Meet the Amazing Futures team
Our amazing staff and volunteers.
- All
- Brighton & Hove
- East Sussex
Jem Hadert
Amazing Futures Coordinator Brighton
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I decided to work at Amaze after I had started volunteering at the end of 2019. I had enjoyed volunteering so much I continued it for a few years and eventually applied for a traineeship when Sue (the previous co-ordinator) was leaving. I trained with her and now co-ordinate the project.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part is being at our youth club and chatting with everyone. It is so rewarding when new people join and have a great time and feel more confident by the end of the session.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love reading comics books. Anything with superheroes in!
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Cookie dough!
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
I would really like to go to either New York or Japan.
Favourite film:
I would probably say either Whiplash or Spider-Man 2 but it changes a lot.
Contact details
- Email Jem – Jem@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Call or text: 07485 349 659
Charlie Ayres
Youth Development Worker
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I am passionate about the work Amaze does and the values of the charity, especially providing a platform for young peoples voices to be heard. Having lived experience of being a young carer, neurodivergent and navigating a disability as a young person helps me to understand some of barriers young people face.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Empowering young people to have a space to be unapologetically themselves. I love seeing young people grow and thrive at Amazing Futures, find their place and their people, listen to their stories and being able to provide a platform for their voices to be heard and valued!
Do you have any hobbies?
I love cooking, cars, music and films, being creative, and spending time with my family, dogs and friends!
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Honeycomb
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Too many places! Italy & Malawi (again), but I also love Devon and Cornwall!
Favourite song?
Such a hard question! Either: Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks or The Chain by Fleetwood Mac because it makes me think of watching F1 with my dad growing up.
Contact details
- Email Charlie – Charlie@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: 07494 121 322
Dara Russell
Careers Service Coordinator
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I decided to work at Amaze because I believe in the core values and mission, particularly their aim to empower young people and help them to advocate for themselves. I have additional needs so I think this helps me to connect to young people and to help inspire them.
What is your favourite part of your job?
All the wonderful young people I meet and listening to their stories!
About my disabilities, neurodivergence or additional needs
I am Autistic and Dyspraxic – I was diagnosed as an adult.
Do you have any hobbies?
Growing and caring for houseplants – I have over 100!
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Pistachio.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Spain or New Zealand.
Favourite film:
Lord of the Rings (any of the original trilogy)
Contact details
- Email Dara – Dara@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Call or text: 07485 345 903
Jade Franks
Youth Worker
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
Because I feel passionate about the work Amaze does and my lived experience of having Autism and ADHD enables me to be able to understand some of the difficulties young people face.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Providing opportunities in a safe space for young people. Seeing the young people thrive, grow confidence and develop friendships is the favourite part of my job, it gives me a real sense of joy. Loving what I do is a huge win in life.
Do you have any hobbies?
Spending times with friends, seeing my niece, juggling and going to concerts.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Chocolate
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Italy
Favourite song
My favourite song is “Know that you’re not alone” by Cat Burns.
Contact details
- Email Jade – Jade@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Hannah Smith
Youth Worker
What is your favourite part of your job?
Getting to know so many brilliant and unique young people. Being part of a kind and conscientious team.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love reading, being in nature and trying different crafts (even when I’m not very good at them!). Spending time with friends and family is very important to me.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Definitely mint choc chip.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
I would love to visit Japan.
Contact details
- Email Hannah – HannahS@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Ella Burns
Young People's Services Manager
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I really like working with projects involving young people and I’d heard good things about Amaze. I love living in Brighton and working locally, and after a couple of years of working in other areas I wanted to focus back here in the city
What is your favourite part of your job?
Working with our brilliant team. Meeting young people and coming to groups. Planning new things and seeing them happen.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love reading, dancing, being out in nature, hot yoga and I am trying to write a novel!
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Mint choc chip
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
I’ve been to Japan and would love to go again. I’d also love to visit Mexico.
Favourite film or song?
This is a very hard question! ‘West Side Story’ (the original from the 1960s) is one of my favourite films.
Contact details
- Email Ella – EllaB@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Serena Cobbinah
Amazing Futures Intern
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I wanted to have more opportunity to work with young people because I find it super rewarding – and, as a disabled person myself, I enjoy creating a welcoming space for people who are like me.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Getting to meet so many different people with so many different interests!
