Finding Your voice
A creative wellbeing programme for neurodivergent young people
A safe, non-clinical space to explore identity, emotions and self-expression - without pressure to talk, perform or explain.
WHAT IS FINDING YOUR VOICE?
Finding Your Voice is a lived-experience-led creative journalling and identity programme designed for young people who may feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or disconnected from traditional support.
It exists because many young people are navigating the world feeling:
“too much”
not enough
misunderstood
or invisible
And when they reach out for support, they are often met with systems that don’t understand how they communicate, regulate, or experience the world.
This programme creates something different.
Not a clinical intervention.
Not a behaviour programme.
Not something to “fix” them.
But a space where young people can:
understand themselves
express themselves
begin to feel safe being themselves
WHO IT’S FOR
This programme is for:
Young people aged 11–18
Based in the London Borough of Barnet
Autistic / neurodivergent (diagnosed, self-identified or questioning)
Particularly suited to young people who:
mask heavily and feel unseen
experience anxiety, overwhelm or shutdown
have felt misunderstood or excluded
struggle to engage with traditional services
don’t feel safe opening up in clinical environments
“This is often the group that gets missed - and they are exactly who this space is for.”
WHAT THE PROGRAMME LOOKS LIKE
Core Programme (Cohort Model)
8-week programme
Weekly sessions (90 minutes)
Small group (approx. 8–10 young people)
Delivered at Chickenshed Theatre
Each young person builds a personal “tool book” - something that reflects them and supports them beyond the sessions.
Outreach Workshops (Schools & Community)
One-off sessions delivered in Barnet schools and settings
Introduces creative journalling and emotional expression tools
Includes take-home creative packs
“This model allows young people to access support in different ways and creates pathways into deeper engagement.”
WHAT HAPPENS IN SESSIONS
Sessions are low-pressure, choice-led, and creative.
There is:
no expectation to speak
no expectation to share
no “right way” to take part
Sessions include:
Creative journalling
Drawing, collage and writing
Exploring identity and lived experience
Emotional regulation tools
Sensory and grounding activities
Example themes:
What does being autistic mean to me?
Masking and authenticity
Emotions and overwhelm
Identity and self-understanding
Boundaries and safe spaces
“This is not about producing something perfect - it’s about making sense of yourself in a way that feels safe.”
OUR APPROACH
(WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT)
Lived Experience Led
This work is designed and delivered by someone who has lived it - not just observed it.
Creative, Not Clinical
Some young people will never respond to clinical approaches.
Creativity allows expression without pressure and meets people where they are.
Trauma-Informed
Everything is built around safety:
no forced participation
no pressure to disclose
no punitive responses
Co-Produced
Young people shape the space, influence sessions, and contribute to what is created.
Neurodivergent-Affirming
We don’t try to “reduce traits” or make young people more “acceptable.”
We support them to:
understand how they experience the world
identify what they need
advocate for themselves
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This programme is:
Not therapy or a clinical intervention
Not a replacement for CAMHS or specialist services
It is a creative wellbeing and early support programme.
If a young person requires additional support, appropriate safeguarding and referral pathways are followed.
OUTCOMES & IMPACT
Short-term:
increased emotional expression
improved understanding of self
reduced internalised shame
Medium-term:
improved emotional regulation
increased confidence and identity clarity
better communication of needs
Long-term:
reduced crisis escalation
stronger sense of belonging
increased engagement with support
ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY
Small group sizes
Sensory-aware environment
Flexible participation
Breakout spaces available
Clear structure and expectations
All staff are:
DBS checked
safeguarding trained
inclusive practitioners
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Chickenshed Theatre, Barnet
Sundays (3rd May – 24th June)
1:15pm – 2:45pm
There will be a 2nd cohort in September 2026 (exact dates still to be confirmed)
Chickenshed Theatre
Chase Side
Southgate
London
N14 4PE
Join us
Join us
Young people can join via:
Parent/carer referral
Professional referral
More Information
ABOUT LEGALLY DETAINED
Legally Detained is a lived-experience-led creative practice founded by Hannah Whitfield.
The work sits at the intersection of:
mental health
identity
creativity
social change
The focus is always the same:
creating spaces where young people are understood - not changed.
FUNDING
Finding Your Voice is funded through the
North Central and East London CAMHS Provider Collaborative (NCEL) 2025/26 Grant Scheme,
in partnership with Compass Wellbeing CIC.