A companion who shares their interests, in Brighton and Hove

Somewhere to go

Stanmer Greenways accessible trail

Stanmer Park, Brighton

A signed trail through an 18th century parkland estate, running from the park entrance up past Stanmer House towards the walled garden and village, both of which have cafes and toilets. A carer can drive or take the bus to the entrance, set the pace with rest stops, and turn back at the house if the full length is too much.

Getting around: The council describes the first section as a compacted gravel path suitable for wheeled users, with easier access pathways added around the park.

Source: brighton-hove.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Brighton and Hove seafront health walk

Brighton and Hove seafront promenade, Brighton

A council mapped seafront walking route along the promenade, passing Hove Lawns, the bandstand, the piers and the Fishing Quarter, with plenty of places to stop. A carer can pick a short stretch between two landmarks, use benches along the way, and drive or bus to the nearest point rather than walking the whole route.

Source: brighton-hove.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Cookery classes at the Community Kitchen

Brighton

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership runs a regular programme of ticketed cookery classes, from patisserie to fermentation and dim sum, with profits funding free community courses. A carer can book a class together, handle the travel and the heavier prep, and repeat the recipe at home the following week.

Source: bhfood.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Shopping for ingredients at Brighton Open Market

Brighton

A covered market on London Road, redeveloped in 2014, with more than 50 traders selling fresh produce, world foods and prepared dishes. A carer can plan a menu on the way, carry the bags, and help choose what is in season for baking or a fish supper at home.

Source: visitbrighton.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Afternoon tea dances in the Saltdean Lido ballroom

Saltdean

Tea dances returned to the 1930s art deco ballroom at Saltdean Lido, with a teaching session on foxtrot, waltz, tango and rumba followed by social dancing, tea and cake. A carer can book ahead, sort the lift there and back, and sit out with the person between numbers.

Source: brightonandhovenews.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Classes at The Dance Space

Brighton

A purpose built dance building in central Brighton with three studios and a small performance space, about 15 minutes walk from the station. A carer can check which sessions suit a slower pace and stay for the class as company.

Getting around: The venue describes its three studios and 123 seat performance space as fully accessible.

Source: visitbrighton.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Sussex county cricket at the County Ground

The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

Sussex play county cricket a few streets back from Hove seafront, with day long matches that suit a relaxed afternoon in a deckchair. A carer can book seats in the designated area, bring a flask and a rug, and leave after a session rather than the full day.

Getting around: Sussex Cricket describes the ground as accessible for disabled supporters, with a wheelchair area alongside the sightscreen at the north end and stewards on hand.

Source: sussexcricket.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Adapted walking football in Hove

King Alfred Leisure Centre, Hove

Brighton and Hove Albion's community foundation has run a specially adapted walking football session at the King Alfred Centre with Age UK Brighton and Hove, open to people with dementia and to their carers and friends. A carer can go along and join in, which makes the first session easier and keeps the person company on the touchline.

Source: bhafcfoundation.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Brighton and Hove Camera Club

Brighton

One of the oldest and largest camera clubs in the country, with more than 100 members of all ages and a broad range of photographic interests. A carer can help with transport to meetings and with getting images ready to share with the group.

Source: 2020.photofringe.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Photographing the seafront and piers

Brighton and Hove seafront, Brighton

The seafront runs from Hove Lawns past the bandstand and the piers to the marina, giving changing light, beach huts and Victorian ironwork to photograph. A carer can carry the camera bag, choose a sheltered spot on a bench and time the outing for late afternoon light.

Source: visitbrighton.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Brighton

The city museum holds fine art, decorative art and local collections, a short walk from the Royal Pavilion gardens. A carer can plan a short visit around one or two rooms and bring a sketchbook for a seated drawing session.

Getting around: The museum says all areas are accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, with a passenger lift and accessible toilets.

Source: brightonmuseums.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Artists Open Houses

Brighton

Every May, artists across Brighton and Hove open their homes and studios so visitors can see and buy locally made art and crafts and talk to the makers. A carer can pick two or three houses in one neighbourhood, ring ahead about steps, and build in a coffee stop between them.

Source: visitbrighton.com. Check opening times and access before you go.