Over the last few months, we've been having regular conversations about where we see things heading; how we both feel, alongside our external commitments and challenges. Together, we've made the decision to wind
down the Umbrella Hub and bring it to a close.
We are both incredibly proud of what we've built and everything we'veachieved over these four years. Standout highlights include theWellbeing Retreat, our stand at the Primadonna Festival, the extraordinary and selfless response from all our wonderful volunteers, and the incredible conversations and connections made across our many meetups, workshops, talks, and creative sessions. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey - for the hours of thought, creativity, and support so generously given.
Our wish for the future will always be the same: for neurodivergent people to be fully accepted, with kindness and without judgement. For those who don't yet understand to keep an open mind, choose to listen, and recognise creativity as an essential tool for navigating the world.
What happens next?
From this point, we will be freezing the monthly subscription and closing new sign-ups. We will continue our meetups throughout October and the book signing event in November. We're also planning a final in-person creative get-together towards the end of November - a chance to celebrate what we've shared, exchange contact details, and say a proper goodbye. This will mark the formal close of the Hub.
We want to be clear: the community doesn't have to end here.
The connections you've made are yours to keep, and we wholeheartedly encourage you to continue meeting, supporting one another, and building on what's been created. We know this may feel like a loss for some people, and we want to make sure no one is left without support.
Thank you - truly - for being part of this.
With love,
Onitha & Beckie
Finding your community - support & signposting
You don't have to navigate this alone. Here are some spaces that can offer support moving forward:
SUFFOLK
Autism & ADHD
Neurodivergent-led support, training and community for autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent people, families and professionals.
https://www.autismandadhd.org
All in the Same Boat
Navigating Neurodivergence - a free project run by Mind Body & Sea CIC offering neurodivergent adults relaxed time on the water in Suffolk.
https://www.mindbodyandsea.co.uk
Autism Anglia
Support for autistic people and families across East Anglia.
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk
ADHD Suffolk
Free peer support group in Ipswich, no diagnosis needed. Search on Eventbrite or Facebook to find upcoming sessions.
Suffolk InfoLink
Local services directory to search for neurodivergent support near you.
https://infolink.suffolk.gov.uk
ESSEX
Autism Anglia
Also covers Colchester and North Essex.
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/
Essex Local Offer
A searchable directory of support groups and activities.
https://send.essex.gov.uk
ONLINE AND NATIONAL
ADHDAF+
Free peer support groups for ADHD adults of marginalised genders, 80+ groups across the UK.
https://www.adhdafplus.org.uk
ADHD UK
Support, community and free events.
https://adhduk.co.uk
ADHD Foundation
The UK's leading neurodiversity charity.
https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
National Autistic Society
Information, community and support.
https://www.autism.org.uk
Autistic Girls Network
Supporting autistic girls and women through advocacy and community.
https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org
Autistic Parents UK
Autistic-led charity offering essential support services, resources, education and a thriving community for Autistic parents.
https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/about
The Maze group
Supporting families of children with additional needs. Free monthly drop in sessions, a specialist weekly programme and additional workshops to guide, advise and support you.
https://www.themazegroup.co.uk/
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
https://www.alex-partridge.com/
https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/adhd-podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/youre-wrong-about-adhd/id1714189639
https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4Ub4DMN8NH83T3Z_ZKk3AUL2syoUSxR7uAM2TJrtATze5Fuy7x0
"The Umbrella Hub has given me a better understanding of neurodiversity, a sense of belonging and the support that I've been searching for. I'm so grateful for this community."
"I arrived feeling nervous and rather emotional. I felt we all had so much in common, it was refreshing and a safe space where we could share our thoughts."
“A safe and friendly space to talk about neurodiversity. Sharing my experiences I do not feel judged or pitied, just support by this wonderful community."
See what upcoming events we have and our range of workshops designed for neurodivergent women.
We offer 1:1 Support and Coaching for Neurodivergent women in Essex and Suffolk. Drop us an email for more information.
Donate Online
Thank you for choosing to support The Umbrella Hub. Your donations help us connect with women who are struggling with their neurodiversity through coaching and 1:1 support.
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