Introducing 'Southend Neurodivergents'

After discovering my ADHD, I researched what was out there for my local town in Southend-on-Sea in the way of support groups.  I felt a bit dis-heartened that my initial search yielded very little.  Not to be discouraged further, I decided to set up my own group! With the aim of creating a safe space where anyone under the neurodivergent umbrella can be authentically themselves.  No masking, no trying to fit in with societal norms or the draining nature of remembering all the social cues.  A place where we can chat the deep stuff, find comfort in relating with our struggles and stim away happily.
​In March 2023, Southend Neurodivergents was born! The group has been building slowly and I anticipate it will continue to do so! We have two in person meet ups a month:
  • Third Monday evening of the month is our 'Craft and Chat' where I bring a suitcase full of my craft stash and we indulge in some mindful creativity whilst chatting all things ND.  Held at The Exchange pub on Southchurch Road, 7pm-9pm.
  • Last Saturday of the month is our coffee morning.  Stimming/fidget toys are provided, held at Aunt Sally's cafe on Southchurch Road, 10:30am-12:30pm.
  • All in person meet ups have a £4 fee per person, payable in cash on the day of the event.
  • RSVPs are required, you can give your response in our Whatsapp group, which you can join here.
  • We also have a Facebook group, which you can request to join here.​
  • I do sometimes have to move the dates around or may take the occasional break.  So always check the dates before you come for the first time!
  • Any other queries, please contact me via email: [email protected].
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Feedback from our first ever Coffee Morning!

 'I was really anxious to go to the first meeting, but put some support in place to make sure I went.  And I'm so pleased I did! It's such a welcoming space, you can contribute to the conversations as much or as little as you want.  The first meeting was only scheduled for an hour.  But it went by so quickly, it's now been changed to make it an hour and half.  I highly recommend this group.' - Grace, a member on the Meetup group.