[London, ]—The Oxygen Mask Project, a groundbreaking initiative for Black parents navigating neurodiversity, has been awarded £6500 in National Lottery funding. This support will facilitate the creation of a virtual community where parents and carers can openly discuss the challenges and joys of raising neurodivergent children in a safe environment, along with access to essential support.
The project will commence with the recording of six conversations among a group of parents, covering crucial topics such as the journey to suspecting neurodivergence, education, advocacy, the role of the professional community, community perceptions of neurodiversity, and coping mechanisms, support, and self-care. These conversations will form the foundation of a podcast hosted on various social media platforms.
Building upon these recorded discussions, The Oxygen Mask Project will establish a dynamic community hub. This hub will facilitate online, live, and in-person discussions, offer access to live and recorded Q&A sessions with experts, provide online resources, and offer continuous podcast sessions. Additionally, a minimum of four in-person events and workshops will be delivered, ensuring geographical inclusivity across London.
To address the diverse needs of parents and carers, monthly group online coaching and counselling sessions will be provided, creating a comprehensive support system. The Oxygen Mask Project aims to offer a secure space where parents can find support, heal, grow, and enhance their capacity to support their neurodivergent children.
How The Oxygen Mask Project Meets Funding Priorities:
The project aligns with the National Lottery Community Fund’s mission by building authentic connections within and across communities. It will link parents to others sharing similar experiences, fostering a culture of genuine exchanges. Through shared insights and perspectives, the project aims to grow real and rich connections, supporting each other through struggles and championing successes.
Elena Boon-Grey and Ona Ojukwu, Founders of The Oxygen Mask Project, expressed their gratitude for the National Lottery Community Fund’s recognition, stating, “We are thrilled that The National Lottery Community Fund has acknowledged our work. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can expand our initiatives, broadening opportunities for local Black parents navigating neurodiversity.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, recently launched its new strategy, ‘It starts with community,’ with a commitment to distributing at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030.
For more information about The Oxygen Mask Project and its initiatives, please visit www.theoxygenmaskproject.org.uk
About The National Lottery Community Fund: The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year, it distributed over £615.4 million of life-changing funding to communities. To learn more, visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk.