Lightyear Foundation

[Image Description] A circular, purple and green graphic with the Lightyear Foundation logo at the top. Text reads: “Save the Date – SEND in STEM Network - December 3rd 2025” “Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” "Theme: STEM for young people with PMLD With Lisa Webb and Andy Smith (Assistant Head and Headteacher at Lime Academy Ravensbourne)." Along the bottom are three circular photos: On the left, a teacher helps a child roll a large orange tube on the floor. In the centre, a young person holds a stick with a green ball on top. On the right, a student in a sensory or therapy pool uses a wooden stick to interact with floating objects. The design features curved shapes and molecular-style graphics in Lightyear Foundation’s purple and green colour palette

📅 Save the Date - Dec 3rd!

Join our next SEND in STEM Network with Andy Smith & Lisa Webb from #LimeAcademyRavensbourne 🌟

Explore how to engage with young people with PMLD & create inclusive, meaningful STEM spaces 💡

More info: hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

#SENDinSTEM #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] A collage of three photos from an exploratory session at Lime Academy Ravensbourne on a purple background decorated with autumn leaves. The top-left image shows a student using dried leaves in a creative activity, mixing them in a bowl of green paint. The bottom-left image shows a colourful classroom display with large paper leaves and a cardboard frame being used by a student. The right image shows a student reaching up to touch hanging decorations, including umbrellas and globes, suspended from the ceiling. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom centre.

Our 3rd STEM Futures Community of Practice brought teachers together across the UK 🌍

The Focus: the role of student voice & play in inclusive STEM 💡

We’re seeing curiosity grow & confidence build!

Huge thanks to #avantoruk & our amazing partner schools 💜

#STEMFutures

[Image description] A square collage with a purple, polka-dot border and the Lightyear Foundation logo at the bottom. Top image: An educator in safety glasses and a lab coat smiles and leans in as a student wearing ear defenders builds a small house-like structure from wooden sticks and brightly coloured modelling clay. Bottom left: In the background an online demo displays a close-up of a house structure. At the front of the picture is a student laying down with a teacher in a lab coat showing them the same house structure that they made. Bottom right: A student kneels on the floor to launch a balloon-powered car along a short track in a classroom with red cupboards.

New term, big start!

#SamuelPepysSchool hosted 2 Engineering Lightyear Labs over 4 weeks:
• Built mini houses 🏠
• Designed balloon cars & tested air resistance 🎈

Huge thanks to the school & #HowmetAerospace Foundation.
Help fund inclusive STEM - donate via our website.

#STEM #Inclusion

Thank you to @cfni.bsky.social for the support!

[Image description] A group of five smiling children stand indoors, proudly holding up colourful certificates of completion. They are dressed in school uniforms and casual clothes, and appear joyful and celebratory. Behind them is a large world map on a blue wall. Overlaid at the bottom of the image is a circular logo that reads: “We are proud to be supported by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal - Community Foundation Ireland (RCN: 20044886).” The background features faded repetition of the Lightyear logos on a purple background pattern with connected dots and the Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom of the image.

🎉 Exciting news!

We’re proud to be one of the lucky recipients of the #RTEToyShowAppeal

With this support, we've launched a new project in Northern Ireland - bringing inclusive, hands-on STEM learning to life with six special schools and industry partners. 🌟🔬

#STEM #Inclusion #LightyearFoundation

[Image description] A man wearing a turquoise polo shirt stands inside a science or engineering-themed space, gesturing toward equipment and panels on the ceiling and walls. In front of him, two young people, including one wheelchair user, listen attentively. The setting appears to be an interactive STEM learning environment. The image is framed with a purple border featuring maths and science icons, and logos for Future First, Lightyear Foundation, and Planet Possibility are displayed.

What an incredible partnership to be part of! 🌍

Planet Possibility shows what’s possible when organisations work together to make physics more inclusive.

We're proud to be partnered with them and to help open doors for more young people in STEM. 💫

🔗 www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/planet-...

[Image description] A graphic titled “SEND in STEM Network: Making Labs Accessible with Dr Katherine Deane". The background is blue and purple with white cloud shapes and yellow molecular-style graphics. Two screenshots from an online meeting are shown. One slide reads: “2023 Lab access survey - ‘My lab broke me - I hope others are better.’” Another is titles "who am 1?" and features a collage of lab and science-related images alongside images of Dr Deane at fashion shows. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom right.

