October 2026
Hello and welcome to the October SNAC update.
You’ll find sensory supportive ways to meet locally and online and community updates.
What’s coming up in Sherborne
SNAC Monthly Walk
Date: Sunday 15th November
Time: 11am for an hour or so
Where: Meet at the Conduit (pictured) outside the Cross Keys
Who: All welcome including friends and family
Our walks are an informal, low-pressure way to connect with other neurodivergent adults while enjoying some time outdoors. We will walk together for around an hour, starting and finishing in central Sherborne.
SNAC Social Meet Up
We don’t currently have our next social meet up scheduled, details will be shared when we do
Peer Support Group
Date: Wednesday 4th November
Time: 7pm-8pm
Where: The Small Hall, Digby Hall (Next to the Library)
Who: Adults 18+ who are neurodivergent or think they might be
This is a welcoming, neurodivergent-led space for adults to connect, share experiences and support one another.
A calm, inclusive and confidential space
Conversation facilitated by Emma Marfé, neurodiversity consultant and coach, who is also neurodivergent herself
No pressure to mask or socialise. Come as you are!
What’s happening online?
We have a WhatsApp group and a new Discord Channel.
This allows us to keep in touch even when not meeting in person.
A space to share, chat and keep up to date on activities.
Email info@emmamarfe.com for a joining link
You can also check the SNAC webpage for details
Community updates
ACROSS DORSET
The organisers of SNAC, BANC in Bridport and Neurodivergent Dorchester have joined together to form Neurodivergent Dorset CIC. We are working to bring together local neurodivergent communities and help make Dorset a more accessible and inclusive place to live, work and part part in community life. Official launch coming in November!
YEOVIL
We have put together a directory of all the neurodiversity support we could find available in our nearest large town, Yeovil. If you would like a copy, please email info@emmamarfe.com and ask for the Yeovil Directory.
We are also working on a Sherborne version (its quite short!).
A couple of highlights from the Yeovil Directory:
Yeovil-based artist Emily Duchscherer Kirk’s studio: Emily’s work, and the whole approach to her studio, feels both neuroinclusive and neuro-exploratory. It is an open and welcoming creative space, with a number of community initiatives already underway. all are welcome.
Evolve Music runs regular sessions of inclusive music-making for neurodivergent & learning disabled adults (25+) and separate sessions for young people in Yeovil
A call for volunteers
For SNAC I would very much like to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering, as a growing community group there is much to get involved in.
If there is anything from the Newsletter Do get in touch, and I would be very happy to discuss.
Hello from the Organiser
Hello, I’m Emma, a neurodiversity consultant and coach, and I’m also neurodivergent myself.
←A picture of my cup of tea as I was setting up for the October Neurodivergent Peer Support Group
Neurodiversity in the News
The Fonagy Review: Beyond the Headlines
A major independent government-commissioned review into mental health, ADHD and autism was published on 9 October and the headlines have been bizarrely misleading.
Despite headlines raising concerns about overdiagnosis, the review did not find evidence that ADHD and autism are being widely overdiagnoses. In fact, it recognised the continuing problem of underdiagnosis and the potential risks with inaccurate assessments. The review also confirmed that mental health challenges, particularly among young people, have genuinely increased. A far cry from the negative angles being taken by many of the news outlets.
You may have also seen in the news that a new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) report, published 2 October, calls for a more inclusive, needs led approach to supporting neurodivergent people at work.
The independent academic panel recommends moving away from relying on diagnoses to determine support, and instead focusing on individual needs, workplace barriers, and making working environments more accessible for everyone. The government has welcomed the overall approach but has not committed to all of the recommendations.
Positive workplaces should in theory at least, already be following the recommendations in the report as there is already evidence that these recommendations improve employee retention and overall wellbeing and support business growth, neuroinclusive practice does not just save organisations money, but actually makes them more successful.
New: online body doubling
Online body doubling is a way of working I often use across my client work and we would like to expand this further to anyone who would find this useful.
Supportive company. Gentle structure. Your own task.
Join others online while you work on something of your own choosing.
Useful if starting, focus or accountability feel easier alongside other people.
Body doubling provides external structure and social facilitation, which means it can be easier to start and complete tasks.
There is no need to share confidential information or explain what you are working on.
Interested? Get in touch to register interest and help shape the best times to meet.
Ready to join in? Join a group, ask about body doubling, or find out more about SNAC.