Five local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations have been awarded a share of £5,000 through the VCSE Small Grants Fund for Neurodivergent Community Projects, a community-focused programme delivered on behalf of the Connecting Our City project.
The grants, ranging from up to £500 and up to £1,000, have been awarded to projects that will help strengthen community connections, improve access to activities and support, and create more inclusive opportunities for neurodivergent residents.
The organisations and projects funded are:
Next Door But One CIC – A Rehearsal For Life is an inclusive arts programme supporting neurodivergent young adults aged 18-25 to build confidence, independence and life skills through Forum Theatre and exploring real-life situations.
The Land Haxby CIC – The Land Haxby is a community project supporting neurodivergent adults aged 18+ to build social connections, confidence and wellbeing through regular nature-based meet-ups and activities.
Thrive SEND Support CIC – Parent/Carer Mentoring for Neurodivergent Adults Raising Neurodivergent Children is an online programme from Thrive SEND Support CIC, providing group and one-to-one support to help neurodivergent parents and carers raising neurodivergent children build confidence, wellbeing, practical skills and peer connections.
Accessible Arts and Media – Miracles of Nature is a creative wellbeing project supporting neurodivergent adults and people experiencing poor mental health or isolation through accessible, nature-inspired creative activities designed to build confidence, wellbeing and social connection.
Over The Rainbow CIC – Somewhere Over The Spectrum is a peer-led workshop programme supporting neurodivergent members of York’s LGBTQIA+ community to build confidence, self-understanding, wellbeing and social connections.
The Small Grants Fund forms part of a wider commitment to investing in York’s VCSE sector through the Connecting Our City partnership programme and the wider Trailblazer programme. The fund was co-designed with people with lived experience, including members of the Neurodiversity and Mental Health Working Group, helping to ensure that the funding priorities reflected the needs and aspirations of York’s neurodivergent communities.
Alison Semmence BEM, Chief Executive, York CVS, said:
“We are delighted to support a range of community-led projects that will help neurodivergent people feel more connected within their local communities. The strength of applications reflected the energy and commitment of organisations across York, all working to make a positive difference.”
Dr Steve Wright, Co-chair York Mental Health Partnership, added:
“It would be hard to overestimate the value of these community project grants, irrespective of their size. They will bring support to members of the neurodivergent community where it is significantly lacking, and offer a range of life-enhancing options to those most likely to feel excluded and underserved by mainstream services.
York Mental Health Partnership and the Connecting Our City Network are proud to be supporting these projects, and, recognising that there much more to be done, remain committed to building a fully inclusive and accessible community-led mental health system for York.”
Projects funded through the programme will be delivered between August 2026 and March 2027, creating opportunities for neurodivergent people to connect with their communities, access support and participate in activities designed around their needs and strengths.
York CVS would like to thank all organisations that applied for funding and the people with lived experience who helped shape the fund’s development.