Spotlight on Creatovators CIC
In our latest member spotlight, we’re thrilled to be joined by June Grindley, Founder, Director and Senior Autism Practitioner at Creatovators C.I.C.
What does your social enterprise do?
Creatovators is a community of people associated with autism. We work with autistic people of all ages, their families, and those on the waiting list for assessment, to enable them to have a better quality of life. We look at the potential within our participants and approach things from a positive, “can-do” point of view. We use our knowledge and experience to train people who work in this area.
How do you do it?
We run various activities and projects which include Playschemes for the whole family, Buildovators (Lego-based Therapy) Sessions, “You Are Not Alone” Information and Sign-posting Sessions, “Voices of Autism” Video Making Projects, Skills Development Training, Lego-based Therapy Training and Autism Training.
Why should someone buy/use your product/services? What are the benefits, and what makes your organisation unique?
We provide a safe, accepting, inclusive environment for our participants, helping them to feel valued, heard and part of a community. We nurture their potential through working with them and see participants become helpers, then volunteers. We are flexible and constantly evolving as each person is unique, so we change and are creative in our response. Our trainings have developed and continue to develop as a result.
What is the current focus for your social enterprise?
We are working to become more sustainable by increasing the trading we do, so we can fund our other projects.
What is your personal motivation?
My son received a diagnosis of autism when he was 4, and there was little to no support at the time. As a family, we felt lonely and isolated, with nowhere to turn. I retrained and wanted to help others in a similar situation.
What exciting things do you have coming up?
We are expanding our partnership working with charities, social enterprises, organisations and businesses. We are exploring a partnership with an organisation which works in prisons, as some of the inmates and their families were looking for the support we can offer.
Who do you want to work with more?
Currently, we’d like to work with businesses, corporate companies, schools and prisons more.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge is 2-fold. Getting the balance right between sustainability and our social aim, and enabling others to see the high value in what we do.
Where do you see your organisation in 5 years?
We will be more knowledgeable, sustainable and have a bigger team in order to make a greater impact.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
Have a sustainability plan and enough people to resource your aim.
For more information about Creatovators CIC, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to read more Member Spotlights? Visit our blog. If you’d like to be featured, please email membership@socialenterprise.scot.