Wide landscape photo of Pevensey Levels countryside

About Us

Brighter Futures is a not-for-profit community organisation established in 2012. Our groups are for adults in East Sussex who may find other community activities difficult to join because of ill health, disability, isolation or personal circumstances. Rather than asking people to come along simply to socialise, we organise small groups around something to do: making something, playing a game, listening to music or learning a skill. Conversation can develop naturally, while those who prefer to concentrate on the activity are equally welcome.

Our work has included art and craft workshops, healthy-living sessions, computer help for older people and other locally based projects. We often begin with a short pilot, then ask participants what worked, what did not and whether they would come again. If people want an activity to continue, we look for funding and a suitable venue to run it regularly.

Our work now

Creative Recovery Group

The Creative Recovery Group is currently running for women aged 18 and over who are recovering from domestic abuse. Sessions take place at a confidential location and are based around simple art and craft activities. Women may talk while they work or concentrate on what they are making. Nobody is asked to describe what has happened to them.

When someone first contacts us, we ask only for the information needed to respond safely. We do not leave messages or identify Brighter Futures unless we have been told that it is safe to do so.

Stroke Recovery Group

Following a successful pilot, we are seeking to establish a regular group for people recovering from stroke and for their partners, relatives and carers.

Proposed sessions include arts and crafts, dominoes and other simple games, music and conversation. There would also be a separate opportunity for relatives and carers to talk about their own experiences. Activities would take account of fatigue, mobility, coordination and communication difficulties, without attempting to provide clinical rehabilitation.

We are gathering expressions of interest to establish how many people would attend, what activities would suit them and where and when the group should meet.

Coffee, Cake and Computers

We may restart Coffee, Cake and Computers if there is sufficient local interest. Older people would be able to bring a computer, tablet or particular online task with which they need help and work through it with someone over tea, coffee and cake. It would not be a formal computer course.

How our groups work

Every Brighter Futures group has an activity at its centre. This gives people something to do together without requiring them to make conversation or explain their circumstances. Some people talk while taking part; others prefer to concentrate on the activity.

No previous experience is needed. Where possible, we allow additional time, offer seated alternatives and adjust activities to suit different levels of energy, mobility and confidence.

We explain what each project can and cannot provide. Brighter Futures does not offer medical treatment, clinical rehabilitation, therapy, counselling or emergency help. If somebody needs support beyond the limits of a group, we can provide details of an appropriate professional service and, where suitable, help them make contact.

People do not need to give us a detailed account of their health or personal experiences simply to ask about attending.

Safeguarding and privacy

Anyone working directly with participants is briefed on safeguarding and the limits of their role. Further training and DBS checks are arranged where the responsibilities of a particular role require them.

The meeting place for the Creative Recovery Group is not published on the website. Details are shared privately with confirmed participants and, where appropriate, with support workers or referring professionals. This protects the privacy and safety of the women attending.

Our resources

Our downloadable guides and activity sheets were originally created for earlier Brighter Futures projects. They cover art and craft activities, healthy living, everyday wellbeing and ways of becoming more involved in community life.

We keep them available after a project has finished so that individuals, families and other small groups can continue to use them. They are free to download and share.