About

Having met jogging along the Manchester Half Marathon, now firm running buddies, Katie and Lucy are attempting to run 10 x 10k in 2023!

Our first run will be on Sunday 19th Feb at the Watersons Hale 10k - https://www.hale10k.com

The projects Starling run are a vital and FREE place for neurodivergent young people to get creative, be themselves and make friends.

Why are Starling's projects important?

If you are neurodivergent you face huge, invisible barriers everyday, including access to education, work and public spaces.

For example, if you have ADHD you are much more likely to be excluded from school. It is estimated that almost half of the prison population are neurodivergent. Only 16% of UK adults with an autism diagnosis are in full time employment, despite 77% wanting to work. Only 10% of UK organisations say that they consider neurodiversity in their employment or people management practices.

Starling work with young people to support them to navigate these challenges by building supportive networks of friends, providing opportunities to speak about their experiences and advocate for themselves as they transition from school to the adult world.

The services we provide have never been more needed as many families we work with cannot afford to pay for extra curricular activities or transport to get to them. All of our activities are free and we provide transport, meaning everyone (both parents and young people) gets a much needed few hours a week to take time for themselves and feel good.

Young people say:

'They understand what I feel and how my mind works'

'The atmosphere is friendly and comforting. The people are welcoming to everyone even if you are awkward and the place is really relaxed and quiet.'

'I just like being there. I feel happier.'

Parents say:

'I am so grateful for what he is getting from Starling and don’t know how he could get the benefits he is getting anywhere else.'

'My son likes everyone there, they are all so encouraging and kind. They make him feel stimulated, valued, normal and interesting. Feelings he rarely finds outside the group.'

'I think the project is brilliant. We are lucky to have access to such a wonderful, welcoming and inclusive community.'

As Starling are a small charity with very few overheads, your money will be going to directly funding our projects, supporting more young people to access our services.

£25 will support one young person to attend our projects for one week

£100 will support one young person to attend our projects for one month

£1000 will support one young person to attend our projects for a whole year!

We hope you consider donating!

Thank you for visiting our Givey page. When you make your donation through Givey, the Charity receives 100% of the donation. Your details are safe with Givey and donating is completely secure. Whatsmore, they never share your email address with any third parties except the Charity you donate to.

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