Finding Her Place with The Glowsticks Project

At Atomix Educational Trust, we believe education is about more than qualifications—it’s about finding yourself and your place in the world. This is beautifully illustrated through the journey of Lucy, a former Prior Pursglove College student whose path demonstrates how the right support can make all the difference.

Lucy’s four years at Prior Pursglove College were transformative, particularly through her connection with the college’s therapy service. Like many young people, Lucy faced challenges during her studies. What made the difference was when a perceptive teacher noticed Lucy needed support and connected her with the college’s counselling service.

“The teacher realised what I was doing to avoid my own struggles,” Lucy reflects. “She took me to someone called June and asked me to complete a therapy form.”

This intervention led to Lucy receiving regular therapy sessions with a counsellor named Adele, who became a pivotal figure in her development. “From the counselling service, it created a safe place, someone that I could talk to in a non-judgmental environment,” Lucy explains.

The therapy provided not just immediate support but also equipped Lucy with strategies for the future. “Adele created great strategies for me to handle things when she wasn’t there,” Lucy shared. This foundation of support empowered her to take on new challenges, including participation in the Head Start project where she spoke to 33 different groups about hidden disabilities.

Lucy’s experience at Prior Pursglove College didn’t just help her cope—it inspired her to help others. Through her involvement with the Head Start project, Lucy shared her experiences with hundreds of students, promoting the positive message that showing vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

“It’s not a negative thing to show weakness,” Lucy emphasised during these presentations, challenging stigma and helping others understand hidden disabilities better.

Lucy’s journey has now brought her to The Glowsticks Project, a charity supporting individuals with autism and ADHD. The charity’s new social enterprise café in Middlesbrough provides a welcoming space for neurodivergent individuals to gather, socialise, and volunteer.

For Lucy, The Glowsticks Project represents more than just a volunteering opportunity—it’s a place where she truly belongs. “I am in a supportive environment where I don’t have to hide away,” she says with evident joy. “I can be myself.”

What makes The Glowsticks Project special for Lucy is the genuine understanding she’s found there. “Within probably half an hour of talking to Rebecca [the founder], I knew she got me and she knew me for me, which I’ve never had before.”

Lucy has thrived in this environment, moving from volunteer to support worker, and is now preparing to give back to the college that supported her by returning to Prior Pursglove College to support young people with autism and learning disabilities.

“I am going to be supporting the young people who have autism and learning disabilities at Prior,” Lucy explains, excited about coming full circle in her journey.

The Heart Behind The Glowsticks Project

The Glowsticks Project was founded by Rebecca, who created the charity from personal experience. Rebecca, who is neurodivergent herself and has a 9-year-old son with autism, understood firsthand the challenges of finding a place to belong.

“I was struggling to find anywhere that I could be,” Rebecca explains. “I’ve kind of all my life spent with those typical autistic things, struggling with friendships, struggling to fit in, struggling to hold employment. I’ve just had enough.”

Her solution was to create a space specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals. “I was loving surrounding myself with people who were neurodivergent and have really started to feel like I found my people,” she says. “Let’s make this a thing. Let’s start creating somewhere people feel safe.”

The name The Glowsticks Project carries a beautiful message: “It’s me saying it’s OK to be a glow stick, because even if you’re a bit broken, you can still shine.”

The café is more than just a place to get coffee—it’s a carefully crafted environment where everyone feels welcome. “We just want to welcome everyone and it’s to be a safe space,” Rebecca says. The café offers various activities including art therapy, forest school, chess club, and board games, creating multiple ways for people to connect and engage.

A Growing Community

The impact of The Glowsticks Project is already evident in the stories of those who have found solace there. Rebecca shares how people who initially came with low confidence are now blossoming, finding employment, and developing new skills.

“Everyone has a place here,” Rebecca emphasises. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what you’re good at, and it certainly doesn’t matter what you don’t think you’ll be good at—everyone has a place here.”

The café is becoming a hub for the community, with organisations like ESPA booking the space for events, and individuals discovering talents they can share with others through classes and workshops.

Visit The Glowsticks Project Café

The Glowsticks Project Café is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. On Mondays, they offer specialist provision for under-5s and home-educated children. The café also offers various clubs and therapy sessions throughout the week.

Located in Middlesbrough, the café provides a tranquil environment where anyone can feel comfortable, whether they want to be treated like family or need some time to themselves.

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