Made My Way: The Girls Group

15/05/2026

A lovely Girls Group session this week!
We tried something new — making bags out of old T‑shirts — and it was such a perfect activity. Quick to learn, no sewing needed, and everyone got stuck in straight away. The designs were brilliant, from painted details to creative knotting, and the room had a really calm, happy feel. Photos below of our creations and a link to how to do it, in case you want to try... let us know how you get on...

Next week we’ll be painting stones again — and we might leave some around Bournemouth for people to find. If you spot one, take a photo and share it with us on here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlhgJ3A4lNg

06/05/2026

Please fill in this survey re: the reality for people with autism in UK education.. Deadline 11th May. Thank you! your views will shape the responses of Ambitious about Autism to the Government about the proposed SEND bill...

05/05/2026

I'm marching on Saturday in London against the SEND reform bill - anyone else coming? https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122206694348933527&set=a.122106040646933527

1 week to go!

Next Saturday, we’ll be coming together across the country to save SEND legal rights.

📅 Saturday 9 May
📍12 events across England

If you’re planning to join us, now’s the time to:
✔ Find your nearest event on our page
✔ Click ‘Going’ or ‘Interested’ so we know you’re coming
✔ Invite others to come with you

We’d love to see as many people there as possible to send a clear message to the Government: do not take away our children’s legal rights.



[Image description: Graphic with bold text reading: '1 WEEK TO GO! Save SEND Legal Rights National Demonstration'. Below, it says 'Saturday 9 May 2026' with the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign logo at the bottom.]

30/04/2026

Yesterday we said goodbye to Beaufort Community Centre with a really lovely final session. We spent the afternoon creating felt characters with sewing and glue‑gun work, and the group settled into their projects so naturally. From flowers to strawberries to manga characters and plushies, the creativity flowed and the room had such a relaxed, happy feel.

Next week we continue the project in our new home at the YMCA — looking forward to this next chapter.

22/04/2026

Venue Update for Girls Group – From 6th May...

Girls Group is moving to a new venue due to the closure of Beaufort Community Centre. From Wednesday 6th May, we’ll be meeting at the YMCA on Stourvale Road.

The Stourvale Centre (YMCA Bournemouth)
108 Stourvale Road
Bournemouth
BH6 5JB
https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/the-stourvale-centre/?utm_source=copilot.com

The new space gives us two rooms (a cosy sofa area and a main activity room) plus occasional access to a kitchen. It’s also easy to reach from Pokesdown, Boscombe and Christchurch Road.

We’re sad to leave Beaufort and the wonderful staff who have supported us since last June, but we’re looking forward to settling into our new home.

Sessions continue every Wednesday, 4.30–6pm during term time. We are still at Beaufort Community Centre for today and next week, 29th April.

18/04/2026

Hi everyone… you may have already heard the news that the Beaufort Community Centre is very sadly closing.
Please don’t worry… I’ve already found us a great alternative venue… more news soon.

16/04/2026

If you have a neurodivergent daughter or teen girl, what are the main things that make mainstream clubs or youth groups hard for her to attend?
(Sensory environment, pace, unpredictability, social pressure, staffing — anything that gets in the way.)

10/04/2026

Summer term dates for the Girls Group are now live.
We’re looking forward to another calm, creative term supporting autistic, anxious, and socially sensitive girls aged 13–18.

Dates:
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 6, 13, 20 (no session 27th)
June: 3, 10, 17, 24
July: 1, 8, 15, 22

What to expect:
A gentle, low‑demand space with small‑group creative activities, supportive adults, and plenty of time to build confidence and friendships.

New members:
Please contact me for a short needs survey before booking.

Booking:
Scan the QR code on the poster or email [email protected] to request sessions.
I’ll confirm availability and send payment details.
Places are confirmed once payment is received.

If you know a family who might benefit from a calm, supportive girls’ group, please feel free to share this post.
Your shares genuinely help the right families find us.

Warmly,
Miranda
Made My Way Girls’ Group

03/03/2026

Dear friends, I hope this is ok to post. Your help with this survey would be incredibly supportive for this new project.

Made My Way: The Podcast — real stories and real solutions for a brighter future
We’re developing a new podcast for families and carers of people with learning disabilities and/or autism who will need extra support in adulthood. Before recording begins, we want to hear directly from the community.

If you’re a parent or carer of a learning‑disabled or autistic young person or adult, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback will help shape what the podcast covers, how long episodes should be, and where you’d prefer to listen.

The survey is open until March 16th at 10pm.

Your views will help shape the podcast from the very start.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/KQJ2Dx5VpfEKcqiYA

Thank you for helping us create a podcast that gives families clearer, calmer, more hopeful insight into what adulthood can look like for people with learning disabilities.

If you have any questions, please contact Miranda Duffy at [email protected].
Many thanks!

01/03/2026

The last couple of weeks have shown just how beautifully different our sessions can be. Before half term we had a wonderfully free and energetic afternoon with the sewing machines. One of the girls was so inspired she left with a fully finished cape — and is now dreaming about getting her own sewing machine at home. A brand‑new passion definitely sparked there.

Last week, in contrast, we slowed everything right down with a calm stone‑painting session. It gave us space to doodle, relax, and really talk. The girls are discovering more and more in common each week, and their confidence is growing in such natural, gentle ways. It’s genuinely beautiful to watch new friendships forming.

Our no‑pressure approach is working exactly as we hoped — giving the girls time, space, and the right environment for real connection to grow.

27/01/2026

🌟 A Peek Inside Made My Way: The Girls Group 🌟

Here are a few highlights from recent sessions — clay, collage, pom‑poms, sewing experiments and lots of colourful creativity. We keep everything low‑demand, gentle and supportive, giving each young person space to relax, try new skills and express themselves at their own pace.

Made My Way: The Girls Group is designed for teen girls who are neurodivergent or awaiting diagnosis, and it’s a warm, welcoming place for those who may experience anxiety, isolation or social overwhelm. Every week the girls bring imagination, humour and their own brilliant ideas, and it’s a joy to see their confidence grow.

Held on Wednesdays, term time only between 4.30 and 6.00pm at Beaufort Community Centre, Southbourne. Fees apply.

If you know someone who might love this kind of group, feel free to get in touch with me, Miranda, at [email protected]