Lorraine Jukes

Lorraine Jukes is the founder of Neurodiuniverse – We Are Who We Are, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Oxfordshire focused on improving the lives of neurodivergent adults, children, and families. She is building a scalable, community-powered support ecosystem designed to help neurodivergent people not simply survive, but genuinely thrive.

With over ten years of professional experience in Early Years and SEND, and a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (Level 6), Lorraine brings together lived experience, educational expertise, and entrepreneurship to address a significant gap in accessible, real-world neurodivergent support. Alongside her role as an EYFS teacher and nursery manager at Cutteslowe Primary School, she leads Neurodiuniverse’s strategic growth, community engagement, and programme development.

Founded in 2023, Neurodiuniverse has grown from a small local idea into a fast-developing multi-strand initiative supporting neurodivergent people at both grassroots and community levels. Lorraine’s approach focuses on practical, sensory-aware, socially inclusive support delivered through events, toolkits, online groups, and partnerships that reduce barriers and create meaningful connections.

Her programmes now include:
• Inclusive community events such as Family Fun Days and the flagship “Christmas for All”, designed to be accessible to families with diverse sensory and regulatory needs.
• Monthly Games Nights, which have expanded into multiple venues and strengthened social connections for neurodivergent adults.
• Neuro-Natter, an evening online support space offering low-pressure, community-led discussion and connection.
• Toolkits and resources supporting emotional regulation, sensory needs, and everyday strategies for adults and children.
• Workshops and upcoming speaking series, including “Under One Roof”, focused on lived experience and practical application.
• A monthly podcast, amplifying lived stories and professional insights.

Lorraine is a highly collaborative ecosystem builder. She works closely with community centres (Rose Hill, Exeter Hall), inclusion-focused venues (OXSRAD), local pubs, youth sports teams, schools, charities, councillors, and small businesses to embed Neurodiuniverse across Oxfordshire. She leverages these partnerships to create accessible, low-cost support rooted in community need.

Her ability to mobilise resources has enabled rapid early-stage growth. She has secured funding from the Connected Communities Fund, Rose Hill Community Association, district councillor grants, and sponsorships from local businesses, including Hoyles Games and Pyrde Accounting. She maintains strong governance practices, embedding safeguarding, risk management, GDPR compliance, volunteer processes, and inclusion frameworks across all activities.

Neurodiuniverse’s digital presence has expanded its reach significantly. Across social platforms and the website, Lorraine now reaches more than 12,000 people, with over one-third located within Oxfordshire — providing a strong local impact footprint. Her content blends education, storytelling, and lived experience to reduce stigma and build community awareness.

Lorraine’s long-term vision is to create a sustainable, scalable model of community-driven neurodivergent support that complements overstretched statutory services. She is exploring further professional development in accredited ADHD coaching, sensory-diet approaches, and advanced SEND practice to strengthen both credibility and impact as the organisation grows.

At the centre of her work is a clear belief: neurodivergent adults and children deserve environments that support who they are, not environments that force them to mask, cope, or shrink. Neurodiuniverse exists to bridge that gap — creating spaces, connections, and tools that enable people to thrive.