🌻 Dear ND Smilers | August Edit
Theme: Growth, Change & New Starts
Hi Smilers,
We’ve got a bunch of lovely events still coming up in September (details below!) — and I really hope you’ll join us for a few of them.
But I also want to let you know: this will be ND Smiley’s last season of events for a while.
After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to step back from regular community organising so I can focus on the things that really light me up — writing, creative tutoring, and sharing neurodivergent-friendly tools.
This newsletter won’t disappear — it’ll just evolve into something lighter: reflections, poetry, journaling prompts, and the occasional creative offering.
If you’ve enjoyed ND Smiley and want to support what comes next, you can now join ND Smiley+ for £3.50/month. That includes behind-the-scenes updates, printables, creative packs, and helps keep the work sustainable. 💛
🌟 August Highlights
Here’s what we got up to last month:
✨ Between the Bridges ND Social
💛 Over-30s Dating Event
🌳 Sydenham Hill Walk
🎷 Jazz with Grace
📚 Book Club: Convenience Store Woman
🤝 Volunteer Info Session
Thanks to everyone who came along!
📅 What’s On in September
🟡 Social @ Lord Nelson Pub (with Grace)
🗓 Saturday 6 Sept | 🕔 5:40–8:30pm
📍 Lord Nelson Pub
A relaxed hangout to see out the summer. Come solo or bring a friend to meet, chat and maybe play some games!
🎟 [Tickets →]
⚡ Dating Over 30s
🗓 Saturday 13 Sept
📍 Battersea Arts Centre
Structured, ND-friendly format
More info soon — follow us on Instagram or Eventbrite to stay updated!
🎟 [Tickets →]
🌿 Walk at One Tree Hill and Peckham Rye (with Jane)
🗓 Sunday 14 Sept | 🕑 2:00–4:00pm
📍 Meet at Honor Oak Park Station
A peaceful wander through woodland and wildflowers — perfect for gentle connection.
🎟 [Tickets →]
🟡 ND Smiley Social @ BAC
🗓 Saturday 20 Sept | 🕐 1:00–3:00pm
📍 BAC, Battersea Arts Centre
A social in a relaxed, neurodivergent-friendly café space. Pop in for a chat, bring your fidget toys, or just enjoy a quiet cuppa with fellow ND folks.
🎟 [Tickets →]
📚 Book Club: Exciting Times
🗓 Wednesday 25 Sept | 🕖 7:00–8:00pm
📍 Zoom
Whether you’ve read every word or just want to chat about the title, you’re welcome.
🎟 [Tickets →]
🌼 What Makes You ND Smiley? (Now living on Substack)
We’re taking community stories to Substack so they live alongside writing prompts and printables.
💬 Share a photo, poem, or tiny joy in the comments on today’s post below
📸 Tag me on Instagram at @genamarieshaw — I’ll still reshare when I can.
Thank you for being here.
You’ve helped grow something small, strange, joyful — and now, something new.
With love,
Gena