Amaze is hugely excited to be launching #BigCheerUp for Amaze with some of the UK's best-loved comedy names, to support our Amaz-ing community of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Over the coming weeks, as we adjust to life in the lockdown, the likes of Angela Barnes, James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Joe Wilkinson, Richard Herring and more will be recording and sending us jokes, stories and other silly stuff to keep all our spirits up in these difficult times. We will share them via the
Amaze Facebook page, Instagram @amazesussex and Twitter @amazesussex

We are encouraging the public to get involved and film themselves telling a joke, funny story or anything silly (PG only!) then post it from their phones on social media with the tags #BigCheerUp @AmazeSussex.

Why the #BigCheerUp?

Whilst all of us are struggling to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, children with additional needs and disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Many have underlying medical conditions which mean they are more at risk of complications from the virus.

Children with learning disabilities and conditions like autism or ADHD may find self-isolating incredibly difficult due to their behavioural needs or social and communication issues. And disabled young people and their parents and carers are having to deal with high levels of stress and anxiety not just about the virus itself but the reduction in access to support services like respite care.

Amaze wants to do something positive for our community. We want to raise spirits, awareness and funds so we can keep supporting our families throughout this crisis, at a time when other funding streams are reducing.

If we manage to cheer you up, we are asking for a small donation to help fund an extra emergency helpline and establishing online befriending groups and sessions for young people with additional needs and their parents and carers.

A big thank you

We want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you for your donation, please share this far and wide. Thank you to all the comedians who are giving their time to #BigCheerUp. Many of them have already supported us during the last ten years as part of our annual fundraising comedy night BIG CHEER for Amaze.

Amaze Helpline & Contact 01273 772289
For more information about our work visit:
www.amazesussex.org.uk