Get Involved Groups (GIG)

Our Get Involved Groups are a powerful way for disabled people — including those living with long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence — to shape what happens in Brighton & Hove.

There are two strands, and you’re welcome to take part in both:

1. Get Involved Group

(previously known as the GIG Community Group)

These friendly, informal drop-in sessions are led by the group themselves. We meet face-to-face every six weeks to talk about the things that matter to us — like transport, planning, access and social issues. Each session includes guests from different council teams, so you can ask questions and share your views directly. It’s the only city-wide platform for disabled people to give feedback on a broad range of topics that impact daily life.

2. GIG Action Group (GIGA)

This is a more formal group, co-produced with Brighton & Hove City Council, where members give feedback on specific consultations. Meetings are held online or in hybrid format every six weeks, and you’ll need to register in advance to take part. It’s a chance to dive deeper into how council services are designed and delivered — and to make sure they work for everyone. Members receive a small thank-you voucher after attending three meetings.

Get Involved Group (formerly GIG Community Group)

Get Involved is a relaxed, community-led group for disabled people — including those with long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence — and their friends, family, and carers, to come together, share experiences, and speak up about what matters.

It’s informal, friendly, and completely drop-in. You don’t need to book or commit, just come along when you can.

We meet every six weeks in person, and each session usually has a guest from a local organisation or from the council; previous guests have included representatives from Thameslink, Brighton Buses, BHCC. It’s a chance to ask questions, share your views, and get updates on local issues, but just as importantly, it’s about connecting with others.

Why come along?

• A warm, welcoming space to meet others

• Led by the group — your ideas shape what we talk about

• Council staff and external guests come to talk, listen, and learn from lived experience

• No forms, no pressure — just turn up

GIG Action Group (GIGA)

GIGA is the formal branch of our Get Involved work — designed for disabled people who want to take part in focused consultation work with Brighton & Hove City Council.

Unlike the informal drop-in Get Involved Group, GIGA is a registered membership group. It brings together people with lived experience of disability, long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence to give meaningful feedback on council consultations and plans.

Meetings are structured and take place every six weeks, usually online. Each one is shaped around a particular topic or service area, with Brighton & Hove City Council staff attending to hear your views and work through issues together.

This is a brilliant opportunity to influence local policy in a more formal, ongoing way.

Key Info

• Membership-based: You’ll need to register to join

• Every six weeks: Regular meetings with clear agendas

• Usually online: Hybrid meetings may be offered if helpful

• Not a drop-in: You’ll be part of a committed group

• Thank-you voucher: After attending three meetings, you’ll receive a small token of appreciation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to attend every meeting?
No — but we ask that members commit to taking part regularly so we can build a consistent group.

What if I don’t use Zoom?
We can support you to get set up — just get in touch.