Young Voices - A group for young people with SEND and/or additional needs.

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Young Voices Logo. A rainbow infinity symbol with text "young voices" and a symbol of wheelchair user and person standing

What is Young Voices?


Young Voices is a youth group in West Sussex made up of young people with additional needs (including SEND and neuro-divergent conditions) up to the age of 25.



What do we do?

Our aim is to influence positive change within WSCC services whilst also having fun and making friends.

We meet every fortnight on Thursdays at 5.30-&7.00pm and our meetings are hybrid; in person and online.

It's not all work! We also have regular social meetings in person and these are planned with the young people based on their needs and interests. Some past socials

What is Young Voices?


Young Voices is a youth group in West Sussex made up of young people with additional needs (including SEND and neuro-divergent conditions) up to the age of 25.



What do we do?

Our aim is to influence positive change within WSCC services whilst also having fun and making friends.

We meet every fortnight on Thursdays at 5.30-&7.00pm and our meetings are hybrid; in person and online.

It's not all work! We also have regular social meetings in person and these are planned with the young people based on their needs and interests. Some past socials have included craft sessions, meals out, bowling, board games cafe and crazy golf.

You do not have to have a diagnosis or an EHCP to join us as we follow the social model of disability.



How can I find out more?

Please see our FAQ section on the right hand side of your screen for more information.



How can I find out more? Who do I contact if I need help or more information?

Please email voice@westsussex.gov.uk or lauren.boal@westsussex.gov.uk



Alternate Formats

If you require any of the information in an alternative format, then please contact us via email at toby.wilson@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephone on 0330 222 3314 and we will do our best to assist you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on 18001 0330 222 3314.

Please note, you can use the Google Translate function to access this project in a range of different languages. The Google Translate widget can be found at the top left-hand side of the project page, where it sits just above the black West Sussex County Council ribbon.

For more information about the accessibility of this website, please read the Your Voice Engagement Hub Accessibility Statement (opens in new window).



Data protection/Privacy notice

The Voice and Participation Team collect personal and special category data the processing of which is necessary to enable us to be compliant with the law (general well-being duties), and for reasons of substantial public interest. The data will be processed in accordance with the 2018 Data Protection Act, the General Data Protection Regulations, and any subsequent data protection legislation. The data we collect be securely stored and kept for period of up to 2 years before being appropriately destroyed. The data we will collect will not be used for any other purpose than that stated above without your prior written consent. West Sussex County Council is registered as Data Controller (Reg. No. Z6413427). For further details and information about our Data Controller, review our West Sussex County Council Data Privacy Policy (opens in new window).

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  • Happy International day of Sign Languages 2025!

    20 days ago
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    Happy International day of Sign Languages!

    23rd September is International Day of Sign Languages as recognised by the United Nations. This year’s theme is “Set the basis for the future: together we can innovate, inspire and impact!”. The date of International Day of Sign Languages was chosen to recognise the day the World Federation of the Deaf was founded in 1951. In the UK over 70,000 people use British Sign Language (also known as BSL) as their first language. Did you know there are over 300 different sign languages used across the world?

     We asked Grace, a member of Young Voices some questions about Sign Language.

     

    How do you use sign language in your day-to-day life?

    I use BSL every day as my preferred language for both understanding and expressing myself. I combine it with AAC and, sometimes, speech. I use it with carers, in meetings, and for daily conversations. It makes communication smoother and less tiring.

    How has it helped you to communicate?

    BSL gives me freedom. It means I can still communicate when speech disappears or AAC feels too slow. It reduces frustration, lowers the risk of shutdown or meltdown, and lets me self-advocate clearly.

    What is your favourite sign?

    My favourite sign is the multi-channel sign for “fast.” It’s expressive, fun to use, and shows how BSL can capture meaning with the whole body, not just hands.

    What do you wish people knew about sign language?

    I wish people knew that BSL is a full language, like English. It has its own grammar, structure, and culture. For me, it isn’t an “extra” or “backup.” It’s my language, and it gives me equal access to the world.








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Page last updated: 26 Sep 2025, 10:20 AM