Hello and welcome to the September SNAC update.
You’ll find sensory supportive ways to meet locally and online, a new online body-doubling idea, and community updates from across the region
What’s coming up in Sherborne
SNAC Monthly Walk
Date: Sunday 20th September
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
Date: Wednesday 23rd September
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
Where: Private Dining Room at the Cross Keys
Who: All 18+ who would like to join us
A chance to chat and meet others.
We will be sharing details of the events being organised over the next few months
No pressure to join in, come and go as you please.
Peer Support Group
Date: Wednesday 7th October
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 socialize. 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
Hello from the Organiser
Hello, I’m Emma, a neurodiversity consultant and coach, and I’m also neurodivergent myself.
←Here is me helping at the Sensory Support Space at Bristol Pride with Diverse UK this summer.
A neurodiversity what?
In my professional life, I work with organisations and individuals to provide consultancy, coaching, needs assessments, training and events to support neurodivergent adults to thrive and raise understanding and awareness amongst the workplace. I work with a range of companies and organisations, although I specialize in the professional services sector. My work takes me from working with individuals to support their goals, to speaking to large audiences on topics such as masking and the importance of universal design and I absolutely love it!
I have been supporting neurodivergent adults in the workplace since 2017, first as a volunteer with the British Dyslexia Association and founder of neurodiversity staff networks. Since then, my work helps build a workplaces that are more inclusive for all neurotypes. This summer I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity Coaching at Birkbeck, University of London allowing me to deepen my coaching practice and expand into more community projects.
SNAC has been running since 2023 and we are now growing the activities and services on offer.
Aren’t you also a Pilates instructor?
Yes I am! When I am not being a neurodiversity consultant, you can find me teaching Pilates, I also teach neuroinclusive Pilates and run training sessions on designing inclusive fitness classes and spaces. There are many barriers people experience to being able to exercise, which can be more substantial for those who are neurodivergent or have a disability. I support people in taking down those barriers.
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.
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.
Community updates
ACROSS DORSET
SNAC is continuing to connect with BANC in Bridport (email: bancbridport@gmail.com) and
Neurodivergent Dorchester (email: neurodivergent.dochester@gmail.com). In fact, the organisers of each have quite a few projects in the works. Updates will be shared in due course.
If you are in the area, then do check out each group’s events, including BANC’s plans for their new body doubling café and the upcoming sensory friendly cinema showings for adults in Dorchester.
BRISTOL
Diverse UK is a Bristol based charity run for and by autistic and neurodivergent people organising a range of events and meet ups.
Over the summer I supported Diverse UK with their Sensory Support Space at Bristol Pride, a wonderfully calm space to regulate and meet other neurodivergent folks
YEOVIL
We are currently in touch with a few people regarding community neurodiversity support in Yeovil, if this is something you would be interested in, or know of any initiatives that would like to be put in touch, please get in touch.
EXETER
Kaleidoscopic Minds - Exeter Phoenix, Festival of Neurodiversity is being held on Sunday 27 September.
Emma will be attending and looking forward to seeing some familiar faces there, do lets us know if you are planning to join.
Ready to join in? Join a group, ask about body doubling, or find out more about SNAC.