About Imjustbrighton
Sharing Brighton’s real stories — from the seafront to the streets.
About
The Real Brighton — No Filters. No Scripts. Just Truth.
I’m Just Brighton is the digital heartbeat of the city — a space where stories, people, and everyday moments meet.
Created and independently run by Tim (Abdou El Wahid Graichi Cucarella), the platform has grown into Brighton & Hove’s most active community-led media outlet, reaching over two hundred thousand people daily across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and more.
It began in August 2021, sparked by a simple love for the city. What started as one person’s creative project quickly became a trusted local voice. Every post is created, edited and published by Tim himself — filmed on Brighton’s streets, shaped by real conversations, and powered by the people who live here. That consistency, honesty and connection have made Im Just Brighton part of the city’s daily rhythm.
News with Integrity
Behind the photos and videos lies serious journalism, facilitated through a close partnership with Sussex.News, every news item shared by Im Just Brighton is fact-checked and verified before publication. The collaboration provides direct access to official press channels — including police, ambulance and local authorities — ensuring accuracy and responsibility in every report.
People trust Im Just Brighton because what appears here is confirmed, not copied. It represents local journalism done the right way: transparent, ethical and community-focused.
What Brighton Sees Here
Brighton is more than a seaside city; it is art, protest, music, food, nightlife, Pride and personality. Im Just Brighton captures all of it — from breaking stories to behind-the-scenes looks at events, from quiet sunsets on the pier to loud nights in the Lanes. Every piece of content shares one goal: to represent the city truthfully and to give its people a voice. When something happens in Brighton & Hove, it is likely to appear here first.
A Community That Speaks Back
I’m Just Brighton is not a company with an office. It is a community built by thousands of residents who comment, share and send stories every day. Followers become contributors; locals become journalists. When Brighton celebrates, the platform celebrates. When something goes wrong, it listens, verifies and responds. That ongoing dialogue — honest, imperfect and human — keeps the project authentic and alive.
Vision for the Future
I’m Just Brighton is evolving into a fully fledged digital media hub for the city: a home for local journalism, creative design, brand collaboration and storytelling. Future developments include new partnerships with Brighton’s businesses and cultural organisations, sponsorships that reinvest directly into the community, and multimedia projects that will place Brighton’s independent voice on the national stage.
The mission remains the same: keep it real, keep it Brighton.
Why It Stands Apart
I’m Just Brighton is completely independent, Brighton-based and community-driven. Its journalism is verified through Sussex.News, its stories are grounded in local experience, and its impact is felt both online and on the streets. It posts daily without fail, guided by a commitment to truth and connection rather than advertising or algorithms.
More Than a Page — A City in Motion
I’m Just Brighton is not about one person; it is about everyone who calls this city home. It is the sound of the coast, the spirit of the streets and the energy of the people — and it is only getting stronger.
Verification
I’m Just Brighton is based in Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom, and operates independently in collaboration with Sussex.News.
All published news is fact-checked through Sussex.News before release to ensure accuracy and journalistic integrity.
For press or partnership enquiries, please visit the Contact page.
Meet Tim
(Abdou El Wahid Graichi Cucarella – Founder of Im Just Brighton)
I’m Abdou El Wahid Graichi Cucarella, but most people in Brighton know me as Tim, the creator of Im Just Brighton.
I’m Just Brighton started with my love for this city and my passion for creativity, storytelling, and community. Before I began the project, I had already built a strong personal online following — but I reached a point where I didn’t want the focus to be on me anymore. I wanted it to be in the city I love.
One day, while chatting with my mates, they said: “You’re always out and about, you love Brighton, and you’re great with social media — why not make a page about it?”
That idea became Im Just Brighton — not as a business, but as a personal project to show Brighton through my own eyes. I officially launched it in August 2021, although I had started sharing Brighton content earlier through @only.in.brighton in 2019.
From Passion to Community
At first, I just posted what I loved — photos, stories, and real-life moments from Brighton. But as the page grew, people wanted more: they wanted the stories behind the pictures, the people behind the scenes. That’s when I discovered my passion for community journalism.
I never studied journalism — I actually finished my schooling later, here in the UK — but now I live it every day. I spend countless hours creating, editing, researching, and posting content for Im Just Brighton, all on my own and mostly for free. It’s never been about money; it’s about the community.
Today, Im Just Brighton has become one of the city’s strongest online communities — a space that connects locals, celebrates creativity, and tells real Brighton stories.
My Journey
I was born in Spain in 1995, to a Spanish mother and Algerian father. I lived in Spain until I was 15, when my father reached out to me through Facebook. That message changed my life — I came to the UK to meet him for the first time.
I started life here in Haywards Heath, later moving to Burgess Hill. Those early years weren’t easy: I worked early mornings cleaning offices and long hours at Domino’s Pizza while finishing school. Every chance I got, I’d head down to Brighton — I loved the freedom, the sea, and the people.
By my early twenties, I finally moved to Brighton, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I fell in love with this city all over again. No matter where I go, there’s nothing like Brighton’s golden hour — that mix of light, energy, and community.
Today and What’s Next
Now, at 30, I still work full-time while running Im Just Brighton independently. It’s a huge commitment — I spend hours creating and managing content, editing posts, and engaging with the community.
My goal is to grow Im Just Brighton even further: collaborating with local brands, supporting Brighton’s entrepreneurs, and launching creative projects that benefit the whole city. I’m currently developing the Im Just Brighton website to offer services like press releases, SEO, and brand design — all focused on helping local people and businesses shine.
Although I’ll be spending some time in Spain, I’ll continue to run everything from there — Brighton will always be home.
Who I Am
I’d describe myself as loud, friendly, and creative — a people person who loves connecting with others. I’m always up for a chat, and I believe life’s best moments happen with good friends, food, and Brighton’s golden light.
I’m Just Brighton isn’t just my project — it’s our community. It belongs to every person who loves this city as much as I do. My DMs are always open — if anyone ever needs to talk, collaborate, or share an idea, I’m here.
Because at the end of the day, I’m Just Brighton is exactly that — Brighton itself.
Connect with Me
LinkedIn: Tim – Im Just Brighton
People & Brands We’ve Worked With
I’m Just Brighton has collaborated with a wide range of local and regional organisations, from news outlets to cultural institutions and community projects. Some of our collaborations include:
Discover Brighton
Local Media