“I KNOW we have changed lives, that’s good reason to get out of bed every morning.”

Jo Sullivan and Jo Telling were both teaching adults with learning disabilities at Northbrook College in Worthing six years when they felt the need to do something different.

So they decided to set up a new project for the people they taught.

Six years later and Superstar Arts is booming, at both West Worthing Baptist Church and Heene Community Centre.

They support about 150 adults who would probably have nowhere else to go on a regular basis.

Jo Sullivan said: “I know for a fact that there lives have improved by our mere existence, and that means a lot to us.

“We are completely inclusive and creative and we aim to provide an inspiring and therapeutic environment.

“Creative is a key word. We’re not a day centre, far from it.

“It was a complete leap of faith to go from the college to setting up Superstar Arts.”

It is a community interest company but the two Jos are aiming to turn it into a charity soon.

There are 12 paid staff plus a group of up to eight volunteers.

It opens six days a week, providing a variety of sessions.

These include creative projects, choir, art and enterprise, workshops and cooking.

They also organise holidays and this year the group has already enjoyed seven, ranging from the New Forest to Disneyland Paris.

Jo Telling said: “We are responding to the need but we are well aware we need to create something sustainable

“What else is out there for these people, and I feel without us many of them would just be sitting at home.

“We try to make their experience exciting and different.

“It came from a small acorn of an idea and I do think that everything has changed now.

“Adults with learning disabilities want to be visible, and they want to be heard, and so they should.

“I really feel that Superstar Arts has been a life changer for so many of those who come to us.

“We are determined to build on what we have achieved so far.”