We aim to enrich the lives of Neurodivergent adults (NDs) in Thanet, a deprived area with very limited resources for our ND Community. Our user-led project seeks to fund a year of essential social meetups, tailored to our community, ensuring they are accessible to all NDs for free. More than simple meetings, our gatherings are transformative lifelines, often the first accessible, supportive, and understanding space that our attendees have found in our area. They are safe havens where individuals can connect and flourish, cultivating a sense of community and belonging. Our initiative is a movement, building bridges towards a future where every ND individual, whether diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or questioning, can access barrier-free support, enabling them to thrive and take full part in our vibrant local area and community. Supporting us means championing a cause that reverberates through individuals, fostering a community that empowers and celebrates us all.

What we'll deliver:

• 12 Monthly Social Meetups: host one meetup each month in an accessible venue in one of the Thanet towns.
• Employ 3 Neurodivergent people on a part-time/freelance basis for a year to facilitate Social Meetups
• Develop volunteering opportunities for Neurodivergent adults to empower individuals and foster community
• Build organisational capacity to be able to respond to community needs
• Materials for Activities: purchase necessary crafts and games materials for each event.
• Venue Hire: Ensuring we can secure suitable, accessible venues for each event.
• Funding local printed ads to break communication accessibility barriers, reaching beyond the internet and social media.
• 12 Monthly ND Coffee Mornings: host one coffee morning each month in an accessible venue in one of the Thanet towns.
• Employ 3 Neurodivergent Co-Directors on a part-time/freelance basis

Why it's a great idea:

Our project provides Thanet with essential support for Neurodivergent (ND) adults, filling a significant resource gap. ND individuals will gain a haven for connection and self-expression, boosting mental well-being and community belonging. The local community will benefit from enhanced inclusivity and diversity, fostering broader understanding and empathy. Families and friends will receive indirect support, strengthening overall community resilience and networks. Community partnerships will flourish, enriching local services and fostering a more integrated community support system. Each contribution nurtures a more vibrant, empathetic, and inclusive Thanet, amplifying the well-being and voice of its ND members.

Steps to get it done:

• Confirm and book venues for Social Meetups (evening events)
• Confirm and book existing facilitators for Social Meetups
• Finalise programming for Social Meetups
• Research and purchase craft materials and games for Social Meetups
• Start running Social Meetups
• Develop Accessibility Training offer
• Research, confirm and book venues to host NEW Neurodivergent Coffee Mornings (daytime events)
• Design and pay for ads to be printed in the local press
• Local networking to scope opportunities and needs to refine Accessibility Training offer
• Create programming for coffee mornings
• Start running NEW Neurodivergent Coffee Mornings
• Recruit and train additional volunteers (and facilitators if necessary)
• Mid-year evaluation of Social Meetups & Coffee Mornings, led by community’s direct feedback
• Launch & Marketing of Accessibility Training offer
• Delivery of the second half of the year Social Meetups and Coffee Mornings
• Land our first Accessibility Training offer client
• End of the year celebration events (special Social Meetup and special Coffee Morning)
• Project Evaluation and Future Planning

Our project's sustainability is rooted in our user-led approach. NDFT was founded to empower ND individuals, inside and out. This means tackling the employment challenges our community often face. We are a 100% ND-led team, uniquely attuned to our community's needs. Funding our first year is critical for sustainability and quality service delivery. It relieves financial stress, prevents burnout, and fuels our dedicated work. Funding our core programmes will provide a strong foundation for growth, enabling us to dedicate extra time towards expanding our offerings, such as developing paid accessibility training to local organisations, helping us grow our financial security. Securing this funding ensures we can sustainably grow our impact on both existing and new community members, without choosing between delivering our core programmes and growing our financial sustainability strategies. Your support is an investment in a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable future for Thanet.