Do you have any hobbies?
I love DJing and poetry!
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Pistachio or anything that isn’t too sweet.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Berlin!
Favourite song
Poetry – The RH Factor
Contact details
- Email Serena – SerenaC@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Abi Thompson
Amazing Futures Intern
What is your favourite part of your job?
Meeting and helping people
Do you have any hobbies?
Reading, baking
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Cookie dough
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Norway
Contact details
- Email Abi – Abigail@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Rose Fenge
Comms and Editorial Assistant
I’m also a photographer, so you might see me at events or groups taking photos for Amaze sometimes (come say hi if you do!)
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I have disabilities myself, and a lot of my friends and family do too, so this is something I really care about. It means a lot to me that I’m doing something that makes the world a little bit better, not a little bit worse.
It also sounded like interesting work that I could be really good at, and enjoy doing.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I really like designing things, so I love making flyers and graphics for social media. I also like when I go to Amazing Futures groups to take photos and get to play Uno with people!
About my disabilities, neurodivergence or additional needs
I am neurodivergent and have a physical disability that causes chronic pain and fatigue. These can bring challenges, but they’ve been really helpful too.
For example, I have a lot of useful knowledge about disabilities and accessibility. My neurodivergence also means I can be extremely productive when I hyperfocus on tasks, I’m very good at quickly learning new skills, and I’m great at noticing small details.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to knit and do cross stitch, and I like playing boardgames.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Salted caramel, so long as it’s non-dairy!
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Ooh… either Italy or Aotearoa (New Zealand). Italy’s been on my bucket list for a long time for the history, the food, the scenery. Aotearoa is stunning though, and I’ve heard great things about it.
Contact details
- Email Rose – Rose@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: n/a
Sally Polanski
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
I’ve always worked for charities and I’d admired Amaze’s excellent services for a long time. I am passionate about supporting families with children and young people with additional needs.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Working with a fabulous team and getting to meet inspiring families.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy running (very slowly) in woodland near my house and spending time with family and friends.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Coffee.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
There is so much of the world I’ve love to see! Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, Norway all on my wish list … but I also love Cornwall, Bognor Regis and the Isle of Wight.
Favourite song
The Wonder of You, by Elvis
Contact details
- Email Sally – SallyP@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: 01273 234020
Ros Cook
Head of services
Why did you decide to work at Amaze?
When my son was at school I used Amaze for help myself. Soon after that I saw there was a job at Amaze and applied. I’m still here 24 years later because I love what we do!
What is your favourite part of your job?
Making things work behind the scenes so the Amaze team can do brilliant stuff with people. It’s a treat when I get to join in sometimes too.
Do you have any hobbies?
I really love reading books. Luckily I like walking and even running a bit so I am not sitting down all the time.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Cherry and chocolate.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Anywhere that the sun shines most days and there are really interesting old buildings or ruins to explore. I like places with lots of trees too.
Favourite song
“Sussex by the Sea” because I sing it at the football.
Contact details
- Email Ros – Rose@AmazeSussex.org.uk
- Phone: 01273 234 020
- All
- Brighton & Hove
- East Sussex
Lewis
Volunteer (East Sussex)
Why did you decide to volunteer with Amazing Futures?
I wanted to help people.
What is your favourite part of being a peer supporter?
Making a difference and empowering people with SEND in East Sussex.
Do you have any hobbies?
Not really
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Salted Caramel
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Australia
Favourite song?
Anything abba
Billie
Volunteer (East Sussex)
Why did you decide to volunteer with Amazing Futures?
I wanted to be that person I wanted when I was their age.
What is your favourite part of being a peer supporter?
I like feeling like I’m helping people, and I’ve got more confident since I started doing it.
About my disabilities, neurodivergence, or additional needs
I have Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Autism.
Do you have any hobbies?
Watching Anime, Nature Documentaries and Prehistoric Documentaries.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Mint choc chip!!
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
South Korea.
Favourite film and/or song?
Any Jurassic Franchise film and Live my Life by Aespa.
Jack
Volunteer (East Sussex)
Why did you decide to volunteer with Amazing Futures?
I wanted to help young people.
What is your favourite part of being a peer supporter?
To help run groups.
Do you have any hobbies?
Helping people.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Mint chocolate chip
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go?
Norway
Favourite film and/or song?
Ed Sheeran
