Members of a group, set up to support teens and adults with neurodivergence and additional needs, have celebrated the publication of their joint autobiography telling the story of a year of creativity.

Burton Latimer-based social enterprise Shine Arts & Well-Being used funding secured for the book ‘This is Us’ through The Compton Fund at Northamptonshire Community Foundation to tell the story of 'a year in the life' of the project.

Over 12 months the group documented their creative pursuits, their edible garden plus trips, local history explorations and events.

The resulting journal documents group members’ art and experiences in words and pictures over 300 pages.

Ashley Grant (left) and Lou Chandler (right) with members of Shine Arts and Well-Being at the launch of This is Us /IMG

placeholder image — Ashley Grant (left) and Lou Chandler (right) with members of Shine Arts and Well-Being at the launch of This is Us /IMG

Shine Arts & Well-Being member Ashley Grant said: “I hope people will like it. The book is the most wow and eye-popping thing. I’m very very proud and feel incredibly honoured.”

The book was launched at their launch lunch on Monday (October 19) with the event attended by Burton Latimer Mayor Steven Baynes, community organisation representatives, councillors, library staff, volunteers and a representative from Kew Gardens Gaia Busic.

As well as launching the book, the event celebrated the success of participant Chloe Jayne for securing £500 from Kew Gardens’ Grow Wild scheme enabling them to create an edible garden.

This project was entitled 'Healthy Herby Shine Chefs' and ingredients grown in it were used to prepare a soup and savoury scones to feed visitors on the day.

Shine Arts and Well-Being members at the launch of This is Us /IMG

Chloe, who created a 'bid-vid' to secure the money from Kew, was inspired by her passion for baking.

She said: “I knew it would be really good and I couldn't wait to try out the recipes for the event.

Ashley designed the hand-drawn logo for the project depicting the joy of growing the plants from seed to plate.

This is Us is on sale to support the work of the group and can be purchased from Burton Latimer Community library alongside Shine's crafts & Neuro-verse magazine sold all year round.

To join Shine Arts & Well-Being email [email protected].