Founded in 1965, SASBAH supports people of all ages in Sussex with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, conditions which pose life-long challenges. Originally a parent support group, SASBAH quickly came to focus on creating and developing the best opportunities in life for those with the conditions, while not forgetting the importance of family and carer support. Much of its work in recent years has focused on children and young people, helping them to develop personally and socially. Apart from substantial physical impairment, many also have learning disabilities, including lack of motivation, perception difficulties, poor short-term memory, and feelings of rejection and isolation, which can result in bullying at school for some.

Four years ago the SASBAH Young People's Committee, comprising a group of young service users aged 14-25, themselves challenged staff to do more to assist their development and to prepare them for the challenges of adulthood. The charity took up this challenge, and now provides a large Children and Youth Development Programme designed to offer just the right mix of fun, social engagement, and personal development.

The programme operates mainly in East Sussex, although there are plans for expanding it into West Sussex over the next few years.

SASBAH were delighted that the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation helped to fund this work in 2011, and has also agreed to a further 3-year grant from 2012.