Testimonials about Hope

Hope sessions have been like gold

For us your sessions DD and all the sessions at Hope have been like gold. We have been seeking a place where there is no fear and the teachers are all inspired, curious and loving members of the human race. To see our daughter come home brimming with stories and giggles and kindnesses she has witnessed, is like an answered prayer. She is already feeling more comfortable to be herself. Thank you all for rekindling her joy and spirit of curiosity. ALL gratitude and love. Cheering you all on, all the way.

All the family have benefited from coming to Hope

We have been coming to Hope for about four years now. Infact , since pretty much the beginning! We heard about Hope at at Uprise and Shine and when we took the decision to take the children out of mainstream school, we thought we would pop along to see what Hope was all about.

Fast forward four years or so and we are still coming. My daughter, who had been struggling at secondary School started to completely come out of her shell and made some lifelong friends. She started having a love for learning and took subjects in Sociology, English and Drama. She gained so much confidence in herself with the help of the amazing teachers. All the teachers make the subjects relevant, fun and all seek to get the best out of each child and you can just see how much they care.

My daughter started to love drama and even performed roles in some of the theatre productions such as Shrek, Alice in wonderland and Mid summer’s night Dream. It is all credit to Katy Jo and her amazing abundance of enthusiasm for what she does.

My son loves Hope and has grown in confidence too. Sadie is so encouraging and makes the subjects she teaches so much fun and engaging.

I myself also love coming to Hope each week as I also have made some lovely life long friends and it is lovely to feel apart of such a caring community.

Mandy X

Happy to be part of such an amazing and unique community

We've been home educating our daughter for over 3 years now, started when she finished primary school. The first year we did it on our own at home but it was quite overwelming and I was feeling a huge weight on my shoulders. It was going well but she was missing the social aspect of learning. And she wouldn't do any writing for me, she told me many months later that at school she often had to stay in classroom during breaks to finish off her work as she wasn't "producing enough". One day we heard about HOPE Sussex and when we got there for the first time we were welcomed with a huge smile and a hug from Matt, Sadie and Katy-Jo and we immediately felt at home. When we decided to come for some lessons my daughter was reluctant to do some (sorry Matt, but science didn't sound appealing, nor did creative writing) but I told her to just go once to try and she absolutely loved it! Since we started our journey at HOPE she has done weird science, cooking/baking, drama, astrology, ancient greek, creative writing, recently started GCSE English and Clasical Civilisation and creative and critical thinking which is not something you would be taught at school. She is a very happy and self confident girl which makes me happy and proud.

HOPE is not only a place of learning but also an amazing community. It is such a positive, happy place, full of lovely and very supportive people who are like family to us. We feel very happy to be part of such an amazing and unique community.

Ania

Tutors at Hope empower, encourage and support both children and parents

We found Hope a couple of years ago. As a Family, we have been going through a hard few years. We have (not just my daughter) been loved + supported, continually, by the whole Community.

It is a bit of a journey to get to Hope, for some of us - but it just has to be factored in. Everyone helps eachother out. The Children see + learn all this.

The Teachers KNOW the Kids. They care about them. The kids feel listened to. They are taught, by example, Community + to care for and about each other; love + understanding - as well as all the fun, interesting, relevant + affordable classes!

I have observed how the Teachers are, not only teaching the Children, but empowering, supporting + encouraging the Parents too, in the Learning Journey. I noticed my daughter ( who had always been Home Educated). welcomed +, fairly quickly, increase in confidence. To the point that it was amazing to see her, in a Parent's/Teachers/Kids Meeting, wait to be heard, last minute, + point out, r.e the discussion, that, "Sometimes the Teachers are late"! The answer was, " Fair comment".

She was LISTENED to + her opinion was taken as it was meant - as VALID, rather than rude. A few months before, she would not have felt confident enough to speak out like that!

Sadly ( I felt that we'd, finally, found Hope!), she has made the decision to go to Secondary School ( like her older Siblings) Not, really, my recommendation, but great to see her make her own decisions about her life. BUT, We are STILL loved + supported by Hope + go 'Home' as often as possible! X Phil

Gratitude for Hope

Honestly you guys are heroes we love what you do, it’s so important not only for the future of your kids but for all of us.

