We’re pleased to share the latest updates from Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff, showcasing the continued work taking place across the city to create more inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent people and their families.
This work means so much to Neurodivergent families in Cardiff and the Vale and we are very pleased to support them!
👉 Read the full newsletter here:
Creating safe and inclusive spaces
One of the standout initiatives this season has been the development of closed-access library sessions for neurodivergent children and their families. These sessions provide calm, predictable environments where children can explore, take part in activities and feel comfortable being themselves.
Working in partnership with Cardiff Wellbeing Support Service and Thrive Cardiff, these sessions have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, highlighting the importance of accessible community spaces.
Making everyday places more accessible
Significant progress continues across Cardiff’s Hubs and Libraries, with new features including:
- Sensory resource packs (ear defenders, fidget toys, colour overlays and more)
- Virtual tours to help people prepare before visiting
- Sensory pods and quiet spaces for relaxation and self-regulation
These improvements are helping reduce anxiety and making services more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals.
Real experiences that make a difference
The newsletter also shares powerful lived experiences, including:
- A young person’s first visit to a Cardiff City match, supported by sensory-friendly facilities
- Stories from neurodivergent staff helping shape inclusive workplaces
- Individuals supported into employment through local programmes
These stories highlight the real impact of partnership working across Cardiff.
What’s on and how to get involved
There are a range of opportunities for people to connect, access support and get involved, including:
- Weekly neurodivergent-friendly coffee mornings
- Accessible performances at Wales Millennium Centre
- The National Neurodiversity Show (April 2026)
- New and growing social groups across the city
There are also opportunities to shape future services, including a Welsh Government consultation on speech and language support.
Supporting independence and confidence
Innovative initiatives such as the Orange Wallet are helping people communicate their needs when travelling, while sensory-friendly shopping and airport familiarisation tours are making everyday experiences more accessible.
Looking ahead
This is the first Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff newsletter, and it marks an important step in sharing positive stories, practical support and opportunities across the city.
Work is also underway to develop a dedicated website to help people find services, activities and support more easily—and feedback is encouraged to help shape this resource.
Get involved
If you would like to stay connected, share your experiences or help shape future work, you can:
- Join the Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Forum
- Take part in consultations
- Contribute stories for future newsletters
Together, we can continue building a more inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly Cardiff.