London Makers is a creative enterprise programme by HF Mencap, created to platform the ideas, talent and creative potential of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people.
Part studio, part programme, part creative collective, London Makers supports participants to explore materials, develop original ideas and work alongside artists, practitioners and creative partners, turning ideas into real products, artworks and public-facing outcomes.
London Makers brings together creative courses, open studio sessions and showcase opportunities. Participants explore materials, develop ideas, work with artists and creative partners, and build towards finished products, artworks and public-facing outcomes.
The programme is flexible and accessible, with different ways to take part — from experimenting in the studio to joining a focused course, contributing to a showcase, or developing work for sale.
What we offer
- Artist-led creative courses
- Open studio sessions
- Product development
- Showcases and sales opportunities
- Portfolio and skills development
Why it matters
- Platforms overlooked creative talent
- Positions participants as makers and designers
- Builds confidence through real outcomes
- Creates routes into future creative opportunities
- Challenges perceptions of learning disability, autism and creativity
Who can join?
London Makers is open to adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities, autism or neurodivergence, including people who are awaiting or exploring a diagnosis. No previous creative experience is needed.
The programme is for people who are interested in making, designing, experimenting with materials or exploring how their ideas could become real products, artworks or public-facing outcomes.
Some people join with a creative skill they want to develop. Others join because they are curious, looking for something new, or want to try a hands-on creative programme in a supportive studio environment.
London Makers could be a good fit for someone who:
- enjoys making, drawing, designing, crafting or experimenting
- has ideas they would like to develop further
- is interested in products, prints, objects, artworks or design
- would benefit from structure, encouragement and creative support
- wants to build confidence, skills, independence or a portfolio
- is curious about showcasing, selling or sharing creative work
Places are offered based on interest, support needs and whether London Makers feels like the right fit. A formal diagnosis is not always required, and we can talk through access needs before someone joins.
How to join
Referrals are now open for London Makers.
If you’re interested in joining, or you know someone who might be a good fit, you can complete our short expression of interest form. This can be filled out by:
- the person interested in joining
- a family member or carer
- a support worker, social worker or other professional
Once we receive your form, a member of the London Makers team will get in touch to talk through the programme, answer any questions and share the full referral form if it feels like the right next step.