'Passion project' leads to neurodiversity festival

Caroline Robinson
BBC News, Devon
Emily Way-Evans A woman, wearing dungarees and a striped top. She is turned to the side and is looking at the camera. She is wearing sunglasses. In her arms is a young child in a red and white striped top and blue cap and facing to the right. 
Behind them is grass and purple flowers. There are trees in the background.Emily Way-Evans
Emily Way-Evans, who has organised the event, said it was a cause "very close to my heart"

A mother with autism and ADHD has worked with an art venue to put together a festival celebrating neurodiversity in Devon.

Emily Way-Evans, who was diagnosed with the conditions two years ago at 38, said the Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity in Exeter was a "passion project" for her.

The event is on from 11:00 to 16:00 BST at Exeter Phoenix.

Organisers said it featured workshops, a family disco and various activities for neurodivergent people and families.

Ms Way-Evans, who has two neurodivergent children, said she "wanted to create an event which is for families like mine... to feel welcome and understood and just to kind of relax and have a nice day".

"The hope is that people will take something from it, whether it's a feeling of connection, maybe some tools and strategies, information," she said.

The "pay what you can" event would see local neurodivergent charities on site, such as Dimensions for Autism, to offer resources to attendees.

Ms Way-Evans said people could "book a free ticket if you need to, otherwise it's £5 or £10".

"The lovely team at the Phoenix have kind of allowed me to create it and they've helped me make it happen," she said

"It's for all ages and everyone's welcome."

Google A street view of the outside of Exeter Phoenix. It is a three story building with tall windows and red brick. There are steps up. Google
The festival is on at Exeter Phoenix

There are movement and writing workshops, art and printing workshops aimed specifically for people with disabilities, guidance on regulation techniques and a family rave.

There will also be ear defenders available for those who need them, as well as two regulation areas, a play room and a sensory garden.

Ms Way-Evans said: "I've done as much as I can to design it specifically for neurodivergent people based on my experience... and I've tried to think of everything but if there's anything I've missed I would really love to know.

"I have put a lot of effort into it, and it's been a bit of a passion project for me, it's obviously very close to my heart."

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