The SEND in STEM Network meeting was electric!⚡

Experts from universities, medical, industrial & school labs shared ideas. From quick wins to the big policy changes for lasting impact.

Huge thanks to Dr Katherine Deane and everyone who made it a success!

Learn more: Hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

Mathematician and artist Ayliean stands smiling while holding a pastel Rubik’s Cube. She has bright pink, purple, and yellow hair and wears a lilac top, silver belt with a calculator and pens, and a purple-and-lilac cape and hat. Her arm features a geometric tattoo design. The background shows a soft pastel molecule pattern. Text reads: “Lightyear Youth Group” at the top and “Mon 13 Oct 2025 | 6-7pm - Online (free, live captions)” at the bottom.

A screenshot of a TikTok profile page for a user named “ayliean”. Her profile picture shows a person with long hair sitting outdoors wearing a hat and purple dress, smiling. The bio reads: “Mathematician - Artist - Professional Nerd” with a link labeled “linktr.ee/Ayliean.” The profile stats show 523 following, 90.4K followers, and 2.2M likes. Text across the middle of the image says: “Check out her Tiktok!” in purple font. The background of the image has a pastel pattern of circles connected by lines, resembling a molecular or geometric design.

Less than 1 week to go!

Mon 13 Oct, 6-7PM (Online/Free)

Join our first Youth Group session with mathematician & artist @ayliean.bsky.social!

Know a young person who’d love this? Please share!💜

Link here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-...

#LightyearYouthGroup #youthvoice #futureleaders #maths

Celebrating STEM Stories: Meet Francesca - Technician Commitment Manager.

Living with long-term conditions, she champions accessibility and leads the campus disability network.

Most jobs can be made accessible with the right support.

Watch her story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsyP...

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation features the text “One Week to Go! Making Labs Accessible With Dr Katherine Deane” alongside the Lightyear Foundation logo. The design has a white background with purple and yellow abstract shapes and cloud-like patterns. In the center, there is a photo of Dr Katherine Deane, who has short hair and is wearing sunglasses, a teal cardigan, and a patterned dress, sitting in a wheelchair and working on a laptop at a desk by a large window with sunlight streaming through. At the bottom, the text reads “Wed 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST)” and “Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” Decorative yellow molecule-like icons and abstract purple curves are scattered throughout the design.

Just one week to go!
SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible
📅 Wed 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST)

Featuring Dr Katherine Deane (UEA): lived experience + research expertise on inclusive labs.

Email to join or let us know you access needs: hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

#AccessibilityInSTEM #SENDinSTEMNetwork

[Image Description] The image is divided into two vertical halves. Left side (purple background): At the top, there are small golden star illustrations. Black text reads; "Science is for everyone. Courage can be quiet. Being different is a strength." Decorative golden stars are placed between the phrases. At the bottom, there is a small illustration of a mole-like animal holding a golden balloon decorated with a blue atom symbol. Right side is the cover of the book (cream background): At the top, black text says: "Heal Earth." Below is a hand-drawn illustration of the same mole-like animal holding a golden balloon with a blue atom symbol. The large, playful title text reads: "Chloe and Charlie the curious club." Below the title: "Chloe Askew. Illustrated by Sur Vaidya" Surrounding the illustration are hand-drawn stars, plants, and a blue laboratory setup with test tubes and beakers.

We’re thrilled for Chloe (founder member of our Youth Group and our first-ever Apprentice Board Member) who has just become a published author at only 18!

Her debut: Chloe and Charlie: The Curious Club.

Get it here: www.healearth.co/books

#YouthVoice #DisabledLed #Neurodiversity

[Image description] Square graphic with a purple border. White text reads “Science matters” at the top and “Language matters” at the bottom. In the centre photo, two hands reach toward pale-purple flowers surrounded by white mist from a science demo. A person in a purple top with a lanyard is blurred in the background. The Lightyear Foundation logo sits near the bottom of the photo.

To out community: Autism isn’t caused by parenting, vaccines or headlines.

It’s a natural neurodevelopmental difference. Change the myths & stigma.

Science matters. Language matters.

