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Art workshops to raise awareness of autism

Tenants' Link
Several people of different ages and ethnicities doing arts and crafts at a table

Art workshops to raise awareness of autism

Tenants from Golden Grove who set up an autism support group for Black and minority communities have recently organised a series of successful creative workshops for local residents

Violetta and Marcelle who have both lived in Golden Grove for many years, established NeuroSpicy Mind to raise awareness about autism (and neurodivergent individuals whose brains process information differently) as well as offering support and advice.

Through creative workshops, art exhibitions and insightful talks, Neurospicy Mind brings people together to address these challenging issues and help improve trust and self-confidence. The recent activities, which took place in the community room in James Street, included book binding, poetry and art for all ages.

Marcelle from Cameroon and a single parent of neurodivergent children says she felt it was important to raise awareness and empower this community:

"In my experience discussing autism within black minority communities is challenging and often seen as a taboo. There is still a lot of stigma attached to neurodiversity as the focus is often put on the negative side. This has led to under-diagnosis and reluctance to seek help, resulting in perpetuating these misunderstandings. We want to raise awareness, offer support and signpost to relevant services while offering advice."

The organisation also aims to shine a light on the stigmas and psychological impacts of inherited trauma from past generations, specifically Black African and Caribbean communities whose descendants were affected by slavery and colonisation.

Violetta's connection to inherited trauma comes from her family's experiences in the ghettos during World War II in Krakow, Poland. She says:

“Past trauma can influence mental health and social dynamics across generations. We believe that addressing this trauma is essential to overcome cycles of pain and, through artistic creativity integrating African spirituality we hope to offer a chance to a brighter future.”

For more information about the support group and to find out about future activities, workshops and art exhibitions please:

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