The Somalian Coffee Morning initiative began as a research project aimed at gathering feedback from the Somali community regarding the prevalence of autism and ways to provide support. These gatherings provide a platform for discussion and sharing of experiences among community members, serving as a means to understand the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families within the Somali community. Additionally, they explore strategies for support and solidarity, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in addressing neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Participants have benefited from the meetings, where professionals from Brent Council, NHS and Barnardos, and researchers shared their experiences and supported families with SEND children. These families, facing challenges related to education, housing, GP registration, and overall health access, have found invaluable assistance through these sessions. Since May 2023, these coffee mornings have allowed parents to raise concerns across various sectors of their needs, shedding light on the significant gap between emerging communities and government support systems.
