is planning to hold some cookery classes and these will “bring people together “to learn essential life skills that promote healthier choices for healthier lives.”
To nominate them go to this webpage.
There's always lots of sport going on at Grace Eyre. They have resumed their inclusive football sessions for adults with a learning disability and autism in Bognor and are being held every Friday between 10:30 and 11:30am at Bognor Regis Town FC, Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis There’s a qualified coach in charge of the sessions and no grass stains as you will be playing on an outdoor 3G pitch. The sessions cost £5 a week and this must be paid in advance.
They are described as a great chance to “sharpen your skills, make new friends and be part of the action.” If 1-1 support is required, you must bring carer support with you. Find out about this and their other sporting activities on their website.
Prepare Yourself for a Fright Night Rave this Halloween
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Halloween is on its way and here's news of a special spooky event on Monday October 26 at the Brunswick, 1 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JF. This is an accessible venue.
Purple Productions and Heart Venture present Fright Night Rave! It's going to be a night to dress up for the costume contest, what will you wear? There'll also be games, performances, a Monster Mash Dance Contest (even the best Halloween song came out in the 1970s) and of course some Tricks and Treats.
This is a neurodiversity-friendly event and is being held from 7pm to 10pm. 10:00pm. Tickets are available online and cost £10 with free admittance for carers. For more information, call Jenny Good on 07816 646331 or email jgood@grace-eyre.org.
Grace Eyre are holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday November 6 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. It will be held at PLATF9RM (Floor 2, Tisbury Road, Hove, UK).
The meeting is going to be hosted by their Ambassadors and Board of Trustees. Those attending will have the opportunity to receive updates on their services and look back at what has been a very eventful year for them.
Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council will be in attendance and will "share her perspective on the future of social care reform and what these changes could mean for disabled people, their families and communities in Brighton & Hove."
The AGM will also see the launch of Grace Eyre's 2026-2029 Strategy "From Foundations to Feelings" alongside updates on their Charter and the introduction of our Pioneers Programme. For more information email Zoe Ablitt, Governance Manager, at zablitt@grace-eyre.org
You can register to attend at this link.
mASCot has a Coffee Club meeting at Emmaus on Thursday October 15 from 10am to midday. That's followed by further meet-ups on Wednesday October 28, Thursday November 12 and Wednesday November 25.
The meetings are for members only. They are "specifically for parents of autistic children and young people – whether those parents are neurotypical or neurodivergent." .Sign up to their newsletter for more information.
Just re-opened is the mASCot Monday Cafe at the Fitzherbert Community Hub in 2 Bristol Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1AP. They open for lunch: 12.30pm - 2.00pm (term time only). More about this in our special parenting/children/young persons editions out in October and November. You can follow them on Instagram. Brighton Cuddles
Brighton Cuddle Space has two events in October. On Saturday October 10, it’s ‘Saturday Snuggles’ at Ochre House starting at 2pm with just one place remaining at the time of putting this edition live. This is described as “a cosy afternoon of consent-based platonic touch, for relaxation, connection and nervous system co-regulation.” The central aim of this "gentle, structured session" is "deep relaxation in community: nervous system regulation and co-regulation via consensual physical contact." Tickets for this event cost from £28.88 are available on Eventbrite.
On Monday October 19, they hold Brighton Cuddle Space: Touch Connection #3 at The Barn in Westdene This is a “gentle, structured space for neurodivergent, queer, and/or disabled adults to explore embodied consent, connection, and platonic touch “ it is being funded by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Fairness Fund, for neurodivergent, LGBTQI+, and/or disabled people. It is a trans-inclusive space.
They are looking at providing “accessible, inclusive, and friendly sessions, and welcome feedback and opportunities for our ongoing development.” Tickets are free, book your space on Eventbrite.
The next BANG event will take place at Puzzle Bored in New Road on Friday November 6 from 6pm to 8pm with free admission. This is for those who are aged 40+, perhaps you might get a game of chess with Mark.
The venue celebrated its third birthday on September 2. Speaking on Facebook, owner Mark Carter thanked everyone for their support over the past three years.
