Friends Anna Crowe and Jane Talman have been working on the project for some time, powered by passion and lived experiences, and are now ready to launch The Connection Hub.
They say the hub supports people with additional needs and their families by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that reduce isolation and help people connect.
Anna said: "Our aim is to create inclusive, welcoming community events for people with additional needs and their families / carers, wherever there is need and opportunity locally.
"The launch is shaping up to be a really joyful day and we’re hoping it will be the first of many regular events bringing people together.
"As a new, grassroots charity started by local people, we feel it’s a positive community story."
Based in Rope Walk, the charity is currently focusing on Littlehampton, Worthing, Lancing, Sompting, Bognor and the surrounding villages.
Jane has spent more than 12 years working as a personal assistant for individuals with disabilities and also fostered an adult with additional needs.
Anna has been a dedicated SEN teacher for the past 25 years, giving her experience and understanding of the diverse needs of children, young people and adults with disabilities.
The friends co-founded the charity after talking over the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone has a place.
In the long-term, they hope to establish a permanent base but for now the hub will be fully mobile across West Sussex, hosting inclusive events and community meet ups.
The official launch will be at Bognor Regis Youth & Community Centre on Saturday, March 28, from 10am to 3pm. This free fun-filled indoor celebration will include music, interactive nursery songs, sensory stories, a magic show, balloon creations and giant games.
Other events are planned from March 31 to May 7 at Thakeham Community Hub, Walberton Village Hall, Creative Heart in Littlehampton, New Park Community Centre in Chichester and Flying Fortress in Ford.
Midnight Dynamite, a fundraiser event, will follow at Bognor Regis Youth & Community Centre on Friday, May 15, from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are £15 plus £1.17 booking fee. Visit www.theconnectionhub.uk for more information.
1. The Connection Hub
The Connection Hub supports people with additional needs and their families by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that reduce isolation and help people connect Photo: Anna Crowe
2. The Connection Hub
Friends Jane Talman, left, and Anna Crowe have co-founded The Connection Hub in West Sussex Photo: Anna Crowe