Charity supports with digital activities and online groups

A SUSSEX charity supporting more than 1000 disabled people has received funding to help with its digital activities and online groups.

During lockdown, SASBAH - The Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus - set up a number of online groups.

This was to provide support for its members at a time when the charity's staff were unable to meet them face to face.

Those groups proved so popular that they have been running ever since.

Now SASBAH has received £2125 from The Focus Foundation, based in Brighton, which works with grassroot charities across the country.

It helps fund projects and initiatives that support communities and transform lives.

Rom Sanglaji, SASBAH CEO, said: "Before lockdown was even announced, we were thinking and planning the best ways to stay in contact with members of the SASBAH family. It was all about making people feel less isolated, and we offered five activities a week.

"Our people live across Sussex, and we were determined to still provide a service to them during the pandemic. In fact, our services then were more important than ever."

Online activities included:

· Weekly bingo sessions

· Weekly art group

· Games, quizzes, crafts, daily keeping in touch calls

· Independent living workshops

· Weekly Advisers online session

· Ladies that lunch group

· Online youth club

Rom said: "As soon as lockdown was lifted, we realised that these sessions remained vital to people we support.

"It guaranteed regular contact with others and the chance to share experiences. They are still running to this day, and we thank The Focus Foundation for helping us fund these activities. The money will be used for staff salaries and buying equipment."

Go to SASBAH | Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus | Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus