A2ndvoice CIC, a non-for-profit organisation set up in August 2018, started as a self-help group in May 2012.
They run various projects focusing on autism and other related conditions, supporting the needs of autistic people and their families and specialising in the African, Caribbean, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities and Dual Heritage Communities.
A2ndvoice’s work
Due to Covid-19, much of their work runs virtually, offering coffee mornings, workshops, 1:1 support and not forgetting professionals with autistic children and adults.
The founder is Venessa Bobb, mother of three – aged 19, 18 and 14. The two youngest are diagnosed with autism, ADHD and Severe Expressive Receptive Language, with the youngest having Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. Her oldest daughter has been diagnosed with Moderate Language Difficulties.
Hidden voices brought to the forefront
The challenges many families have faced during Covid-19 have brought to the forefront the hidden voices from the ethnic communities and dual-heritage communities such as lack of representation, resources, exploring cultural differences and breakdown of communication for those with language barriers. It is astonishing to find there is no autism statistical data across the UK when focusing on ethnicity, culture and race.
She is currently a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism (APPGA) Advisory Group, member of the NHS England Parent Participation Forum, Branch Officer/Chair for Lambeth Autism Group (NAS Lambeth Branch), Whole School SEND Autism Project Steering Group, and Co-Chair for the Lambeth Autism Action Forum.
Venessa has appeared on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, BBC London Radio and Premier Classic Radio. She has been featured in The Sunday Times Magazine, The Guardian, The Voice, Network Autism, Autism Eye Magazine and co-author of Girls and Autism, edited by Professor Barry Carpenter, Francesca Happe and Jo Egerton – launched in April 2019.
A2ndvoice will continue running virtual events throughout the year in collaboration with local and national organisations.
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeGWGrAAWqXAvWj3HO0RJig
Website: www.a2ndvoice.com
