ZoneND recently supported the Roxi Foundation, a local CIC dedicated to funding private autism diagnoses for children aged 7-14. The mission was clear: create an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment for neurodivergent families at a community fundraising event at the King & Queen Pub.
The challenge? Transform two back rooms of the pub into safe, welcoming spaces—what would be called “Chill Zone & Mindfulness Zone.”
The Brief: Designing for Neurodivergent Comfort
The design process was guided by feedback from a key client—B, a 10-year-old with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD). B’s insights were invaluable. The space needed to be dark, but not too dark, with areas for arts and crafts, comfortable seating for safety, and practical amenities like charger cables for tablets and phones. With this in mind, the team set out to create two distinct zones:
Chill Zone: A calm, quiet area for relaxation and unwinding.
Mindfulness Zone: A space dedicated to creative expression and soothing activities.
These zones were designed to cater to the sensory needs of neurodivergent children, allowing them to enjoy the event without feeling overwhelmed. The response was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that true inclusion is possible with thoughtful, sensory-aware design.
A Community Effort
The success of the event was further highlighted by the support from local MPs, Heidi Alexander and Will Stone, who attended and showed their commitment to the cause. Their presence underscored the importance of creating inclusive spaces in local communities, not just for neurodivergent individuals, but for everyone.
Reflecting on the Impact
Hayley O’Connor, Co-Founder and Inclusion Director at ZoneND said “This event was not just about designing a physical space—it was about a sense of belonging and safety for neurodivergent families. Seeing these families feel welcome, safe, and supported was the true measure of success for us at ZoneND. It reinforced our belief that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an actionable, achievable goal when we design with empathy and understanding”.
She continued “The Roxi Foundation’s mission to support neurodivergent children through early diagnosis is critical, and we are honored to have played a part in this important event. We look forward to continuing our work in creating spaces that make a difference, and to collaborating with others who share our vision of a more inclusive world.”
