Art, Inclusion & Wellbeing Dreams
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Southampton
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October 2024
In October 2024, SDS funded a DREAMS Workshop run by the newly formed NeuroSpicy Mind CIC — a grassroots organisation in Southampton dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families. The workshop series encouraged creativity, emotional regulation, and self-expression through art, while offering families the chance to connect and share experiences.
The Challenge
Neurodivergent children and their families often face barriers to accessing creative and therapeutic activities, particularly in community settings that understand and meet their needs. Post-pandemic funding pressures have further limited opportunities for inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences.
Our Approach
We identified the opportunity to support this new CIC via social media and were keen to help them bring their DREAMS Workshop to life. The four-day series welcomed nine children across five families, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Activities included:
– Art-based sessions to explore self-expression and creativity.
– Relaxed, interactive group settings with tailored sensory considerations.
– Insightful talks from University of Southampton researchers on the fourth day, offering knowledge-sharing and discussion for parents and carers.
Feedback from participants highlighted the sessions as “relaxing and inspiring”, “inclusive for all age groups”, and “a great space to reflect and meet new people.
The Impact
100% of attendees rated the experience 10/10 and would recommend it.
Sessions boosted creativity, social interaction, and confidence for children.
Provided a welcoming, supportive community space for parents and carers.
Inspired the creation of a DREAMS Workshop book — documenting the event and available for purchase to raise awareness and funds for future activities.
Why It Matters
This project shows the power of grassroots initiatives to create real, lasting impact in their communities. As one parent reflected, “The art shop on how to regulate through art was wonderful and educating on both the children and parents… we are grateful to have been part of it.”
