Written by Charlie Daw
- Amount Funded: £20,000
- Contact: [email protected]
- Areas: Leigh
Wigan Borough Community First (WBCF) is pleased to announce that My:ND Space CIC has been awarded funding through the Thrive in Five programme.
My:ND Space is a supportive and creative organisation for neurodivergent people, founded from lived experience and a recognised gap in services for people who may be described as having “low support needs”. The organisation provides understanding, connection and non-clinical support for people who may feel isolated, particularly following diagnosis or during difficult periods.
Through creative workshops, peer support groups, social evenings and sessions for teenagers, My:ND Space helps people build confidence, develop friendships and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Its approach is peer-led and community-focused, celebrating neurodivergent people and moving away from a deficit-based approach.
What is Thrive In Five?
Thrive in Five was created to support new, creative and community-led approaches to improving mental wellbeing across Wigan Borough. WBCF is working closely with Public Health at Wigan Council, who commissioned the programme, and Edge Hill University, who will support the evaluation of its impact.
The programme provides awards of £20,000 to voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations to deliver wellbeing-focused activity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Alongside the funded projects, successful organisations will take part in a Wellbeing Circle, creating an opportunity to share insight, learn from one another and strengthen collaboration across the sector.
Through this approach, Thrive in Five aims to support local wellbeing activity while building the relationships, knowledge and capacity needed to develop sustainable, community-led support across the Borough.
About My:ND Space CIC
Through its Thrive in Five-funded project, My:ND Space will provide holistic, person-centred support for neurodivergent people, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. The organisation provides a safe space where people can connect, ask questions and access peer support based on lived experience.
The project offers a wide range of activities and groups, including games, Lego, lino printing, mosaic making, woodworking, furniture upcycling, poetry, gender-specific peer support and a teen group for ages 11 and over. A neurodivergent psychotherapist is also available on site, providing an additional layer of support through neuro-affirming therapy and psychoeducation.
People attending the hub are encouraged to help shape its development, ensuring that the space remains led by and for neurodivergent people. The next stage of the project will build on this foundation by developing peer volunteering, coaching, counselling, training, community research and influencing opportunities, supporting longer-term community-led change.
For more information about My:ND Space CIC or its Thrive in Five project, contact [email protected] or visit www.myndspace.co.uk.
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