Started with HNY and turned into a rant!

I hope it isn’t too late to wish everyone a Happy and healthy 2024 and thank you for your ongoing support, especially in these difficult financial times.

With more and more people feeling the financial pinch we appreciate all the more, you choosing to spend your money on our enterprise.

2023 was quite a different year for us.

We tried many new things in the hope of attracting a wider audience and boosting sales without too much success. We would be grateful for suggestions from our customers of items they think we may do well selling, we try where possible to sell fair trade items but are happy to consider any suggestions.

I did two days at Hertford East Railway Station, the first with my friends Kerry and Elliot in the Summer. We had a good day with steady footfall and a visit from the little Children who attend the nursery which is based there. The second day was just before Christmas, I was solo and it was very cold.

The station was quiet and sales were minimal. A gentleman was looking at the stall, he appeared to be searching for something, he looked worried and tired. He asked me about what the enterprise does and then told me that his little boy who is three had just been excluded from his nursery and he and his wife think he has autism but he doesn’t have a diagnosis yet.

I can honestly say that I felt his pain, it took me back to the feelings we experienced when Zach was rejected, because it is ultimately a rejection and what hurts more than your child being rejected?

I felt angry that the nursery were taking the easy option and excluding a three year old! Writing that, it sounds ridiculous and incredibly sad that they gave up on such a tiny child without trying to make changes so he was happier and could thrive in the environment.

I asked where the family lived and mentioned a few places I knew which maybe able to offer support and help but I felt helpless and sad.

I packed up shortly after our chat and came home.

How do we change this culture where our children, be they babies or adults be discarded by the very people who are supposed to support them. How is it allowed to be so easy to discard somebody who doesn’t fit into their neat little box.

As a parent the hurt we experience when our children are rejected is long lasting and hurts every single time it happens, it is sadly a common thread through our children’s lives. It doesn’t only come from services and educational facilities, it comes from family and friends too and even strangers sometimes.

In 2024 I aim to blog regularly to keep you updated with the enterprise and also with our lives. We know that you understand and that is why you support us so please feel free to share with friends and family. The more people who are aware of autism and inclusion the better things will be.