Neurodiverse Voices Connect CIC

Aim

Building a community where lived experience connects support, belonging, opportunity and research for neurodivergent people.

Where Lived Experience Connects Community, Support, and Research

Neurodiverse Voices Connect CIC was born from a simple belief: neurodivergent people and their families deserve to feel understood, supported, connected, and valued.

Founded by Andreia Costa, a parent of an autistic daughter and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent communities, Neurodiverse Voices Connect CIC has grown from a grassroots project into a thriving network built on the values of Love, Connection, Kindness, and Support.

What started as a desire to create meaningful conversations has already made a significant impact across Oxfordshire and beyond.

What We Have Achieved So Far

Since April 2024, Neurodiverse Voices has successfully delivered a range of community-led initiatives.

The Neurodiverse Voices (NDV) Podcast has released more than 40 episodes featuring neurodivergent individuals, parents, professionals, and researchers. With listeners across the UK and internationally, the podcast is helping to increase awareness, challenge misconceptions, and bridge the gap between lived experience and research.

Our monthly Neurodiverse Voices Coffee Mornings have created a welcoming and supportive space for parents and carers of neurodivergent children. These gatherings provide peer support, practical advice, and opportunities to connect with local services and experts.

In response to community feedback, we have also launched Neurodiverse Voices Community Support Evenings, providing an accessible online space for those unable to attend daytime events.

Our Let's Talk Neurodiversity talks in primary schools help children understand and celebrate differences, promoting acceptance and reducing stigma from an early age.

We have collaborated with organisations including Autism Champions CIC, SENtipede, Oxford Hub, and researchers from the University of Oxford. Events such as Together for Neurodiversity and the Oxford Health BRC Neurodiversity Conference have demonstrated the demand for spaces where neurodivergent people, families, professionals, clinicians, and researchers can come together as equals.

Every event we have organised has reinforced the same message: our community wants connection, support, and opportunities to shape the services and research that affect their lives.

Why We Need Your Support

The demand for our work continues to grow.

Many neurodivergent people and families face isolation, long waiting lists, limited support, and a lack of accessible community spaces. We want to change that.

Your support will help us continue and expand the services that are already making a difference.

Funding raised through this Crowdfunder will help us:

• Continue delivering community support groups and events
• Maintain essential platforms such as our podcast and digital services
• Hire accessible community venues
• Develop new activities for neurodivergent children and young people
• Deliver wellbeing activities for parents and carers
• Create more opportunities for connection, learning, and peer support
• Strengthen partnerships between communities, services, and researchers

Our Vision for the Future

Our long-term vision is to create a dedicated Neurodiverse Voices Connect hub: a welcoming, sensory-aware community space designed by and for neurodivergent people and their families.

This hub would provide:

• Community events and support groups
• Youth clubs and social activities
• Wellbeing and creative programmes
• Training for parents, professionals, and organisations
• Access to therapies and support services
• Sensory-friendly activities and celebrations
• Opportunities to participate in research
• A podcast and media space to amplify neurodivergent voices

Most importantly, it would be a place where people feel they belong.

Help Us Build Something Special

Neurodiverse Voices Connect CIC is not just an organisation. It is a growing community.

A community where people are welcomed without judgement.

A community where lived experience is valued.

A community where families find support, friendships, and hope.

By supporting this Crowdfunder, you are helping us create a future where neurodivergent people can access the connection, understanding, and opportunities they deserve.

Together, we can build a place where lived experience truly connects community, support, and research.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 24th August 2026 at 5:49pm