Northern Voices: New Creative Writing Group for Autistic Writers Launches with Special Welcome to Travelling community
A new creative writing group for autistic and neurodivergent writers in the North of England has launched this autumn as part of the national Beyond the Spectrum programme — with a special invitation to Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) community members to take part.
Led by Romany Gypsy, disabled and autistic poet, facilitator, comedian and journalist from Bury, Gemma Lees, the group offers a welcoming, neurodivergent-friendly space where writers can explore their creativity, share stories, and build community. Sessions are free to attend and take place online — making them accessible to anyone in the North, no matter where you live or how you learn best.
While open to all autistic and neurodivergent adults in the North of England, the group places a particular emphasis on reaching out to GTRSB writers, who often don’t see their voices or experiences reflected in mainstream arts programmes.
“I’m very excited to be taking on this new challenge with Beyond The Spectrum,” says Gemma Lees. “There is a huge crossover with GTRSB folks and neurodiverse folks as we are traditionally nomadic peoples who don’t do as well with the many constraints that come with a standard contemporary life. That is why we still thrive in creativity and I’m so honoured that I’ll be able to lead workshops and inspire creativity within our communities. I’m hoping to pass on the great joy, self-understanding and catharsis that can come from writing creatively.”
Gemma’s practise focuses on protest, advocacy and inclusion. She regularly facilitates both adult and family-friendly creative writing and arts and crafts workshops in a variety of venues and she is a passionate advocate for GTRSB and neurodiverse education and inclusion. Her poetry chapbook, ‘1000 Years’ is available from Written Off Publishing. The group will also be supported by Via Macnab, a freelance writer, theatre maker, and storyteller.
This new group is part of the expanded 2025–26 Beyond the Spectrum programme, a national initiative from Writing East Midlands, funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Shine Lincolnshire, and Bradford 2025 City of Culture.
Since launching in 2020, Beyond the Spectrum has grown into one of the UK’s leading programmes for neurodivergent writers. Participants are offered up to 15 free online writing workshops, publication opportunities, and digital events, all designed by and for neurodivergent creatives.
Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or picking up a pen for the first time, this new Northern group is a chance to connect, create and be part of something bigger.
How to Join
Workshops are free and held online. The group is open to any autistic or neurodivergent adult in the North of England, with a warm welcome to members of the GTRSB community.
Sign up now at:
beyondthespectrum.uk/for-adults/adult-writing-workshops
Beyond the Spectrum press release
(Photograph of Gemma Lees courtesy of
A new creative writing group for autistic and neurodivergent writers in the North of England has launched this autumn as part of the national Beyond the Spectrum programme — with a special invitation to Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) community members to take part.
Led by Romany Gypsy, disabled and autistic poet, facilitator, comedian and journalist from Bury, Gemma Lees, the group offers a welcoming, neurodivergent-friendly space where writers can explore their creativity, share stories, and build community. Sessions are free to attend and take place online — making them accessible to anyone in the North, no matter where you live or how you learn best.
While open to all autistic and neurodivergent adults in the North of England, the group places a particular emphasis on reaching out to GTRSB writers, who often don’t see their voices or experiences reflected in mainstream arts programmes.
“I’m very excited to be taking on this new challenge with Beyond The Spectrum,” says Gemma Lees. “There is a huge crossover with GTRSB folks and neurodiverse folks as we are traditionally nomadic peoples who don’t do as well with the many constraints that come with a standard contemporary life. That is why we still thrive in creativity and I’m so honoured that I’ll be able to lead workshops and inspire creativity within our communities. I’m hoping to pass on the great joy, self-understanding and catharsis that can come from writing creatively.”
Gemma’s practise focuses on protest, advocacy and inclusion. She regularly facilitates both adult and family-friendly creative writing and arts and crafts workshops in a variety of venues and she is a passionate advocate for GTRSB and neurodiverse education and inclusion. Her poetry chapbook, ‘1000 Years’ is available from Written Off Publishing. The group will also be supported by Via Macnab, a freelance writer, theatre maker, and storyteller.
This new group is part of the expanded 2025–26 Beyond the Spectrum programme, a national initiative from Writing East Midlands, funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Shine Lincolnshire, and Bradford 2025 City of Culture.
Since launching in 2020, Beyond the Spectrum has grown into one of the UK’s leading programmes for neurodivergent writers. Participants are offered up to 15 free online writing workshops, publication opportunities, and digital events, all designed by and for neurodivergent creatives.
Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or picking up a pen for the first time, this new Northern group is a chance to connect, create and be part of something bigger.
How to Join
Workshops are free and held online. The group is open to any autistic or neurodivergent adult in the North of England, with a warm welcome to members of the GTRSB community.
Sign up now at:
beyondthespectrum.uk/for-adults/adult-writing-workshops
Beyond the Spectrum press release
(Photograph of Gemma Lees courtesy of Beyond the Spectrum)