About.

Satsuma Neighbour is an autistic/neurodivergent-led CIC (Community Interest Company), creating a new type of inclusive, safe, supportive housing community, in London, with national aspirations.

Our inspiration comes from real life personal experience. There seems to be a total lack of suitable housing options for autistic people or those with a learning disability, who have a relatively high degree of independence; people who have lower support needs but who can be extremely socially vulnerable. This cohort is not insignificant in number, but largely invisible to society.

Satsuma Neighbour exists to change the status quo. A completely new way of thinking about independence, where nothing’s off the table and anything is possible.

Alongside and in partnership with the NDTi (National Development Team for Inclusion) we are currently conducting research around the experience of young people moving into independent living, funded by Southwark Council.

We’ve teamed up with a non-profit, social housing developer and we’re currently in talks with potential partners concerning a possible site for our first Satsuma Neighbour development!

Satsuma Neighbour?

A curious name perhaps? Perhaps not…

Fruits are a potent, symbolic and essential part of our nourishment and wellbeing. Satsumas are healthy, colourful and bright fruits. When unpeeled they uncover a tight knit community of segments, each holding equal importance, the pith, glueing the pieces together. And a satsuma is one of the only fruits that seem made for sharing, it’s hard to peel and eat one without offering a few segments to a companion.

But satsumas are not an exotic and rare commodity, they are readily available.

Neighbour – a word that seems to be losing importance and relevance. But a good neighbour makes life worth living.  Having a good neighbour is what everyone needs to feel safe and secure and relaxed.  A good neighbour means everything. And to be a good neighbour should be an important and integral part of good living, to feel part of something, with purpose.

We also challenge the idea of what a good neighbour is. We think it is very often considered through a neurotypical lens. There are plenty of other ways of being a good neighbour.

Everyone would like to call themselves a good neighbour, but somehow, as our communities fragment, the role is being eroded.

But it’s how we should all be living in the 21st Century. A time when everyone aspires to being a proud Satsuma Neighbour.

Satsuma Neighbour - a place to call home, for everyone.