Angela Barnes, James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Joe Wilkinson and Richard Herring are among the comedians who have joined forces with Brighton charity Amaze to raise a smile.
The comedians will be recording and sending jokes, stories and other silly stuff to keep all our spirits up in these difficult times. Their funnies will be shared via the Amaze facebook page facebook.com/AmazeinSussex Instagram @amazesussex and Twitter @amazesussex
And Amaze is 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.
Amaze has been providing information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for more than 20 years. It helps families with disabled children and young people to tackle problems such as poverty, exclusion from school, social isolation, physical and mental ill-health, poor housing, and difficulties accessing education or social care.
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 you like what they are doing Amaze is 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. See: www.justgiving.com/campaign/BigCheerUp
