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Finding a space where you can relax, be yourself, explore your creativity, and connect with others isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re delighted to launch another Create & Connect. A free 10-week art journaling course designed specifically for autistic young people aged 12-18.

Starting this October at The Connect Centre in Colchester, Create & Connect will provide a gentle, supportive environment where young people can explore identity, self-expression, creativity, and community at their own pace.

Whether you’re already passionate about art or have never picked up a paintbrush before, everyone is welcome.

So, what is Create & Connect?

Create & Connect is a creative wellbeing project centred around art journaling, giving participants a safe and inclusive space to reflect, create, and connect with others. The programme has been designed for up to 10 autistic young people aged 12-18 and welcomes participants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. A formal autism diagnosis is not required.

The course uses creative journaling as a foundation while introducing a variety of calming and expressive activities designed to encourage creativity, communication, and self-discovery. Activities are sensory-friendly and adapted to ensure young people can participate in ways that feel comfortable for them.

Importantly, there is no expectation to be artistic.

This is not about creating perfect artwork. It’s about providing a space where young people can explore ideas, build confidence, express themselves, and feel connected.

A safe space to explore identity and creativity

Throughout the 10-week programme, participants will be encouraged to discover what makes them unique through a series of guided creative activities and reflective exercises.

The course will explore themes including:

• Identity and self-expression
• Friendships and belonging
• Thoughts and feelings
• Strengths and individuality
• Confidence and resilience
• Hopes and aspirations for the future

Through creative activities, young people can explore these themes in a way that feels natural and comfortable, while meeting others who may share similar experiences.

What will participants do?

Each week introduces a new theme and creative activity designed to encourage reflection and self-expression. Examples include:

Creating a Personal Journal: Participants will design and personalise their own journal, creating a space to document their journey throughout the course.

Exploring Identity Through Art: Using drawing, collage, and mixed media, young people will explore how they see themselves and the qualities that make them unique.

Discovering Belonging and Connection: Sessions will focus on the people, places, and communities that make participants feel supported, while encouraging creative exploration through different artistic techniques.

Celebrating Strengths and Imagination: Young people will create superheroes, fantasy creatures, and imaginative worlds while reflecting on their strengths, interests, and personal qualities.

Looking Ahead: The final weeks of the programme will encourage participants to celebrate their growth, reflect on their achievements, and explore their hopes for the future.

More than just an art course

While creativity sits at the heart of the project, Create & Connect is about much more than art.

The programme has been designed to help young people:

✅ Build confidence

✅ Explore self-expression

✅ Meet others in a supportive environment

✅ Develop a stronger sense of identity

✅ Feel connected to their community

✅ Explore wellbeing through creativity

Participants will be supported by Autism Anglia staff with lived experience and informed by autistic perspectives, helping ensure sessions feel relatable, inclusive, and welcoming.

So, who can take part?

Create & Connect is open to:

• Autistic young people aged 12-18
• Young people from all backgrounds and identities
• Those with or without a formal autism diagnosis
• Individuals interested in creativity, wellbeing, and self-expression

We particularly welcome applications from young people within the LGBTQIA+ community, helping ensure the course is as inclusive and representative as possible. No previous art experience is needed.

When and where?

📅 Tuesday 13th October 2026 to Tuesday 15th December 2026

🕓 4:30pm – 6:30pm

📍 The Connect Centre, 227 Gosbecks Road, Colchester, CO2 9JT

💷 Free to attend

Places are limited to a maximum of 10 participants, and young people accepted onto the programme will be expected to attend the full 10-week course. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How to Apply

Applications for Create & Connect are now open.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, creative space to explore who you are, connect with others, and express yourself in a way that feels right for you, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Visit our Create & Connect page to find out more and apply today.

Because creativity can be powerful, connection matters, and everyone deserves a place where they can feel supported, understood, and free to be themselves.