We’ve received a Civic Award – and It Means the World to Us
We’re delighted to share that last month, The Neurodiversity Family Hub was awarded a Civic Award during the Southwark Civic Award ceremony 2025 recognising excellence in active citizenship. The Southwark Civic Awards are "the most prestigious the council can make, recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions of a small number of dedicated citizens". Our award was granted in the following category: Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.
You can watch the ceremony here - jump to 23:17 to see the moment we received the award.
This award holds deep meaning for us—not only as a recognition of the work we do and the dedication of our incredible team of staff, volunteers and Management Board (without whom none of this would be possible), but as a celebration of every voice in our community.
When we spoke about our voices, we spoke about yours too. Every story shared, every challenge faced, and every moment of advocacy has helped build this community. Receiving this award is a sign that neurodiversity is gaining space and recognition in the public realm. It reminds us how vital it is to keep raising awareness - because neurodivergent minds represent a different way of experiencing the world, not a disorder to be fixed.
Transcript of the ceremony award speech:
"The Neurodiversity Family hub deserves a Southwark Civic Award for its exceptional commitment to supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families in Borough. Founded in SE1 by two mothers, Sonay and Marine, who share lived experiences of raising autistic children, the organisation addresses a critical gap in local support for neurodiverse youth and their caregivers.
With a mission to foster a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environement, the hub offers a safe space for dozens of young people who may be misunderstood or marginalised dur to their unique traits. Crucially, it also provides workshops and resources to equip parents and carers with the knowledge and tools to better understand and support their children By empowering parents as agents of change, the Hub creates lasting, positive impacts on the well-being of neurodiverse youth.
The organisation also seeks to influence local and wider businesses, encouraging inclusivity and raising awareness of neurodiversity. Guided by values of empathy, integrity, and a growth mindset, the hub's work promotes a culture of respect and understanding in Southwark and beyond.
The Neurodiversity Family Hub is committed to best practices, including the establishement of an Advisory Board and proactive safeguarding measures. Its founders' passion and dedication, combined with the Hub's transformative work, have created a vital community resource that embodies on individuals, families, and the broader community makes it a worthy recipient of a Southwark Civic Award."