New Tameside group creates a safe social space for Neurodivergent adults

A new community group is helping neurodivergent adults across Tameside build confidence, make connections and enjoy time out of the house without any pressure to take part.

The Tameside Neuro-Inclusive Project, founded by Jake Latham with support from his mum Pam, began meeting at the 4C Community Centre in March after months of planning.

Jake, who is neurodivergent and lives with a number of physical health conditions, said the idea grew from his own experience of struggling to find a group that felt right.

“I wasn’t going out anywhere and I wanted to change it,” he said. “There wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, so my mum suggested, ‘Why don’t you just make it yourself?’ So I did.”

The project is not intended to be a formal support group. Instead, it offers a relaxed, accessible and welcoming social setting where people can spend time in whichever way feels comfortable to them.

Visitors can choose from games, crafts, colouring, reading or simply sitting and chatting. There is no expectation to join in with a particular activity or make conversation.

Jake said that flexibility was important when designing the sessions.

“A lot of groups are either playing games this week or doing this specific craft, and nothing else,” he said. “That might not always be what someone wants to do.

“You might want to play games, but also do a craft—or do a different kind of craft. Here, those options are available. If you just want to say, ‘Hi, my name’s Jake,’ and that’s it, then that’s all you have to do.”

A space without judgement

The sessions are aimed at adults aged 18 and over who are neurodivergent, including people who are autistic, have ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder, anxiety, stress, depression or other conditions which can affect confidence and social interaction.

Jake said people with the same diagnosis can still have very different experiences, which is why the group is based around acceptance rather than expectation.

“Every single person, even if you’ve got the exact same diagnosis, is still different,” he said.

“For some people, anxiety can make it difficult to go into a group or be around new people. I wanted to make a space where no one is going to judge you, look at you differently, speak to you differently or pressure you into having conversations if you’re not up to it.”

Pam said finding an accessible venue was essential. The project is based at the 4C Community Centre, chosen because of its transport links from Tameside, Oldham and Manchester, as well as its accessible facilities.

“We wanted it to be about a safe space first and foremost, where everybody could go and feel safe,” she said. “But because of Jake’s disabilities, it also had to be accessible—the building and the location.”

Confidence growing week by week

Pam and Jake say they have already seen a noticeable difference in some regular attendees, with people who were initially quiet beginning to engage more naturally with others.

Pam said: “Consistency is definitely key. They know that every week, no matter what is going on in their lives, they can come to this safe space and meet other people who understand a little of how they might be feeling.

“They can have a chat, or just think, ‘Whatever is going on at home, I can go there and forget about it for an hour or two.’”

She added that even small changes can be significant.

“People who wouldn’t make eye contact a few months ago are now talking to others. It has a ricochet effect—one person starts talking, then someone else joins in, and gradually people come in with a smile on their face. If they’re doing that, then as far as me and Jake are concerned, the job’s done.”

Jake has also seen friendships and conversations develop around shared interests, from a T-shirt featuring a favourite programme to a discussion about films and television.

“The power of conversation is amazing,” he said, “especially when there’s conversation without the pressure to have a conversation.”

Activities, bingo and future plans

A small charge is made to attend the sessions, with all money going back into the project to help pay for the venue and provide materials requested by members, such as craft supplies.

The sessions also finish with what organisers describe as a “cheeky bingo” game, hosted by compere Josh. It costs 20p to play, with prizes available for a line and a full house.

Pam said the group would welcome financial support to help reduce costs for attendees and expand what it can offer.

The Tameside Neuroinclusive Project can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under TNP@4C.

An email contact is also available through its social media pages for anyone who would prefer to make an enquiry without messaging on social platforms.