You put on such high quality events we are blown away every time and make memories we cherish. You are all so beautiful.

We just want to say thank you all so much, one day I hope we can show our gratitude by paying it forward in our own way somehow. You guys are an inspiration and Hope is the perfect name for what you give to everyone x

Winter

Confidence building for her daughter

I came across Hope, coming up to nearly two years ago, through a recommendation from a friend who was already a part of Hope.

It came just at the right time for me and my daughter after struggles of fitting in at secondary school and finding herself subjected to bullying.

When we first visited, my daughter wasn't sure, but we got to the church, (which is literally a stones throw away), when she asked if we could attend 3 days a week. We started about 3 weeks later; at first I had a very shy timid girl who literally hid behind me.

After about a month I couldn't believe the difference in her confidence with others (children and adults), something I had never seen before, it actually made me so emotional with how happy it made me feel and how happy I thought she must be to be able to just be herself. Even family members, friends and adults at Hope noticed.

She now takes part in English, Maths, Drama, Arts & Crafts and Sociology and in the past she has done Weird Science and Baking. All these classes are taught by amazing tutors and the lessons are just amazing.

Hope is more than just home ed support and learning, it's a safe space to thrive.

I can't begin to explain how much it has helped me with our home ed journey, so much support from tutors and other families.

I have also made some amazing life long friends myself at Hope. I can't thank Hope enough for all their support up to now and continuing.

Thank you all

Kayleigh and Ivy-Rose xx

My daughter and son have absolutely thrived here

HOPE is far more than just a home education group, it’s a true community, a safe haven, and a second home. My daughter and son have absolutely thrived here, both academically and emotionally. The teachers are incredibly passionate, and every session is engaging, fun, and inspiring.

What makes HOPE so special is the sense of belonging it offers — not just to the children, but to the parents too. Being surrounded by like-minded families who truly support and uplift each other has been a godsend. It’s a place where friendships blossom, support is always available, and every child is celebrated for who they are.

From English and maths to drama, boxing, science, and even time spent on the allotment learning where their food comes from — the variety of learning experiences is amazing. HOPE nurtures not only knowledge, but confidence, creativity, critical thinking and curiosity.

Seeing my children happy, supported, and excited to learn is everything I could have hoped for. Their dreams and ambitions are not only encouraged but actively nurtured. I honestly dread to think what life would be like without HOPE. It’s not just an education centre, it’s home, it’s family, it’s HOPE.

Katy Jo

A place to belong, what Hope means to us

I found Hope back in 2021, not long after I’d taken my little boy out of mainstream primary school when he was just 6 years old. We’d just started our home ed journey and were complete newbies! I had no idea what groups to join, where to go or how to find our tribe. With all the convid shenanigans going on, we really wanted to connect with like-minded people, but it felt impossible to know where to start.

Remarkably, just a few months into our journey, I stumbled upon Hope after hearing Sadie being interviewed at one of the marches in London. Fast forward a few months to September 2021 when Hope opened it’s doors for the very first time and my son started attending sessions! We’ve never looked back!

Hope has become a massive part of our lives. My little boy absolutely adores it, he’s thriving, he’s a confident little chap with oodles of personality. He’s had the space to truly be himself, to explore what he loves, discover his strengths and learn in a way that feels natural and at his own pace with NO pressure. Most importantly, he’s been allowed to be a child, to play, to wonder and to learn about things he’d never have the chance to if he were still in school.

And that’s all thanks to the incredible tutors at Hope. We’re so lucky to have such talented, passionate and engaging people teaching our children. Hope has quite literally given us hope and not just for my son’s education, but for our family as a whole.

In recent years my Hope family has supported me through a lot, including my two-year cancer journey. I am sure life would have been very different and more difficult to navigate without the love and unwavering support my Hope family showed me during that time.