Puzzle Bored also holds a whole host of events during the month, especially Halloween related ones. This is part of their Kid's Half Term Holiday Club. More information on this page.
On Thursday October 8, Wandering Emotions present a Home Ed Nature and Wellbeing Walk. Meet at Puzzle Bored and then goes to the nearby Pavilion Gardens. This starts at 9.45am and runs (or walks?) to 11am.
Abbie from Wandering Emotions sent THE MAG this information about what's in store and other events they hold:
"We've started monthly walks with Puzzle Bored for home ed families on the second Thursday of every month. We meet there and walk around Pavilion Gardens. We also have Home ed walks every other week in between those monthly walks, taking place in other parks in Brighton. (Preston Park, Hove Park, Three Cornered Copse, St Ann's Well Gardens, Smart sheds & Stanmer Park).
We also have monthly family and adult walks on weekends, during school holidays, and on weekday evenings. These days and dates vary depending on volunteer availability. These walks are normally towards the end of the month, but all dates can be found on our Eventbrite.
Our Nature & Wellbeing Activity Walks use simple, fun activities in nature to support emotional wellbeing, build confidence and encourage meaningful conversations.
Our family walks offer children opportunities to learn, connect and build confidence in a relaxed outdoor environment. They help children and families explore emotions, build connection and develop simple wellbeing tools together.
During the walk, we’ll pause for reflection and creative exercises that help you express emotions in your own way. Our outdoor activities are the perfect mix of art, mindfulness and outdoor exploration with your family. Activities are for everyone to take part, adults included!
Explore: Discover the local flora and fauna and immerse in the sights, sounds, and peace of nature.
Create: Calming art-based activities that encourage self-expression.
Play: Have fun, get curious and enjoy playful activities that encourage creativity, confidence and connection.
Mindful Moments: Enjoy moments of calm, explore emotions, and learn simple tools to support wellbeing for you and your children.
Connect: Share experiences and build confidence together whilst enjoying nature.
Places are limited. We only offer 15 spaces per walk to be able to engage with all our participants and not overwhelm anyone with a big group.
These Brighton and Hove-based sessions are designed for children aged between four and twelve years old and their families, but all ages welcome!
The new adult walks create time to slow down, connect with others, reflect and support wellbeing.
Some of our adult walks include a silent disco style mindful movement and dance session in the woods. This is about letting go of judgement, noticing your body and enjoying moving to music in your own way.
All our tickets are pay-as-you-feel. We have suggested tiers including free, £2 and £5 tickets as we don't want payment to be a barrier for people to attend."
There are plenty more events being held at Puzzle Bored. THE MAG EXTRA that's out later this week when I stop sneezing and coughing so much will include some feature articles on the events they hold. More information on this page, note that there's so much going on there are actually two pages of listings. Look out for the Star Wars event on Friday October 23 being held by the Brighton Outer Rim Club. We have an inspiring Star Wars related story in our upcoming mental health special.
On Wednesday October 7 it's the Screenwriter's Round Table at Puzzle Bored. Ewan Gorman told us this about the event: "We meet once a month at Puzzle Bored. The group is called Screenwriter's Round Table, and we read three screenplays in an evening. There is a 15 page limit, so it could be an excerpt of a longer piece. The we give constructive feedback, each attendee given the opportunity to give verbal advice, or just their reaction. Maximum group size 20. And at the moment it's usually the first or second Wednesday of the month. More information here.
Amaze
Amaze was founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had a desire to "guide other parents and carers through the maze of bringing up a child with special educational needs or disabilities."
In December 1999, they registered as a charity and they currently support young people aged 14-25 as well as their parents and carers. In addition to working in Brighton and Hove, they also carry out work in East Sussex. Amaze offers "emotional and social support as well as information and advice." April 2026 saw them beginning to host the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum.
Their site is packed with useful resources and has pages dedicated to autism, ADHD and dyspraxia. Also recommended are their factsheets. They run groups for parents and young people. Amaze also runs several events each month, full details are on their website. I strongly recommend following the Amaze SEND Noticeboard Facebook page.
