A-listers is an inclusive film-making club for young adults with a learning disability in the Lewes area. They meet regularly and talk about movies, movie-craft and movie-making techniques. Then they go into pre-production mode to prepare for a proper film shoot and make their own short films. All mentored by film-making professionals and volunteers.
“The club, and what can be achieved through it, has given our members a real sense of worth; as well as company, friendships, a sense of belonging to something bigger; and a creative outlet, plus all the excitement of being involved in film-making projects; and all importantly, a voice in the wider world.”
“We now have a core group of 10 members who count the days to our next club meeting, rising to 18 for some of our more ambitious collaborations.”
The club is focused on having a lot of enjoyable film-making fun! A-listers make friends, go on trips, attend workshops and learn real skills such as camera operating, focus-pulling, directing and acting in front of the camera. They are now quite experienced on film sets and understand the multi-take, multi camera way of working.
A-listers recently received a grant to make four films that they want to complete in time to enter the 2023 disability film festivals.
Tackling Poverty, part of the Sussex Uncovered series, looks into the population dynamics in Sussex and the levels of poverty and disadvantage in our communities. You can read the full report on our website here.
Keynote speaker Kimberley Gregory, Head of Marketing & Communications at OCSI, kindly stepped in at late notice for Stefan Noble to give insight into the data behind the report. Kimberley highlighted areas of high need in Sussex (including Hastings, Portslade, Crawley and Eastbourne) and the four key challenges presented in the report:
An aging population
High levels of long-term illness and poor outcomes for those with a disability
Inflationary pressures are contributing towards financial hardship
Multiple deprivation challenges in coastal communities
The evening also featured an insightful Q&A with questions put to Kim Richards, CEO at Rother Voluntary Action, Hannah Clay, our Head of Grant Programmes and our CEO Kevin Richmond. The discussion centred around the current ground-level situation, including the challenges associated with coastal deprivation, the pressing issue of an ageing population, and the scarcity of available funding amidst soaring demand and a Cost of Living crisis.
Reflecting on the evening, the overarching message was clear – we need to act together and we need to act now if we want to build a better Sussex. There is no one simple solution to the problems our communities are facing but at Sussex Community Foundation we know that local giving has a huge role to play.
To find out more about how you can contribute to our funding priorities, including Tackling Poverty, click here.
Dementia Support
A recent grant of £5,000 from Sussex Community Foundation was used to fund Dementia Support's Wayfinding team in West Sussex. Their free of charge Wayfinding service provides both practical advice and emotional support to make sense of the journey ahead with dementia. Appointments are offered in-person, or over the phone, and families speak to the same Wayfinder every time - providing a familiar voice from someone who understands their specific needs.
Deanna and Mike's story
Dementia Support customers Deanna and Mike have had a difficult year which started with Mike having a fall in April.
Deanna first noticed changes in Mike as he wasn't doing nearly as much as he would do at home, he wasn’t interested in anything and had no energy. She could see a gradual decline in his ability and his mobility.
“It was only because Mike fell in April last year that the doctors who looked after him in A&E noticed he was showing signs of dementia. They suggested I should get a referral for him to have a memory test. Mike was diagnosed with Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s in the July, and since then we have been using the services at Sage House.”
Deanna and Mike have been attending Sage House since his diagnosis and access a full range of services to help their wellbeing. The services have been designed to help people to live well with dementia, ensuring that both the person with dementia and their carer are supported. They are supported by their Wayfinder, Caroline, to navigate the dementia journey and to ensure they can access the services they need.
“We really enjoy coming to Sage House, when Mike is fit enough, we love to come to the exercises. We join in at chair aerobics, as well as Love to Move. He tries his best and really enjoys it. The activity team at Sage House are so encouraging. We love the singing, it’s wonderful, because Amy plays some lovely songs, most of which we know. We don’t remember all the words, but you can learn a lot.”
“Sage House is just so positive, it’s nice to come here. Everybody is very friendly, and all the things on offer from the food to the whole feeling of happiness, help and support, it’s fantastic and so bright and light.”
Before Mikes fall, he used to also attend Day Breaks sessions once a week at Sage House, so Deanna could have a rest. Our Day Breaks service helps carers to have some respite from the challenges of caring for someone living with dementia.
Deanna says, “I think he is very sad he isn’t able to come at the moment as he thoroughly enjoys attending, and it was such a relief for me to know he was safe while I have some time to myself.”
Deanna is finding it hard with Mike in hospital as she worries for him and what the future holds.
“I have good and bad days; I really find it hard to think of what the future is. That's what frightens me. And what will happen after Mike leaves the hospital and comes home, how I will manage physically to support his needs. I’m grateful for Dementia Support and that I’m able to talk to Caroline, my Wayfinder, as this helps as she offers me emotional support and practical advice.”
Our Wayfinding service helps people to navigate the dementia journey, but it is not just about practical advice. It also provides vital emotional support, helping carers make sense of the challenge of dementia. As it is a free of charge service, it is reliant on voluntary income.
Hopefully Mike will be home soon and once recovered they will be able to come back to Sage House and take pleasure in the Day Breaks and activities which they both enjoy so much.
Happy Mountain is a grassroots community group comprised of local residents that delivers projects to promote mental health and wellbeing and improve the local environment.
Local artist Katherine Griffin, was commissioned by Happy Mountain to paint the mural on the bricked side of a house on Buller Road. The project, funded by Sussex Community Foundation with a small donation from Dobbies Garden Centre, aimed to promote the importance of pollinators and flowers.
The rainbow mural project created a real focal point for the community and promotes the activities Happy Mountain are undertaking.
Feedback from local people:
"My two year old and I love swapping books at the bookswap. She loves the bee theme and we both get new books to read. The ladybird bench is a welcome addition as we can sit and read the books. It's also a great place to stop when walking up the huge hill."
"Happy Mountain street parties have been so much fun. They have brought the community together and I've got to know my neighbours better. The games were a particular highlight and the bouncy castle."
"Happy Mountain are bringing colour to our neighbourhood with all their projects. I'm really excited to see the mural come to life and it makes me smile when I walk past."