I could say so much more about the positive impact Hope has had on our lives, honestly, I could write a whole book about it (now there’s a thought!). We’re endlessly grateful for this ever-growing Hope family, and I can’t wait to watch my son continue to blossom.
With heartfelt thanks to everyone,

Jean x

From state school bullying to confidence at Hope

My son was severely let down by the state school system. He suffered extensive and often violent bullying at the hands of his peers. His only two friends deserted him, as they did not want to come to the attention of the bullies, and even eventually joined in to try and appease the bullies as comrades rather than targets. I only discovered the extent of the bullying when he became extremely anxious at the prospect of returning to school after covid lockdown. He broke down in tears and revealed what hell he'd silently endured. It had left him with social anxiety disorder and a total mistrust of his peers. At that point, he was home educated.

When he turned 15, I began taking him to HOPE Sussex for GCSE English and Maths. He was extremely anxious in the build-up to his first lesson. However, the energy, love, respect, and warmth that he was afforded by everyone, especially his peers, dispersed his anxiety immediately and played a HUGE role in curing his social anxiety disorder completely.

I can't thank HOPE Sussex enough for what they have brought to my family's lives and the massive effect they've had on my son's ability to socialise confidently. He recently received a distinction for his first year at college and has excelled far beyond my expectations.

Every child deserves a HOPE education.

Davey - Proud HOPE parent.

One of our lovely tutors

Hope has genuinely changed my life. When I was pushed into taking retirement, I really felt my life was over. I have always been busy, either working as an actor or a teacher. Hope has given me a purpose, teaching and telling stories to the most wonderful and receptive kids. It has offered me friendship, community and great joy – both on a professional level and on a personal one. Everyone accepts me for who I am and I have received more love and appreciation than I ever did in my previous life. Every day there is a delight – we are always laughing, making a mess and allowing our children to be free and happy, while also learning – not by putting pressure on them but by showing them the amazing pleasure of learning new things and thinking for oneself. I could go on and on and on.

Hope and family learning

We have absolutely loved the time we have spent up at Hope Sussex. Our children have participated in some truly inspirational classes and they are always excited to go there.

Ian

Amazing time at Camp Hope

Amazing time again at Camp Hope 2024 & 2025

Where boys and girls can run free, laugh and play all day and night until they can no longer. With a little sleep to recharge to do the same all over again with activities to engage with young minds. Where adults can recharge with like minded souls all coming together from different angles exchanging knowledge and telephone numbers, BEAUTIFUL.

A place to recharge and to let those worry’s float away into nature. The food is amazing and value for money
Win win all round.

Love the vibes
Love Hope Community
With Love and Gratitude to
Katy Jo, Sadie, Matt and one and all that bring this event together….
Soul restoring , Thank you

Tara

Keep up the good work

I just want to say that I am sitting in my car listening to Radio 4- I think you're amazing. I home educated my three boys- all grown up now but it was the best of times. I got to spend every minute of every day with the three most amazing boys. Main stream school is a killer, a very dangerous environment that needs scrapping. And being a conspiracy theorist? It just means I dare to not be a sheep! Keep up the good work.

A beacon of light

I have just listened to the radio 4 programme . I am so impressed with you all and what you are doing. I am a grandmother and as often happens in later life we look back at our choices made with some regrets . I wish with all my heart I had home schooled my son. It was financially impossible and I couldn’t find a way to accomplish this. Also there was nothing like your community 30 years ago that I could reach out to. School days were a constant sadness .His struggles continued for years until everything fell into place for him and fortunately he thrives now!! However I see your purpose and resolve as a beacon of light in this broken society of ours and wish you all the best in all that you do. All my love to you all X

This is what community is all about

HOPE is a place where you have the space to be your true self. To reconnect your Soul with others through honesty and shared effort's. This is what community is all about.

HOPE Sussex Community Needs Your Support

As with everything that works outside of the control of the State, donations and pledges form a crucial part of our support base.

Every penny that is donated goes directly to HOPE Sussex Community, there are no deductions made whatsoever, we get all of it, and we use it diligently to make the most out of it at all times.

Whether its 50p or £500, anything you can donate to us will be met with the same tremendous gratitude from all of us at HOPE.

Support us by clicking the button below, and have say by giving your direction how you would like us to best use your generous gift for our community. Thank you so much from all of our hearts, to yours xxx

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