The Story Trail
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How many of the bookbenches have you seen so far in Brighton? The streets,parks and open spaces of Brighton & Hove have become a storybook. Amaze has partnered with Wild in Art to create the Amaze Story Trail which runs until November 8 all raising money for Amaze. More about this in our next full edition. Wait until you meet their mascot BookBench, Benchy.
They have a whole host of events on this month, more details on this page.
Amazing Futures run youth groups and activities for disabled or neurodivergent young people aged 14-25 from Brighton & Hove or East Sussex. They have a new youth group in Whitehawk. This is described as a "relaxed, friendly space where you can really be yourself, run in partnership with @trustdevcom. The first session is on Tuesday October 6 at St Cuthman's Church and runs from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. For more information, email AFBrighton@AmazeSussex.org.uk
You do need to be registered with them to be able to attend. That doesn't cost anything and you do not need a diagnosis. More information about events they hold are on this webpage and there's a great deal going on.
Neurodivergent Sussex
Time to find out about Neurodivergent Sussex from Caroline Langford who is an academic, educator and late-diagnosed. Caroline also writes some excellent blogs for the Neurodivergent Sussex site.
"Neurodivergent Sussex is a community group based in Eastbourne, bringing neurodivergent people together through walking, talking and connecting in some of the beautiful natural landscapes of East Sussex. The group creates a relaxed, welcoming space where people can meet others who understand their experiences, build friendships and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, without the pressure to mask or fit into traditional social settings."
Early Christmas news. Their Christmas Walk will take place on December 12 in Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne. More about this on their Instagram page.
Saturday September 26, they are going on a foraging Walk in Park Wood, Hellingly. This runs from 12pm to 3pm and is described on their website as a "relaxed wellbeing and inclusive walk. You will have the opportunity to learn about edible plants, berries, fungi and more. They also have Instagram and Facebook pages.
Chalk on the South Downs
The organisers of Chalk on the South Downs sent me this information about what they do.
“We set up the CiC last year with the idea of offering accessible wellness in nature. We strongly believe in the healing power of nature and quickly realised that we wanted to be working with Neurodivergence and burn out, particularly in perimenopausal women, although we will aim to extend this out to other groups too as time goes on. We recognise that there is a massive gap in getting a diagnosis, what happens after that diagnosis and ongoing support. All of these things are lacking.
One of us is an integrative therapist working with neurodivergence and grief which lends a safety to our clients, being trauma informed and able to hold space. " Their next event is on Sunday October 4 in Ditchling with a walk and a sauna afterwards if you wish, more details on this page. Also look out for some ADHD workshops on November 14. More information about those on Instagram and in our mental health special out in the next few days.
The Neuro-Affirming Network
The Neuro-Affirming Network is neurodivergent (and diagnosed) owned and staffed. Their mission “make sure that every family has the opportunity to have their individual needs met and become part of the community.” Anna told me that she is “looking to bring some allies together to make events frequent, make support more accessible and keep our services sustainable for all.”
Their services include child-led 1:1 and small group tuition with qualified teachers and support for children unable to attend mainstream, including EOTAS/EBSA and EHE. Spaces are available for Mondays and Wednesdays. More information on their website.
While she is “growing alternative provisions for neurodivergent children out of mainstream education, “ it is parents that Anna spends the most time with. Anna is late diagnosed and her child has a dual diagnosis. Recent years have seen her battle the SEND “system” to “achieve basic adaptations.”
October is a busy month for them with their ParentDAY programme of events. This starts with a workshop for parent carers with speaker Je Marillat who works with children who are facing autistic burnout, offering a gentle PDA-friendly approach. This takes place on Wednesday October 7 from 12.30pm to 2pm at St Nicholas Hall, Saltdean.
On Thursday October 15, there's a ParentDAY looking at communication differences with guest speaker Laura aka The Youth-Coach. This runs from 12.30pm to 2pm.
Then The Neuro-affirming Network have another ParentDay being held on Thursday October 22 from 12.30pm to 2pm. The guest is Sam Telepneff who is a parent/carer/counsellor.
