Speak Up SEND didn’t begin with a business plan, it began with lived experience.

When Adam was diagnosed at a young age, his world shifted overnight. Support was hard to find. Education felt confusing. Job opportunities felt uncertain. And far too often, people judged him not for who he was, but for the disability he carried.

That’s not right. That’s not fair. And that’s exactly why Speak Up SEND was born.

We wanted to change the narrative for young people and adults across Hull & East Yorkshire — to show that every person has strengths, talents, and potential that deserve to be recognised, celebrated, and supported.

As we grew, we saw another problem: sensory shopping was overwhelming, confusing, and far too expensive. Families were paying more than they should for essentials that should be accessible to everyone.

So we made a promise: Support should be affordable. Sensory aids should be accessible. No one should be priced out of dignity.

Today, Speak Up SEND is more than a charity. It’s a voice. A community. A movement for change.

We’re here to make sure SEND young people and adults feel understood, supported, and empowered, not judged or overlooked.

Because every young person and adult deserves a voice for change, to be seen and understood in Hull & East Yorkshire 💙

Adam

Adam Nielsen, diagnosed with autism at just six years old, is the Executive Director and Head of Community Engagement at Speak Up SEND.

His lived experience is the heartbeat of our charity, shaping every conversation, every event, and every piece of support we offer.

Adam’s journey through a system that often overlooked him is what drives our mission today: to ensure every young person and adult with SEND feels seen, valued, and empowered across Hull & East Yorkshire.