Upper Murray Regional
Neighbourhood
House Network
1 Oct 2025
Cozy Craft Nights offer a calm, inclusive, and creative environment for young adults and neurodivergent participants
Cozy Craft Nights at Barandudah have been running for just over 12 months and have quickly become one of the most consistent groups at the centre. Originally designed as an 18+ low-sensory, bring-your-own-craft night, the group has evolved in response to participant needs, now attracting regular attendance from the harder-to-reach 20–40 age group, including many from the neurodivergent community.
Centre Coordinator Karrie Thorne explained the careful attention to creating a welcoming space: “We really wanted to create a safe sensory space. The set up was so important—we use fairy lights, ambient music with a few lamps. It needed to be a place to socialise and craft that wasn’t a pub or somewhere that can be a bit confronting for some.” Karrie added, “I am so proud of what we have now, reaching the harder age group of 20–40 and the neurodivergent community.”
The group’s outreach has been targeted yet inclusive. While initially advertised through Facebook and the Albury Wodonga Queer noticeboard, attendees do not need to identify as LGBTQI+. Many have discovered the group through word of mouth, and Karrie was delighted to learn that Headspace is now referring clients: “To my amazement, some participants are now coming through Headspace referrals.”
Looking ahead, Karrie is excited about expanding the program to meet diverse interests: “I'm proud of what’s been created and I now have more ideas and things to try, for example we are starting a Dungeons & Dragons group for those who are not into crafting.”
Cozy Craft Nights continue to offer a calm, inclusive, and creative environment where young adults and neurodivergent participants can socialise, craft, and connect.