Team Dominica
Team Dominica supports people who have learning disabilities and autism. They help them "gain meaningful employment and thrive in life." Previously having a cafe in Preston Road, they now run the North Star at 2-3 Pavilion Buildings. Brighton BN1 1EE. Adhoc Autistics Activity Group holds a weekly meet-up there every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm.
The vision of Team Domenica is "for all people with learning disabilities and/or autism to be valued in the workplace, to thrive in life, and feel included as members of society." That is something they have achieved for over ten years via "personalised training and partnerships."
The past week saw them celebrate their tenth anniversary. An event was held at the North Star that allowed guests (including myself) to see how their new education centre works. It was a real privilege and delight to see how the youngsters are receiving such great help. More about Team Domenica in our parenting/children/young persons special editions online soon.
Echo Performing Arts
Echo Performing Arts put on a great show earlier this year at Neurodiverse-city. They have a big show ahead of them on November 8 when appearing at the Old Market Hove. This runs from 4pm to 6.30pm and tickets can be booked here.
More about Echo Performing Arts including some quotes from the students about how the group helps them in our parenting/children/young persons edition out later this month.
Ariel Drama Academies
Let's find out more about Ariel Drama Activities. I received this information from their marketing manager Nicole Long:
"Ariel Drama Academies offer weekly performing arts classes for children and young people across Sussex. The academies are open to all abilities and provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence, make friends and develop their performance skills. Students also have opportunities to take part in productions, workshops and LAMDA examinations.
"Alongside this, Ariel Othellos SEND provides inclusive performing arts sessions specifically for children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Othellos gives participants the opportunity to develop confidence, communication and social skills while enjoying drama, singing, movement and live performance.
"One of the most special aspects of Othellos is our Buddy System, which connects Othellos participants with students from our mainstream Drama Academies. Our Buddies volunteer in sessions, supporting participants and developing genuine friendships. It creates a wonderful two-way opportunity for inclusion, confidence and personal growth.
"We also run Othellos+, providing continued performing arts opportunities for adults with SEND.
We’re currently preparing for our Othellos Showcase at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley on Sunday 1 November at 6pm, where our Othellos groups will come together to perform on a professional stage and celebrate everything they have achieved.
Amica Collective Speed Friending
The first autistic related programme I watched after my diagnosis was 'Love on the Spectrum.' That did include several speed dating events that sometmes went well and sometimes didn't. More about that programme in a future edition of THE MAG EXTRA. What we're about to tell you about is a little bit different from that, but how?
Organiser Emma told me more about her events. They were started “as a simple way to gather together people in a slightly different way.” Her view is that it is “a relaxed, fun version of speed dating.” How does it differ? Well, Emma explained that it is “slower and all about making new friends instead of finding romance.” Those attending can have “genuine conversations, share some laughs, and hopefully leave with a few new connections.”
Her vision is to see the Speed Friending Events “bring people together with a shared purpose of making new friends to try to help liberate people from loneliness and isolation.”
How does it all work? Well, you have 8-10 minutes to chat to each person before rotation takes place. There are breaks in between for drinks and some casual conversation. Then there’s a “relaxed wrap-up” at the end “with time to mingle further.”
After taking a break due to a family bereavement, Emma is back holding events in Brighton and Worthing. The next event is at the Temple Bar in Western Road, Brighton on Thursday October 15 from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets cost £11.55 and you can book on this page.
Then seven days later (also 7pm to 10pm) there's an event in Worthing at The Thomas A Becket in Worthing. Go to this page to book up for that. For more information go to their website or Facebook page.
The Brighton Neurodiversity Community (BNC) has a busy month ahead of them as usual. A full list can be seen on this page.
The highlight of the month, perhaps the year is going to be their Prom which is being held at the Railway Inn in Portslade on SaturdayOctober 10, starting at 8pm running to 11.30pm. More information on their Instagram page.
There's also a special Halloween Sober Social at Puzzle Bored on Wednesday October 28 from 6pm to 9pm.
SEE Autistic Women: London & South East England Support and Social Group is a community for Autistic women in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and London. Check out their Facebook page for details of the next meeting.
