‘Vibrant’ charity is marking 50 years

VOLUNTEERS and guests gathered to mark the launch of celebrations for the golden anniversary of a Sussex charity praised for its ‘vibrant’ community work.
Julian Stevens, Adur District Councils active communities manager, left, and Hugh Lowson, chief executive of St Barnabas HospicesJulian Stevens, Adur District Councils active communities manager, left, and Hugh Lowson, chief executive of St Barnabas Hospices
Julian Stevens, Adur District Councils active communities manager, left, and Hugh Lowson, chief executive of St Barnabas Hospices

SASBAH – the Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus – is based in Richmond Road, Worthing, and its 50th anniversary celebrations in West Sussex were launched with a reception at West Worthing Baptist Church, in South Street, Tarring. It followed a similar launch in East Sussex.

Guests included Peter Evans, West Sussex cabinet member for children, deputy county council leader Lionel Barnard and Hugh Lowson, chief executive of St Barnabas Hospices.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rom Sanglaji, chief executive of SASBAH, said: “It was a very successful evening and gave us the opportunity to tell an invited audience what we do in West Sussex.

Hilary Lewis, chairman of SASBAH, with Worthing West MP Sir Peter BottomleyHilary Lewis, chairman of SASBAH, with Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley
Hilary Lewis, chairman of SASBAH, with Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley

“The fact is, we do an incredible amount across the county, supporting around 500 disabled people, and our 50th anniversary is a very important milestone.

“One of our main aims during 2015 is to raise awareness of SASBAH in West Sussex and to increase our profile in the local communities.”

Hilary Lewis, the charity’s chairman, addressed the audience, saying that over 50 years, SASBAH had developed ‘from a parent support group to the diverse and energetic organisation that it is today’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: “None of this would be possible without the 170 volunteers we have, equating to an economic value of more than £170,000.

“SASBAH isn’t just a community group that does great work – it really is a vibrant community that is part of the wider community, creating opportunities and changing lives.”

The Worthing and Adur Support Group meets on the third Friday of each month at the Richmond Road offices.

Chichester and Arun Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Brewers Fayre, The Esplanade, Bognor Regis

Email Peter Lindsey, the 50th anniversary co-ordinator, at [email protected]

Related topics: