What a year it has been for us at Neurodiversity UK.
We started the year out with a Self Care Event reminding those who attend Neurodiversity UK it is important to #LoveYourself not only on valentines day but every day. It was a brilliant couple of days with our resident Nail Boss making everyone look glam.
After Valentine's Day we transitioned into getting our office Easter ready, turning one of our multifunction rooms into a burrow where the boys and girls met the Easter Bunny on Friday 29th March. The children attending had a blast crawling through the burrow, meeting all the bunnies and the star of the night.
Fast Forward through April to the 11th of May when Neurodiversity were invited to Tesco Castlebawn for the first time to do a bag pack, We had a fantastic day meeting the community and being able to tell our stories as everyone who is a volunteer at Neurodiversity UK has some form of “lived” experience of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Londonderry Primary School invited us to their Summer Fair on the 7th of June where we had a brilliant day with the kids buying preloved toys, meeting our fantastic volunteers and learning a little about who we are.
During the Summer Neurodiversity UK ran a big crowdfunding campaign with Aviva’s My Money My Choices scheme where we raised both money and awareness of what we do as a charity and we cannot thank everyone who donated even the smallest amount enough. Your support means the world to the charity.
On the 22nd of July we attended the Belfray Inn for a team building event and to meet with our newest team member Annette who is our Outreach Support Facilitator in our new Northwest Branch which opened on the 21st of October 2024 by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Cllr. Lilian (LSB) Seenoi Barr.
On the 24th of July, Neurodiversity UK had the pleasure of meeting with the Mayor of North Down and Ards Borough Cllr Alistair Cathcart who was keen to learn what he could do to support our Charity and the people we support.
On the 13th of September, we were visited by Nick Matthison MLA who was very keen to learn about what we do and the people we support. We are grateful to Mr Matthison’s office for their continued support.
On the 26th October, we had one of our PRO’s favourite nights of the year… Our Creepy Crawlers Event. We were dressed up and had Party Animals NI bring some of their creepy crawlies. Our PR fell in love with the snakes, although a few children may not have been so sure.
Did you know in October, Neurodiversity UK alongside Yellow Crane Tai Chi launched it’s own Neurospicy Tai Chi class… with the next one being held in January - Details to follow.
The next big event Neurodiversity had was attending the LMC meeting with GP’s from all over Northern Ireland. We were proud to be Chair’s Charity of the Year. It was a fantastic night and we raised a lot of awareness.
Also in November, Neurodiversity UK launched its Community-Based Benefit Surgery on the 6th November with the DFC who are here at our offices on the 1st Wednesday of the Month to answer any questions regarding your Entitlement and any claim queries you may have.
We look forward to rounding our year off this week with a Wellbeing Fair in Holywood Rd Jobs and Benefits Office before our Annual Christmas Event Santa’s Grotto is held that night. Our Office will be open until the 23rd December
We look forward to seeing you all then, and if we don’t see you, we wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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