BAM is "a self-advocacy group for autistic adults 18+ in Brighton and Hove. The group meets monthly to facilitate a space for autistic adults in B&H to meet, share their experiences and advocate for themselves and others. The group is linked with the council's Autism Partnership Board, and members views feed into the work done to change services and outcomes for autistic people in the local community."
BAM is supported by group supporter Akina, employed by Impact Initiatives. who sent THE MAG that description of the group. You can contact her at akina.advocacy@impact-initiatives.org.uk for more information about the group and ways to get involved!
Their next meeting will be held on Tuesday October 27 from 5pm to 7pm at the Friends Meeting House in Brighton. This will include a guided peer discussion on Community, Access and Inequalities. There will be the chance for those attending to give their views about opportunities, access, and inequalities in their local community. These experiences will be shaped by your experience in your neighbourhood as an autistic person.
Adhoc Autistics Activity Group continues to hold a weekly meet-up at the North Star every Wednesday from 11pm to 1am. They have added a Thursday meeting in recent months at later times in the day. They are at the Ledward Centre from 4pm on October 8, 22 and November 6. Then there's an evening meet-up at the Alcampo Lounge in London Road on October 15.
The Alcampo Lounge events have been poorly attended (strange as Amigos were there at the same time and had over 20 in attendance), so they will not be continuing for the time being. Instead, the Ledward Centre event which is better attended will now be weekly.
On November 5, there's a short walk in Brooklands Park, Worthing. This starts at 11am, more info on their Facebook page.
Join a female-led technical team at Carousel
If you identify as a woman and are interested in the media, then Carousel in Brighton would love to get in touch with them. They are looking for "learning disabled women aged 18+ to join a female-led technical team for an exciting new project.
This will involve exploring sound and visuals "and working as a creative collective." You will also "learn skills in video mapping, QLab software, filmmaking and storytelling." If you are interested, go to this page. The workshops will start on Friday 23rd October and run for 6 weeks, plus some additional days. The deadline to apply is Friday October 9.
The next Blue Camel Club is being held on Tuesday November 3 at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. This takes place from 6pm to 10pm and it being November, the theme is fireworks, lights and illumination. The plan is for you to “come dressed to glow.” It’ll be a night of “glow sticks, glow in the dark colours and your brightest outfit.”
This is the biggest and best learning disability club night that the South Coast has. There will be learning disabled performers and DJs from all over the UK. Tickets cost £6 with carers being admitted free.
The next meeting of the Clare Projects Neurodivergent Group is on Monday October 5 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the Ledward Centre. For full details of what the Clare Project are doing in September, go to this Instagram post.
The Ledward Centre at 14a Jubilee Street is open again on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with an excellent cafe. They also hold community events and on Sundays, the Village Metropolitan Church (MCC) holds a service there from 6pm.
ADHD Adults East Sussex hold their regular free peer support group at the Eastbourne Therapy Hub, 2 West Terrace, Eastbourne BN21 4QX. Arrive from 6pm for a 6:30pm start. The session is for those who have either an ADHD diagnosis or ADHD traits but yet to be officially diagnosed. Friends, family and professionals working in this field can also attend. The topic on the 6th will be injustice sensitivity.
Nic Gray founded the Hailsham & East Sussex ADHD Support CIC because she was “sick of watching adults fall through the cracks.” Last week saw them celebrate six months since they were founded and so much has been achieved in half a year.
Writing on their Facebook page, Nic said: "6 months!! That’s how long Hailsham & East Sussex ADHD Support CIC has been running today. One dream is to support adults with ADHD and to fill those gaps between waiting and diagnosis and diagnosis and being expected to get on with it unsupported. Two monthly peer support sessions in Hailsham and Eastbourne. Four non-executive directors on board with much needed support and backing. Eight regular clients through the low cost ADHD coaching we offer, totalling thirty sessions.
A hub space every Friday in Westham thanks to Coda Pharmacy And regular sponsors and offers of support from so many local authorities and businesses. Thank you!"
They hold two free monthly drop-in sessions for ADHD and neurodivergent adults. No booking is required, but it is good to contact them beforehand as that helps them and the venue plan the events. There is no set structure. It's just a "relaxed space to be around others who get it."
