The July 2025 ALAG / Autism Hub events was an interactive summer special. In the midst of a summer heatwave, the event took place at the regular location north of King’s Cross with several rooms enabling participation in multiple activities. The session began Nad from  Are You Mad studio in Coal Drops Yard. His informative presentation took the audience through process of recycling plastic, the types of plastics and the mechanics of re-using plastic to make new objects. Participants to Nad’s project are encouraged to bring in their own plastic and, through creative, practical activities, will explore how everyday waste can be turned into valuable materials. The audience questions that followed covered the importance and value of recycling suggest this is a topic of particular interest.  After that, we moved to a cookery presentation. Patrice who volunteers as a chef for Jean’s Cafe also shared her experience as a chef and a bit about Jean’s Cafe. Jean’s Cafe is open every Friday between 1-2pm for anyone to come for a vegetarian surplus food meal. If you are able to make a small donation for the meal (£3) this is welcomed but not required.

For those who wanted a break from the presentations, there was crafts decorating terracotta pots offering a calming environment. Elsewhere, there were more chances of social chat and interaction. And to cap it, the session ended on a quick London summer quiz.

I really enjoyed being a part of the fun, interactive and summertime event.

Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 7 July 2025