The Pavers Foundation has donated £1,000 to SpectrumHeads, a community interest, peer-led, autistic and neurodivergent community in Derbyshire. The Foundation donated the money on behalf of Joanna Saunders, a Pavers colleague from the Belper store.
The donation will be put toward helping to run their newly developed group for neurodivergent women across Derbyshire, allowing them a safe and comfortable space to meet, connect and support each other. The program is currently offering guided therapeutic art lessons and are looking forward to hosting a guest speaker for Women’s History month in March.
Amada Skrytek, Director of Partnerships at SpectrumHeads said, ‘SpectrumHeads CIC are hugely grateful to Pavers Foundation for their generous contribution towards their new flagship work engaging neurodivergent women in Derbyshire. The Neurodivergent Women's Living Room is proving a valuable, much needed resource for local women and girls to meet and connect regularly, while exploring what neurodivergence means for us women, some of whom are raising neurodivergent families, and the barriers (and joys!) we encounter.’
In an additional testimonial from a recent attendee of the sessions, Jane said that attending the session was like a lightbulb coming on and stating that they were beyond grateful for the service provided by SpectrumHeads.
It was following an adult diagnosis of autism that Joanna found limited guidance through the NHS. However, after reaching out to SpectrumHeads found their support and the community invaluable. Joanna said, “SpectrumHeads run a course that helps you explore your diagnosis, share experiences and learn more about your brain. Being part of SpectrumHeads gave me a space place to explore my neurodivergence and I’ve been able to learn more about myself through their support.”