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Creative Neurodivergent – Marie
Consultancy and Training
Creative Neurodivergent brings years of experience across Education, Health and Social Care sectors, as well as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). We offer:
- Bespoke training for various Neurodivergent profiles, tailored for small groups or large conferences.
- Specialized advice and support in designing internal policies and procedures.
Education Support
We provide comprehensive education support services, including:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) tribunal work.
- Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applications and amendments.
- Guidance for Education Way Forward meetings.
- Requests for Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) and bespoke education packages.
- Assistance with Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) and compensation claims for failures by Local Authorities in education or social care.
- Advice on disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments.
DWP Support
Our DWP support services include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) applications and appeals.
- Blue badge applications and appeals.
Advocacy
We offer advocacy services for disabled individuals and families, including:
- Representation in meetings.
- Navigation through formal complaint processes.
Creative Art Facilitation
Our creative art facilitation services encompass:
- Individual and group art courses.
- Youth engagement work through art.
- Art projects and workshops.
Who is Creative Neurodivergent?
My name is Marie, and I am an Autistic artist, trainer, consultant, and activist. I am the Director of Youth Art Connect CIC and The Autistic Community of Cornwall CIC, two non-profit organizations dedicated to serving Cornwall and beyond. Additionally, I direct the Cornwall Tourette Syndrome Support Group. As a mother to two autistic sons, my career began with an art degree specializing in traditional animation and documentary filmmaking.
Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various sectors, including the DWP, Adult Social Care, Education, Addiction Support, and Autism and Learning Disabilities services. My roles have ranged from full-time carer and alternative educator for my children to strategic service design and implementation consultant for education, health, and social care sectors.
I am actively involved in national and local strategic groups focused on service design for Autism, Tourette Syndrome, and Neurodivergency across the UK. My collaborations include working with Great Ormond Street Hospital, Alder Hey Hospital, St George’s Hospital, the University of Nottingham, NICE, NHS England, and various ICBs. Locally, I work with RCHT and CFT. Currently, I am pursuing a Masters in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University with plans for a Doctorate.
In June 2023, I received the British Citizens Award in Education at the Palace of Westminster for my contributions to Autism and Tourette’s education.
Services Offered
With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in strategic service design, disability rights activism, and promoting anti-ableism. My consultancy and training focus on Autism, Tourette Syndrome, and Neurodivergency. My background includes working in Autism, Mental Health, and Addiction support settings, including NHS training.
Currently, my work is concentrated in the education sector, offering advocacy support for children and families, consultancy on strategies and interventions for schools, and training for better practices, procedures, and EDI policies. I am an active participant in the Cornwall Autism Partnership Board, Healthwatch, the local Neurodiversity Pathway, and the National Tourette strategic consultancy group for NICE guidelines. I also advocate for the implementation of Tourette Syndrome pathways for Cornwall.
As an art facilitator, I support Youth Art Connect CIC with weekly and monthly art groups, pop-up sessions, and mental health courses, passionately working with disengaged and neurodivergent youth using art as a mediator.
Sessions start at £45 per session
To book Marie please email marie@youthartconnet.org
1-1 Creative Counselling Sessions – Siobhan
Hey young people of Cornwall! We’ve got something special just for you 1-on-1 creative counselling sessions that are all about YOU. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, we’ve got your back.
Our sessions are tailored specifically to 16+ year olds, and they last a full 1 hour. We’ll meet you at a comfortable and confidential location that works for you – because we know how important it is to feel safe and secure when you’re opening up.
During our sessions, you’ll have the chance to explore your thoughts and feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. And because we’re all about creativity, we’ll use a variety of techniques to help you express yourself and work through any challenges you might be facing.
So if you’re ready to take control of your mental health and well-being, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to book your 1-on-1 counselling session.
£50 per Session.
To refer yourself or your young person. Email talk@youthartconnect.org.
‘Express yourself’ Peer Support 6 week course
We understand that opening up to a complete stranger can be tough – and that’s why we’ve got an alternative option for you. Our small support peer group sessions are a fantastic way to connect with others who might be going through similar challenges.
At our Express Yourself Peer Support groups, we start with a “check-in” – a chance for everyone to share how they’re feeling (good week, bad week, or anything in between). But don’t worry, there’s absolutely no obligation to talk if you’re not comfortable doing so.
During the session, we’ll use a combination of verbal expression and art to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. It’s a great way to get creative, de-stress, and connect with others in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
And we finish each session with a “check-out”, giving everyone the chance to share how they feel after experiencing some mindfulness and art. So what are you waiting for? Come join us and let’s de-stress together!
We can run these courses in cafes, work places, schools, colleges.
If you want us to come and run a course please contact us at talk@youthartconnect.org.
If you have a venue and want us to come and deliver a course the price is £780 for a 6 week course.
If we source a Venue it would be £960 for a 6 week course.
After School Stress-Less Sketch Support Group Sessions
Are you tired of the stress and pressures of school? Need a way to unwind and express yourself? Look no further than our After School De-Stress Art Club!
Join us for a weekly creative outlet where you can forget about the worries of the day and just let your imagination run wild. We’ll provide all the art supplies you need, so all you need to bring is your creativity and a willingness to de-stress.
Our club is open to students of all skill levels – whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new. And the best part? You’ll be surrounded by like-minded peers who are also looking to relax and have some fun.
Our after-school sessions will take place at various locations around Cornwall, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. And with our supportive and non-judgmental environment, you can feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever way feels right for you.
So why not give yourself a break from the stresses of school and join us for some after-school de-stressing? We can’t wait to see what you create!
Click here to go to the events page and book your place.
Pay what you can, suggested minimum donation £1.50 per week.
If you are a teacher and would like to book us to come to your school, please get in touch with us.
School Interventions
Youth Art Connect CIC is dedicated to improving the lives of young people who are facing challenges in their lives, particularly those who are disengaged or have special educational needs. We believe that art can be an effective way to help these young people build self-esteem, develop coping skills, and connect with their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
We would like to offer students at your school, receive individualized one-to-one art sessions with one of our highly trained and experienced Art Wellbeing facilitators. These sessions would be tailored to your student’s specific needs and would provide them with a safe and supportive space to express themselves creatively and explore their emotions.
Our one-to-one art sessions are designed to be highly personalized and focused on the needs of the individual student. Our facilitators would work closely with them to develop a trusting relationship and help them explore their feelings and emotions through a range of art forms. We believe that these sessions could help students build their self-esteem, develop coping skills, and improve emotional regulation.
We understand the importance of working closely with schools and parents to ensure that our art sessions are effective and beneficial for the young people we work with. That’s why we would also be happy to provide regular progress updates and feedback on students sessions.
To find out more please email marie@youthartconnect.org.
Our Support team
Siobhan is a Qualified Creative Counsellor. Siobhan is open, approachable and laid back. Siobhan has been volunteering for YAC for two years and has a voluntary placement with Intercom Trust (LGBTQ+ charity). Siobhan is a member of BACP and APCCA. Siobhan is also a qualified Photographer and studied at Falmouth University and graduated with a BA in 2007.
Marie has been active for many years in the Neurodivergent community providing support and advice to young people. She has a particular interest in how the educational needs of young Autistic people are met and provides bespoke Autism training as an independent Autistic expert by experience. Marie has been Facilitating Youth Art Connect targeted work for 2 years and has years of working with schools to improve their understanding of working with neurodivergent students.
We are supported by our supervisor, Sally, who guides us in our practice, fostering self-awareness and knowledge to ensure we maintain a safe and ethical practice. Our Clinical Lead, Ian Hutchinson, is a retired NHS clinical lead with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field.
The Costs
To pay our costs such as venue hire, art materials, fuel, supervision and wages it would cost us around £27 per child per hour in group sessions and £83 per hour for 1:1 sessions, our costs have been kept low to make these sessions affordable and accessible to all young people.