Neurodiversity Social Club Age 10-17

Social club for young people aged 10-17 who identify as neurodiverse. Parents are required to attend for safeguarding reasons and siblings are welcome.

Free to attend but advance booking is required as spaces are limited to reduce sensory/noise issues – please complete the online form here to register interest in the group and booking forms for each event are released about 2 weeks before the date via Whatsapp: https://form.jotform.com/230574202958357

ABOUT US: We are a parent/carer led group of Waltham Forest residents with neurodiverse young people aged 10-17. Most, but not all, have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia etc. Most, but not all, are in mainstream school and finding it difficult. We aim to provide a safe and understanding space, encouraging interaction using simple board/table-top games. Through peer and parental support we aim to build community and encourage friendships. Families bring their own preferred games. At present preferred games are chess, OKPlay, Connect4 and Dungeons & Dragons, or simple crafts like air-dry clay. Refreshments: tea, coffee, water & biscuits.

ACCESSIBILTY NOTES: Most people attending will have their own anxiety and sensory sensitivities so please be respectful of others’ needs. Most young people are anxious about attending, at least for the first time. The Mill can be visited in advance without appointment, if seeing the space in advance would help (Tuesday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday – Sunday: 10.00am – 2.00pm). On the day, the big glass windows allow visitors to see in from outside before coming in. Turn up at any time within our 7.15-8.30pm group time. The door will be open and you can enter the building self guided. Feel free to come and sit in reception without speaking to anyone, to observe and acclimatise to the space if you need to. We tend to avoid approaching visitors with a “big welcome” when they first arrive to avoid overwhelming people – but please do come to say Hi when you are ready and/or need any help. Please be aware that the noise levels can become raised and some of the lighting is harsh fluorescent, so please bring your preferred ear & eye protection if needed.

Comments from our first two sessions: “X really liked it”, “I didn’t have to ask him to put his coat & shoes on to leave the house for the group – that’s never happened before”, “Can we run this weekly instead of monthly?” and “Y is agoraphobic so it was brilliant they made it for the last 15 minutes”.

Group admin/discussion is via Whatsapp group.

Full list of sessions: 6 Dec 2023, 17 Jan, 21 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr, 22 May, 5 June, 19 June, 17 Jul, 18 Sep, 16 Oct 2024

Sessions are 90 minutes long from 7.15pm, monthly on Wednesdays.

Parking is free after 5pm at the Mission Grove Car Park which is within site of The Mill.

With support from:

• Mayor of London Building Communities
• LBWF Parent Forum, https://www.walthamforestparentforum.com/
• The Mill
• London Borough of Waltham Forest Community Chest