Pippa is the founder of NeuroKin, a business encompassing various elements of training, campaigning, and partnership work to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent children and their families.
She wants inclusivity to be understood as tangible action rather than words or tick box exercises, bringing this ethos to those in her community and beyond through NeuroKin.
Meeting a Need in the Community
As is often the case with mission-led businesses, entrepreneurship was something that happened unexpectedly to Pippa. She explains: “I set up a family support group for those like me who were struggling and isolated, and it blew up.”
Her experience supporting her Autistic children gave her a unique perspective into the real-life impact and consequences of people living in an environment that is not suitable for them.
Looking to learn more about best practice within the sector Pippa undertook various training programmes and courses, from Neurodiversity and Inclusion Train the Trainer to Autism Research for Managers, and it was in one of these classes that a tutor recognised her skill in understanding and communicating these ideas, encouraging her to use her experiences to support others.
From a family support group, to delivering training in over twenty schools about neurodivergence and how it affects children, Pippa has been working across Yorkshire to spread awareness and understanding about practical inclusion.
Now running NeuroKin as well as continuing with her existing support group, The Lookout, Pippa has ambitious ideas for the future.
“What I’m giving is real life experience, and that counts for a lot. Our courses are inclusive to all, and aim to increase acceptance and advocacy within schools, the workplace, and wider society.”
Accessing Business Support through Hatch
Pippa wanted to access expert support herself on how to grow, diversify, and ensure the right systems were in place with NeuroKin. She joined Hatch’s Ares Launchpad programme, specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities, and really benefitted from being part of a cohort of people with shared experiences.
“People really want to make a difference and it’s those of us that have struggled, or are a parent of a child that struggles, that tend to be the ones that go out there and really make the difference and that’s something to be celebrated.
“Because I’m very much starting from scratch, I never thought I was able to do anything like this. It was definitely a blessing. The expert sessions have been invaluable, as well as being able to make connections with other founders. The safe, inclusive space has been a breath of fresh air!”
Pippa wants to grow the business, bringing in more strands of support all working towards her vision of a better world for neurodivergent people.
She has already developed her offering since graduating from the Hatch programme and is working closely with Neurodiversity UK, a social enterprise offering coaching and training for neurodivergent people.
Running her own business means that Pippa can define success in a way that works for her and her family.
“The bigger picture goal would be for it to be successful in a sense that it fits around the children and my family life. Earning money in a way that works around the children is the bigger picture.”
Related Posts:
Evan’s Journey to Entrepreneurship: “I’m more capable than I gave myself credit for.”
Evan is the founder of Warstone Prosthetics, selling gender-affirming packers and prosthetics for transgender men and transmasculine people.
“It was really special” say graduates of first UK programme for Disabled entrepreneurs
The inaugural graduating cohort of Hatch’s programme for Disabled entrepreneurs share their experiences of the Launchpad.
Disability, Art, and the Natural World: Charlie’s Business Journey
Charlie’s art business is the culmination of her lifelong love of photography and a response to becoming disabled several years ago.
