Before he joined our Buddy Up programme, Nathan-Jack, who is both autistic and a selective mute, struggled for confidence. He hid behind his rockstar haircut and preferred to draw rather than communicate with others.

Our Buddy Up programme matches young people who have special educational needs or disabilities with peer mentors (Buddies), and it has proven to be life-changing for participants.

Nathan-Jack was matched with Annie and Lucy, who have helped him find his voice in a big way, as well as encouraging him to unleash his artistic talent.

Much of Nathan’s day at Warrington Youth Zone is spent drawing, hanging out with Annie and Lucy, or boxing with his coach Jack.

It has been invaluable for him to have a small group of people he trusts and simple routines that he can rely on. This is why the school holidays, when routines are thrown into disarray, can be such a challenge for young people with autism.

Warrington Youth Zone provides services 365 days a year, so we can be that reliable and consistent point of contact, but even our programmes run in cycles and Nathan’s Buddy up support has now come to an end.

Knowing how vital continuity is, our Buddy Up co-ordinator Nuvvy Sibia has worked closely with Jack to make sure that NJ’s boxing coaching can continue through the summer, and he continues to have that anchor point.

“Our Buddies are the lifeline of the programme, and I am humbled by their kindness and their never-ending positivity and support,” Nuvvy said.

Nathan-Jack has really come out of his shell since attending Buddy Up at the Youth Zone, and his confidence to express himself through his art has come on leaps and bounds.

He has now completed art commissions for major local businesses EE and Vimto, and he has won the 2024 Warrington Guardian High School Pupil of the Year award.

He has also collaborated with our digital manager ‘Ditch’ to create a fantastic short animation based on his drawings. It communicates Nathan’s experience far better than we can in writing.

Watch the animation below:

Nathan-Jack is amazing, and he can’t be defined by his autism.

He has his own individual story, just like the thousands of other young people using Warrington Youth Zone, day in and day out.

“Autism is not something someone has; it is who we are,” Nathan-Jack said.

“We have a unique way of thinking and behaving. I might hit developmental and social milestones later than others, but I can accomplish these small victories in my own time.”