An Invitation to:
“Maturing Neurodivergent: An Intimate Evening of Conversation and Storytelling”
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Location: Bandon Town Hall, Bandon, Co. Cork , P72 E445
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Admission: Free
NeuroHive CLG, in collaboration with West Cork Development Partnership, is proud to present Maturing Neurodivergent: An Intimate Evening of Conversation and Storytelling from the Perspective of Neurodivergent Adults. This unique event, taking place on September 25th at Bandon Town Hall, is part of the ILDN Local Development Week and offers a space for late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults and the wider community to come together for an evening of shared stories, understanding, and acceptance.
The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Brian Downes [www.briandownes.com] delivering his deeply personal talk The Most Important Clown I Ever Met, alongside an invitation for attendees to contribute their own stories or simply listen in a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment. Ian Lawton, founder and CEO of NeuroHive CLG [www.weareneurohive.com] will host the evening and share his personal insights through his talk The Invisible Elephant, a poignant exploration of navigating the world post-diagnosis.
“Maturing Neurodivergent: An Intimate Evening of Conversation and Storytelling”
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Location: Bandon Town Hall, Bandon, Co. Cork , P72 E445
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Admission: Free
NeuroHive CLG, in collaboration with West Cork Development Partnership, is proud to present Maturing Neurodivergent: An Intimate Evening of Conversation and Storytelling from the Perspective of Neurodivergent Adults. This unique event, taking place on September 25th at Bandon Town Hall, is part of the ILDN Local Development Week and offers a space for late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults and the wider community to come together for an evening of shared stories, understanding, and acceptance.
The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Brian Downes [www.briandownes.com] delivering his deeply personal talk The Most Important Clown I Ever Met, alongside an invitation for attendees to contribute their own stories or simply listen in a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment. Ian Lawton, founder and CEO of NeuroHive CLG [www.weareneurohive.com] will host the evening and share his personal insights through his talk The Invisible Elephant, a poignant exploration of navigating the world post-diagnosis.
Also on the night we will have Martin Finn sharing his personal journey, leading to his work as the Service Development Manager for ADHD Ireland in Cork and also the captivating Kayren Hayes, Autistic academic and Poet who facilitates the Women's 50+ Peer Support Group for AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity.
Unlike traditional events, this gathering will eschew formal speeches in favour of a fireside chat atmosphere, encouraging a sense of warmth and connection. Attendees can expect dim lighting and a quiet, informal setting designed to be inviting for those with sensory sensitivities. Participation is encouraged but never required, making this a safe space for all who attend.
This event is an opportunity for neurodivergent adults, their families, friends, and allies to deepen their understanding of neurodivergence. It’s also a chance for parents of neurodivergent children to realise that their children are not broken—they are simply different, and they mature and grow into neurodivergent adults who continue to need acceptance, support and understanding.
To ensure a seat at this intimate event, we encourage early arrival. The event will be promoted through physical posters across West Cork and through social media channels.
For more information, please contact Ian Lawton at NeuroHive CLG or Paul Johnson at West Cork Development Partnership.
Contact Information:
Ian Lawton
Founder & CEO, NeuroHive CLG
[email protected]
Paul Johnson
TUS Supervisor – Team Leader West Cork Development Partnership
[email protected]
Arran O’ Driscoll
CEO West Cork Development Partnership
[email protected]
Additionally, please be mindful of certain fragrances that can be challenging for some in attendance.
Please consider avoiding strong colognes and perfumes in favour of simple deodorant instead. Thank you :)
Unlike traditional events, this gathering will eschew formal speeches in favour of a fireside chat atmosphere, encouraging a sense of warmth and connection. Attendees can expect dim lighting and a quiet, informal setting designed to be inviting for those with sensory sensitivities. Participation is encouraged but never required, making this a safe space for all who attend.
This event is an opportunity for neurodivergent adults, their families, friends, and allies to deepen their understanding of neurodivergence. It’s also a chance for parents of neurodivergent children to realise that their children are not broken—they are simply different, and they mature and grow into neurodivergent adults who continue to need acceptance, support and understanding.
To ensure a seat at this intimate event, we encourage early arrival. The event will be promoted through physical posters across West Cork and through social media channels.
For more information, please contact Ian Lawton at NeuroHive CLG or Paul Johnson at West Cork Development Partnership.
Contact Information:
Ian Lawton
Founder & CEO, NeuroHive CLG
[email protected]
Paul Johnson
TUS Supervisor – Team Leader West Cork Development Partnership
[email protected]
Arran O’ Driscoll
CEO West Cork Development Partnership
[email protected]
Additionally, please be mindful of certain fragrances that can be challenging for some in attendance.
Please consider avoiding strong colognes and perfumes in favour of simple deodorant instead. Thank you :)
Sincere gratitude to Zita from YOGAINBANDON for providing comfortable blankets and mats for attendees to use if they so choose.
