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.  For adults and older teens who are waiting for an Autism or ADHD diagnosis, or those who have had a late diagnosis, there is a distinct lack of peer led support in the community; this needs to change before more and more people fall between these gaps in service.  Often overlooked because we 'appear' to 'function'; most of us often don't meet any criteria for the existing offer of support previously available.

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In 2023,  Ruth, who had the idea for the project, found calm by restoring , redesigning and painting furniture.  It gave her a positive outlet to process her thoughts, navigate her emotions and  started to improve her wellbeing.  Ruth decided she wanted to share this with her peers; to provide a safe space for other Neurodivergent people to be creative, and was supported to bring the idea to reality.  Ruth works closely with Wigan Council Communities Team and the project has recently benefitted from the Supporting Communities Fund.  The project has also been lucky enough to secure some funding towards core costs from The National Lottery Community Fund.

 

As well as being supported by the council and the Lottery, the projects has also been awarded a small grant from the Brighter Borough Fund,  and a grant from Forever Manchester Autotrader Fund, which helped to provide more creative sessions and support for Neurodivergent Adults and those awaiting diagnosis within Leigh, Wigan, Greater Manchester and beyond.  

 

We have also been recognised by Ellie Middleton; activist, speaker and writer committed to empowering Neurodivergent people, and in February 2025, we featured on ITV Granada Reports, with a focus on why projects like this are vital within our communities. In May 2025 we were also visited by BBC Manchester to talk about the need for spaces like My:ND Space.

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Our space is on Floor 5 of Leigh Spinners Mill, where we host furniture upcycling workshops, other creative sessions and socials, solely for adults and more recently, older teenagers with autism, ADHD and / or other Neurodivergent conditions (no formal diagnosis is required to attend these sessions).
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Our space maintains a calm and sensory friendly environment, with group sizes ranging from six to twelve participants depending on the type of activity. For those wishing to attend, you will need to book your space here. There is a huge demand for support groups for late diagnosed Autistic adults and older teenagers, as well as those with ADHD and other Neurodivergent conditions; we aim to provide this much needed long-term support, but we do it in a way we know is beneficial to our wellbeing.

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(We ask for a paid contribution for all of our workshops to help cover some running costs.  Money generated from ticket sales goes back in to the project so we can continue to provide a peer led supportive space.

The price of your ticket includes refreshments, materials and furniture to take home when finished if you are booking on to upcycling sessions).

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What our attendees say:

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"Finally a place where I can be myself around other people like me."

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"Love, Love, LOVE this place.  Absolutely amazing!"

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"Thank you so much for letting me be me with no judgement."

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"Thank you for this creative and safe space for us."​

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"Its OK to be me here."

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"I had a great time. It was nice to have a break from the chaos in my life for a couple of hours. 

It made me feel a lot better and it was nice to be around people who weren't judgemental."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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