During April and May 2025, a series of online and in-person focus groups were held for people with learning disabilities and / or autistic people living in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, and West Sussex. These groups included participation from Sussex Police licensing officers Hannah Staplehurst and Andre Bernascone, and NightSafe manager Kylie Wroe from Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership. They opened discussions around feelings of safety, perceptions of the night-time environment, and overall confidence within the local community, particularly at night-time. From this, a report was created highlighting the key findings, conclusions, and next steps moving forward.
Stay Up Late Assistant - Rohan
Rohan, who works as a Stay Up Late Assistant was involved with this project throughout the entire process. He contributed to developing the focus group questions and facilitated the discussion by asking these questions during the session. Rohan shares his experience of this:
What did you enjoy about this Safer in Sussex experience?
I enjoyed coming up with the questions that I asked during the focus groups. I also enjoyed hosting the focus group and asking questions to the representatives. It was a very thought-provoking session and was really nice to hear people with learning disabilities sharing their ideas with each other – this doesn’t happen often so was nice to hear.
What went well during the focus groups?
The ideas generated from the two focus groups were eye-opening and it was nice hearing from a broad range of people, especially those with learning disabilities. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was surprised by the range of ideas there were from everyone, including all the safety tips shared with each other.
What could have been improved if the groups were done again?
I found the in-person focus group easier as I could read people’s body language better and it felt rawer. However, having the option of both an online and in-person focus group is good as people may have a preference over which one, they would like to attend. This can depend on accessibility, availability, and travel.
It was hard to squeeze it all into a certain amount of time to make sure everyone had enough time to speak, whilst also getting all the points across and asking questions. Maybe hosting two smaller focus groups could work to allow time for everyone to speak. It is important to hear from people with a learning disability as they are from a group that can often get forgotten about in society.
What was learnt from the Safer in Sussex experience?
I didn’t know much about safe spaces – I knew of a few of them but not all of them. I was unaware of how many different charging device stations were available and in what form. These were some useful pieces of information I gained from the focus groups.
More information about safe spaces in Sussex is mentioned at the end of this blog!
Was there anything you wanted to know more about?
It would have been nice to get more information on what places might be more accessible in terms of venues, clubs, and pubs. I think this would benefit a lot of people and they would find it useful. It would also be nice to know exactly in what ways the night-time economy is going to improve for those with learning disabilities.
Where do we go from here?
I think having an optional information guide on safe spaces including where they are located would be nice. I also think having a detailed accessibility guide for venues in Brighton and Hove and what they have to offer could be useful.
Stay Up Late at a Safer in Sussex Focus Group
“I learnt a lot from this workshop too and it’s definitely helped focus some of my work and ensuring that I add in the group’s perspectives when I’m talking to the night time venues. It’s a very valuable experience to speak to different groups directly so thank you again for putting this on.”
- Quote from Kylie Wroe, Nightsafe Manager at Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership
Further resources:
We have attached some safe space site links to the bottom of this blog which were mentioned in the Safer in Sussex focus groups. These were given by the local representatives that were present during the focus groups. If you are aware of any other local resources, please do let us know!
Safe Space Sussex
Description: A Sussex-based initiative commissioned by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.
Purpose: Provides safe spaces for individuals who feel threatened or at risk.
Features: Location details, opening times, accessibility info, and available facilities.
BOBU App
Description: A Brighton-based Safe Space locator app.
Focus: Inclusive venues with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ support.
Features: Helps locate nearby safe venues offering quiet areas, phone charging, and more.
Retail Safe Spaces – NBCC
Description: Developed by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC).
Purpose: Encourages retail businesses to provide designated safe spaces.
Features: Includes a list of participating corporate stores.
We have also attached some links sent from Brighton & Hove City Council regarding fun events and activities happening in the local area!
Events & Activities – Easy Read
Description: An accessible Easy Read guide to local events and tips for staying healthy in Brighton & Hove. This was created by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Brighton & Hove Activity Map
Description: A Google Map showing social events and activities in the local area for people with learning disabilities and / or autistic people.
