About CANDI
Everyone deserves a place to belong.
CANDI began with a simple idea: create welcoming, affordable and creative opportunities where neurodivergent people and the wider community can connect, contribute and shine.
From a welcoming cafe hub to events, clubs and community projects, CANDI has grown by listening to the people around us.
Our Story
It started with a shared vision to celebrate neurodiversity.
A place where people could be themselves, discover their strengths, meet others and feel part of something.
A community built from a conversation.
CANDI began with Fay and her late brother, Rob, and a shared belief that the world should recognise and celebrate what neurodivergent people bring to our communities.
They wanted to create something genuinely shaped by the people it was there to support — not something designed for a community without first listening to that community.
Community
Creative
Belonging
And so, CANDI Community was born — a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Fay and Rob spent time talking to people, listening to their ideas and finding out what people actually wanted. The aim was simple: to create welcoming, affordable places, activities and events where people could feel included, meet others and enjoy themselves without feeling like they had to fit a mould.
That journey began with Rhiannon’s Café, which became a welcoming hub for the community.
From there, the idea grew. CANDI moved into social groups and entertainment, and in 2024 we held our first Fantastic Inclusivity Festival. It was such a special experience that we brought it back in 2025 and again in 2026 — and we’re now getting ready for our fourth festival on 23 May 2027. More details coming soon.
Looking ahead
There’s still a long way to go, and we don’t have all the answers. That’s part of what makes CANDI what it is. We’re learning, growing and listening as we go, and we’re always looking for new ideas, people and opportunities to build something our community can be proud of.
This is our story so far — and we’d love you to be part of what comes next.
How We Got Here
01
The Beginning
To create a space that welcomes people of every neurodiverse type
To not just accept differences but embrace them, understand the person behind them
Built with the community, not just for the community
Fay & Rob's Idea
02
Rhiannon's Café
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A welcoming Place for people to meet, eat, socialise and feel comfortable.
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Staff are either neurodiverse or have firsthand experience of neurodiversity.
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Volunteers gaining experience for their future
The first community hub of its kind
03
Events & Clubs
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CANDI has a regular Tuesday Evening Social Group
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Activities and food ensuring no aspect of wellbeing is neglected evening for those attending
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Creative Activities, music, entertainment led by members and run by our staff
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Community Events
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Monthly Nightclub
More ways to Connect
04
CANDI Today
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CANDI continues creating opportunities for people to connect, participate and share their talents.
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CANDI is still guided by those who are apart of the groups
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CANDI Enterprise Group is working on business skills and selling creations from the neurodiverse members
A Growing Community
