Being Neurodivergent has its many challenges. It can be quite isolating at times, and some people often feel misunderstood, like they don't 'fit in' and can struggle to thrive in a world suited to their neurotypical peers.
Last year I found calm by restoring and redesigning furniture. It gave me a positive outlet and massively improved my emotional wellbeing. I decided I wanted to share this with my peers within the Greater Manchester area in the form of free upcycling workshops, to provide a space for Neurodivergent adults to be creative, make friends and to not feel like they have to conform to neurotypical expectations.
I am struggling to find affordable premises to work from to get these established. I have very kindly been offered a space once a month for a few hours but to make this work I need my own space. I have done market research and also a consultation with an autism group I attend and people said they would love to come to a place that is “just for people like us.”
I want to make that happen but I need public help to secure enough money to pay rent on a unit for a year. The impact of this project could be huge and eventually lead to becoming our own charity or community interest company.
There are so many adults who have struggled in their lives with either misdiagnosis, late diagnosis and feeling like they don’t fit in I have massively benefited from being around other neurodivergent adults because it makes me feel understood and like I’m not the only one who struggles with certain things in life
I understand people don’t have a lot of spare money, but any money pledged will help me make my dream a reality, and will help to create a peer led network of neurodivergent creatives
Thank you for reading :)
Ruth