East Sussex charity celebrates successful 12 months

A CHARITY which moved its base into Eastbourne 12 months ago is celebrating a very successful year.

2025 marked the 60th anniversary of SASBAH – a local charity creating opportunities for those with disabilities.

It also saw the charity - which supports people with learning disabilities - move from Gun Hill at Chiddingly into Church Street, Old Town.

It's now based at The JPK Project/SASBAH hub.

SASBAH Chief Executive Rom Sanglaji said it's been a busy and happy 12 months, and he wants to thank everyone working with the charity and its supporters.

He said: "When we knew that we had to find new premises, it was proving a real challenge until I spoke with Jill Parker, the Chair of Trustees at JPK.

"JPK provides invaluable and excellent supported living at Gow Lodge on the site, but the old cafe was vacant. The rest is history, as they say.

"I want to say a public thank you to Jill and all of the trustees at The JPK Project - none of this would have been possible without her support and commitment.

"We now have two charities working together to support people with learning disabilities - and that is exactly why both organisations exist."

Rom wants to thank Christina Ewbank, Chief Executive of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, and other members of the business community for their support.

He said: "Christina reached out to us right at the beginning and was very kind to organise a Chamber event here. That kind of evening is so important to a small charity like ours - it allows us to spread our message of what we do and who we help.

"Brewers have also been amazing too - they always are with us. Mel and her team have supported SASBAH for more than 20 years.

"Our members adore Mel and all of her team at Brewers, they really do, and the wonderful Mural on the outside of our building was only possible due to Mel, and Kerry Caffyn who created it.

"It's such a delight to look at this mural when we come in every day - it does give a genuine lift to our people."

SASBAH and The JPK Project are both looking forward to an exciting 2026 working together to enrich the lives of the people that we support.

You can contact Rom here rom@sasbah.org.uk or 07779038542