Help Relaunch Our Autism Support Group & Games Club in Walthamstow

Creating Safe, Supportive Spaces for Neurodiverse Individuals and Families

Goal: £5,000 | Location: Walthamstow, London, UK

Introduction

Hi, I’m Surna Khan — founder of Surna’s Empowerment and Social Hub CIC, a community-led organisation dedicated to supporting neurodiverse individuals and families. As someone with both professional expertise and personal lived experience with autism, I’ve made it my life’s mission to create inclusive, empowering spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated.

Meet the Founder – Surna Khan

Founder and Director Surna's Empowerments and Social Hub CIC

Autism and Neurodiversity Support Lead

I’ve dedicated my life to understanding and supporting the neurodiverse community both professionally and personally. My qualifications reflect a deep commitment to care, advocacy, and lifelong learning.

Background

I combine lived experience with strong academic achievements. I hold BA (Honours) in Health and Social Care, a Postgraduate Degree in Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and I have successfully passed my Master's in Autism Spectrum at Sheffield Hallam University, with graduation scheduled for November 2026.

As the Autism and Neurodiversity Support Lead, I guide the organisation's approach to autism -informed and neurodiversity- inclusive support, ensuring all practice is grounded in specialist knowledge, lived experience, and research-informed understanding.

I also plan to pursue a PhD in Autism Spectrum, further strengthening my long-term commitment to the autism community.

Experience

I have extensive experience providing specialist support to individuals with autism, families and caregivers. I have facilitated community groups and wellbeing sessions, offering practical guidance, communication strategies, and accessible approaches tailored to individual needs.

I also mentor volunteers, helping them build confidence and contribute meaningfully to community activities. My work empowers carers, siblings, guardians, and volunteers to better understand and advocate for their loved ones, reducing isolation and building confidence.

Focus

As a volunteer facilitator of the Autism Support Group and Community Games Club, I create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for adults, carers, siblings, and families. These sessions provide space to connect, share experiences, and explore supportive approaches together.

The groups are designed specifically for adults, ensuring dedicated time for peer support, guidance, and community connection.

Qualifications:

• BA Honours in Health and Social Care

• Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

• Masters in Autism Spectrum-Successfully completed at Sheffield Hallam University,with graduation for November 2026.

• BTEC First Diploma in Caring

• Pre-Nursing Course

• Speech and Language Training

• IPSEA SEND Law Foundation Training Course

• Makaton Training

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Training

• Behavioural Training – specialising in positive behaviour support, emotional regulation, and communication strategies tailored to neurodiverse individuals

• Zones of Regulation Training – supporting emotional self-regulation and social-emotional learning

• Widgit Training – using symbol -supported communication tools to enhance understanding and accessibility for individuals with communication needs.

Leadership & Community Impact:

• Director of William Morris Community Threads, continuing the legacy of William Morris Big Local (WMBL)

• Partnership Member at the William Morris Big Local (until 2023)

• Nominated by WMBL for the Community Leadership Academy (completed)

• Selected by East London Business Alliance’s (ELBA) for their Leadership Programme, mentored by union Bank of Switzerland (UBS)

• Co-Leader and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at The Salvation Army Games Club

• Art Facilitator at Outwards Organisation, supporting adults with learning disabilities, and complex needs.

• One-to-One Mentor, supporting adults with special needs through charity placements focused on life skills, social development, and community engagement.

I’m now preparing to pursue a PhD in Autism Spectrum because this mission is lifelong. Every group I run every person I mentor, every game we play, it’s all part of a bigger vision: a world where neurodiverse people feel safe, supported, and celebrated.

What We’re Relaunching

From March to July 2025, I was honoured to be chosen by Walthamstow Library to lead and facilitate a weekly autism support group, a space that quickly became vital for families in the community. When the group was unexpectedly discontinued, the loss was deeply felt.

Now, we’re ready to bring it back stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever.

We’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of our Autism Support Group and the launch of a brand-new Games Club , now scheduled for 3rd of December 2025 at The Mill Walthamstow.

These sessions were originally planned for mid-October, but due to limited funding, we've had to delay the launch. With your support, we can still make the vision a reality and create something truly special for our community.

These free, inclusive groups will offer:

• Safe, welcoming environments where everyone feels accepted

• Emotional support and peer connection to reduce isolation

• Friendship-building activities that foster lasting bonds

• Inclusive games and mentoring for individuals with autism, parents, carers, and siblings

What People Say

“It’s made a real difference in our lives.”

“Thanks to Surna, my son is growing in confidence and independence.”

"She makes everyone feel seen. Even when things are hard, she helps us find a way through."

"Surna's approach is gentle but powerful. She brings people together with dignity and purpose."

"I used to feel isolated. Now I'm feel part of something, bigger, a supportive group and welcoming community"

"Her support helped me navigate systems I didn't understand. I finally got the help I needed."

"There's no judgement here, just kindness, creativity, and real understanding."

"Surna generously, offered her time to mentor my son one-to one at the charity , shop, where she's been teaching him life skills, communication, social interaction, and community engagement. Without her support , this wouldn't have been possible, My son looks froward to volunteering every week

"Surna helped me believe in myself again. I'm now volunteering and giving back."

"This isn't just support, it's empowerment."

“It’s more than just a group, it’s a lifeline.”

Why We Started This Group

Every journey begins with a story. Ours began with the shared experiences of families navigating the challenges of raising children with autism. We recognized a profound need for a safe, understanding, and empowering space where individuals with autism and their families could connect, share, and grow together. This inspired us to create a dedicated support group that fosters community, compassion, and hope.

Our Mission and Goals

Our mission is to build a nurturing environment that supports individuals with autism and their families through education, emotional support, and community engagement. We aim to:

• Provide regular support meetings and workshops

• Offer resources and guidance for families and caregivers

• Promote awareness and understanding of autism within the broader community

How Your Donations Will Help

Every contribution will directly support the establishment and sustainability of our support group. Funds will be used for:

• Renting a welcoming and accessible venue for meetings and events

• Purchasing educational and therapeutic materials

• Conducting outreach to ensure families in need are aware of our services

• Covering administrative costs to maintain smooth operations

*None of your donations will be retained by the business

The Impact of Your Support

Your generosity will help create a lifeline for families and individuals affected by autism. Through shared experiences and mutual support, we will empower participants to face challenges with resilience and celebrate their unique strengths. The group will foster friendships, reduce isolation, and provide tools for personal and familial growth.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact. Together, we can build a community where every individual with autism feels seen, supported, and valued.

Together, we can rebuild, reconnect, and grow stronger than ever.