On the first Tuesday of each month (next one October 6) there's a drop-in at the new venue of Cafe Joon in Eastbourne from 11am to 1pm. Then the other drop-in is on the second Wednesday of the month (October 14) at Diplocks Cafe & Restaurant in Hailsham from 7pm to 8:30pm. Fidget toys are provided at each drop-in.
Seaford Down's Syndrome and Special Needs Support Group hold their monthly Family Drop-in on Saturday September 12 at the Mercread Centre, Seaford from 2pm to 4pm. This sees activities offered for children and the chance for the attending adults to have a good chat with other parents/carers. There will be soft play, a dough table and music with Ruth. More information about the group on their website and Facebook page.
September was a great month for them as the news came through that they had been given a grant of £15,661 by the National Lottery Community Fund. This will allow them to continue holding their family drop-in sessions with more "creative an engaging sessions for the children" now possible.
They will also be able to continue holding the S.E.N. Youth Club events. They are next being held on October 16 (6.30pm to 8.30pm) and then November 6 and 20 at the same time.
They'll also be able to keep holding their Swimming Programme. It's nearly December and they will be able to hold an even better Christmas Party this year. More about the grant here.
Tulleys Shocktober Fest Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
We've left the real horror to last. Europe’s largest scream park will mark its 30th anniversary with four new attractions. Shocktober Fest returns to West Sussex for 26 nights this October with new haunts, a spectacular theatrical production and its biggest anniversary season to date.
Tulleys Shocktober Fest is a Halloween attraction that began with a single haunted house 30 years ago. It's grown larger and larger since then and is about to hold its biggest season efer from 2 October to 1 November.
More than two million people have visited the event since it was launched in 1996, with guests now travelling from across the UK and beyond for its large-scale walkthrough haunts
and live entertainment.
Its 30th anniversary season will introduce three new immersive haunts and a spectacular new live theatrical production, alongside major additions to its award-winning Doom Town
attraction.
Leading the new additions is House of Hades, a spectacular live theatrical production combining storytelling, breathtaking fire performance, aerial artistry and high-energy dance,
starring the internationally renowned The Fuel Girls.
The Fuel Girls have performed around the world, with previous appearances including Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.
The anniversary will also see the introduction of Ross Records, a new scene inside Doom Town created in collaboration with podcaster, writer and Celebrity Gogglebox star Honey Ross who has been a regular visitor to Tulleys in previous years.
The haunted Greggs shop (I've always found some of their food a bit scary), which made its debut inside Doom Town last year, will also return for a second season.
Making its return will be The Cellar. Hidden beneath the house, a long-boarded-up entrance has finally been unsealed, inviting guests to descend into damp tunnels, crumbling passageways and oppressive underground chambers where something has waited patiently in the darkness for decades.
New this year is House of Hades. This is a spectacular live theatrical production combining
storytelling, breathtaking fire performance, aerial artistry and high-energy dance, starring the internationally renowned The Fuel Girls. They've performed around the world, with previous appearances including Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. This will be one of the largest live productions staged in Shocktober Fest’s 30-year history.
Appleton CountyFarm - Every story has a beginning. Yes you've probably seen the ad for this on YouTube. What's it all about?
Guests will journey back to the Appleton County Farm, where a seemingly ordinary American family first laid the foundations of a legacy that would shape generations. The new walkthrough attraction expands the story of the Appleton family, taking visitors back to where it all began.
The Appleton story continues inside the family saw mill. Once a place of hard work and honest labour, the mill now conceals the family’s darkest secrets among rusting machinery, towering stacks of timber and the relentless roar of the saw.
Alongside the new experiences, guests will be able to brave a collection of award-winning and returning Shocktober Fest attractions, including:
● Purgatory
● Electrick Circus
● Doom Town
● Wastelands Penitentiary
● Route 666 Haunted Hayride
● Chop Shop
● HELL-EMENTS
● Creepy Cottage
● The Village Coven of 13
Info
Dates: 26 selected nights from 2 October to 1 November 2026
Opening time: Gates open from 4.30pm
Tickets: From £42.95
Scream & Stay packages: Available
More info on their website.
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