Wellingborough Mayor Cllr Lora Lawman views the art exhibition
Specialist support for conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia is on hand following the official opening of Northamptonshire’s only dedicated centre for help.
Dignitaries including Wellingborough Mayor Cllr Lora Lawman and events committee member Cllr Mark Jones, attended the official opening of Neurodiversity Networks CIC’s base in the town’s Silver Street.
The hub provides face to face support and expert services for children, adults, parents and teachers. It also offers coaching and counselling via workshops, one-to-one sessions and online events.
Neurodiversity Networks CIC chief executive Jannine Perryman is a former special needs teacher. “It is so important to see these developments within and for the neurodiverse community. We feel privileged to be a part of that.”
Before the opening, the CIC held a virtual launch of its online services. “Our virtual services are open to everyone no matter where they are located,” says Ms Perryman.
The launch event enabled the CIC to share details of services to parents, professionals, neuro-diverse young people and supporters of Neurodiversity Networks. “Together the hub and online services we provide will help children and adults with neurodiverse conditions to take positive steps to a brighter future.”
Neurodiversity Networks CIC welcomed associated organisations including community-led arts programme Made with Many, parent support group Define Fine, not-for-profit social enterprise Confident Communities and the ADHD Foundation. Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce, Wellingborough Council, local employment specialist IPS employment support, and NHS community and mental healthcare provider Northamptonshire Foundation Trust also attended.
Also at the CIC’s opening was Tony Lloyd, from the ADHD Foundation in Liverpool which has a long-standing link with the CIC. “With so many individuals and families in need of support, it is really important that third sector organisations are there to bridge the gap between what public services currently provide and what is available in the private sector,” he said.
Artwork created by people who identify as neurodiverse and their families was unveiled as part of the company’s Splash of Colour exhibition and is now available for viewing and purchase until the end of August.