I knew from a very young age, around 3, that Charlie was autistic. I can’t fully explain it – maybe it was just a mother’s intuition. Getting a diagnosis was a real struggle. The school and GP kept passing responsibility between them, and that’s when I realised I had to step up and really fight to get Charlie the support he needed.

It’s made me more understanding, more adaptable and much more aware of how important inclusive spaces are. Everything I do now, especially with this project, comes from wanting to make the world feel a bit more accessible and welcoming.

When Charlie joined a drama club at school, it completely changed him. He really came out of his shell. He went on to study performing arts at college, but his real passion has always been filmmaking and animation – that’s what he is most focused on now.

He is currently doing a filmmaking course on Sundays at Magoo Studios, which is BAFTA-registered. It was originally for under 18s, but they were so supportive and happy to make an exception for Charlie even though he is now 22. It has given him confidence and a sense of identity, which has been amazing to see.

Watching the video was honestly emotional. I felt incredibly proud, not just of what he created but of the confidence and independence behind it. It also reinforced why this project matters, because it shows what can happen when people are given the right space to express themselves.

After Charlie left college, what really stood out was how quickly structured support seemed to disappear. There are very few opportunities that feel accessible, welcoming or designed with autistic adults in mind. There are not many places where they can feel they truly belong – but I want to change that. I want to create an environment where everyone feels accepted and knows they have a purpose.

I started the Facebook group because I could see how lonely Charlie and some of his friends were after leaving college. I wanted to help them stay connected and build real friendships, but also encourage others to come together and do the same. That’s why I organise regular monthly meetups – pub lunches, bowling, cinema trips. I even help with the transport to make sure people can attend.

From the very first meet-up, it was full of positivity. There was an instant warmth and acceptance between everyone, which was amazing to see. People were swapping numbers and staying in touch outside of the group. That is what it is all about – building real, lasting friendships.

The vision is to create a space where people feel safe to express themselves, whether that’s through music, comedy, or just getting up and trying something new. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being included. I want it to be a supportive, low-pressure environment where everyone is encouraged and celebrated.

We’ve made it a free, ticket-only event to create a safe, controlled environment where attendees can feel relaxed, without the worry of people just walking in. It’s a really welcoming space. There’s no pressure to perform – just encouragement to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and make new friends.

For many autistic adults, communication can look different, and creativity offers another way to connect, build confidence and be recognised for their strengths. It’s not just about performance – it is about belonging.

We are still quite new to the Open Mic nights so we are continuing to reach out and grow our audience. The response so far has been really positive, which is encouraging and gives us confidence that what we are doing is being welcomed by the community.

When I first shared my ideas with Andy, I was a bit nervous he might not fully understand my vision, but he has been incredibly supportive from the start and has really encouraged me to go for it. His team have been amazing as well – they’ve helped with any issues, provided the venue free of charge for our monthly Open Mic nights, and are always available if we need support.

The Open Mic is a great way for people to connect each month, but the Christmas show is about giving people a real sense of purpose – creating something together and being part of something special. It will be an all-autistic adult cast, showcasing their talents and skills in a really unique way.

The podcast is another exciting step, led entirely by autistic hosts, and supported by Magoo Studios, who have kindly offered us their facilities free of charge. There is so much talent out there, and this is about giving people a platform to express themselves and be recognised.

The biggest challenge has been being taken seriously. I’m not a charity or a big organisation – I’m a mum trying to create something meaningful for my son and others like him. Sometimes that makes it harder when reaching out for support or publicity, but I believe strongly in what I’m building, and that’s what keeps me going.

The most rewarding moment is taking a step back and seeing these amazing, unique individuals smiling and feeling comfortable enough to truly be themselves, without worrying how they’re perceived. I love seeing the joy of people getting up on the mic, expressing themselves, and then connecting with others – chatting and laughing like they’ve known each other forever.

They’ve told me they just want to be treated and respected like adults. Having autism doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy things like a night out or being a part of their community – they just want to fit in, feel included, and belong without judgement.

I don’t think there’s yet the same level of acceptance and opportunities for autistic adults, particularly when it comes to pursuing their chosen careers. I believe there’s a huge opportunity being missed by companies to recognise and benefit from the skills and talents they have.

For me, it’s about understanding, inclusion, and real acceptance – not just awareness. It’s about recognising strengths and creating spaces where people feel valued.

The bigger vision is to grow this into something that reaches more people – more events, more opportunities, and more inclusive spaces. Ultimately, I want this to become something that other communities can replicate.

You’re not alone, and your child’s future can still be full of opportunity. Sometimes the path looks different, but with the right support and spaces, they can thrive.

Absolutely – I’ve seen people who were really quiet at first start to open up, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Seeing those changes is incredibly special.

Local community support is incredibly important, not just for the success of these events, but for creating a more inclusive and accepting society. That support and encouragement is what helps us grow.

It’s essential. These spaces should be shaped by the people they’re for, because they understand best what’s needed – and it gives them ownership and confidence.

The podcast will be a mix of real conversations about topics in the community, interviews with people from the open mic and our supporters, as well as some light-hearted, fun moments. It’s about creating something honest, relatable, and enjoyable, while giving autistic people a voice.

There are still quite a few misconceptions – for example, that all autistic people have behavioural problems, don’t want to engage socially, or don’t show emotion. The reality is that autism is very individual. People have different personalities, strengths and ways of connecting, just like anyone else.

It starts with listening, being patient, and not making assumptions. Creating inclusive, understanding spaces where people feel comfortable can make a huge difference.

The best way to support is to get involved – come along to events, spread the word, or reach out if you’d like to help. We’re always open to support, especially from anyone with experience in stage production who could offer advice, time, or practical help.

At the moment, it’s mainly myself, my daughter-in-law – who works full time in critical care – and my son who teaches at the hospital, helping to run things. They handle the music setup alongside their long hours, so any extra help with that would be hugely appreciated.