Watch Julies videos:
- youtu.be/byJ-AgQHiBE
- youtu.be/1sxi3hlmnAE

#AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Youth Group. At the center is a photo of two smiling young people wearing matching purple T-shirts. They are standing indoors, and one of them is holding up a phone to take a selfie with both of them in the frame. Above the photo, the text reads: “Lightyear Youth Group” with the Lightyear Foundation logo underneath. Below the photo, text in purple reads: “Mon 13 Oct 2025 | 6–7pm Online (free, live captions)” The background of the graphic features rows of the molecular Lightyear logo that are faint.

Youth Group Launch! 🌟

📅 Mon 13 Oct 2025 | ⏰ 6–7pm | 💻 Online (free, live captions)

Join our first session with mathematician & artist Ayliean, leading a fun, inclusive maths activity!🎉

Sign up for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-...

#FutureLeaders #LightyearYouthGroup #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] A promotional poster for the Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM Network event titled “Making Labs Accessible.” The top of the poster has a colorful design with purple and blue curved shapes, accented by yellow molecular-style icons. The main text reads: "Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM Network is proud to present Making Labs Accessible (bold and prominent). Details of the event: Date: Wednesday 8th October Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM (BST) Platform: On Zoom" Below, it says: “We’ll hear from Dr. Katherine Deane about the Disability Access in Laboratory Environments (DALE) project, followed by a Q&A and member discussion on accessible and inclusive labs.” In light blue text: “This event is open to SEND in STEM Network members and non-members and is free of charge to all.” At the bottom: “Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” On the left side is the Lightyear Foundation logo, consisting of connected colorful circles and the words lightyear foundation. On the right side is a small circular photo of Dr. Katherine Deane, smiling, wearing sunglasses and a blue jacket. The overall design is clean and accessible, using high-contrast colors and clear fonts.

SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible - Revised Date Announced

Weds 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST)

Join us + Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) as she shares her expertise as a researcher & wheelchair user on making STEM labs more inclusive.

📩 Access needs or more info? DM or email hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

[Image Description] A promotional flyer with a blue-to-purple gradient background titled “STEM Inspiration Packs.” On the left side, white text lists three bullet points: Inspiring role models from our Celebrating STEM Stories Practical tips for adapting experiments and activities Fun, inclusive ideas to make STEM accessible to everyone Below the text is the Lightyear Foundation logo, featuring a small atom-style graphic. On the right side, a large circular photo shows a smiling student wearing a purple school jumper with a crest reading “Watson School.” The student is sitting in a classroom holding a small STEM project model.

New Resource! 🌟

Thanks to PA Foundation funding, we’ve launched our free STEM Inspiration Pack to ignite curiosity in disabled & neurodivergent students.

Inside:
• Inspiring role models
• Adaptable experiments
• Inclusive, fun activities

Check it out here: www.lightyearfoundation.org/resources

[Image Description] A recruitment flyer with a white and purple design announces a freelance opportunity in Northern Ireland. On the left side, bold text reads: “WE ARE HIRING! Freelance Opportunity in Northern Ireland.” Below this, a photo shows three smiling children wearing protective lab coats and holding up certificates. At the bottom left, there is a purple button that says: “APPLY NOW.” On the right side, inside a purple hexagon shape, the text reads: “Help us deliver two pieces of work: Work Inspiration Trips - £450 + travel (up to £150) - Host 3 trips to STEM venues for SEND students. STEM Lead - £600 + travel - Up to 4 days planning & delivering inclusive STEM activities in SEND schools." At the bottom, application instructions are shown with an envelope icon: “Send info@lightyearfoundation.org your: CV or LinkedIn URL/ A short cover letter (max 1 page) or a short video.”

Lightyear Foundation is seeking freelance educators & science communicators to deliver inclusive STEM for SEND students in #NorthernIreland.

Check out what we want from you here:
www.lightyearfoundation.org/join-us

For more info email info@lightyearfoundation.org

#STEM #FreelanceOpportunity

[Image description] A collage of three photos from the Third Sector Awards 2025. Top: Two people, Jeff and Emma, are smiling at a dinner table. Emma is holding a certificate that reads Third Sector Awards - Small Charity of the Year - Lightyear Foundation - Finalist 2025. Bottom left: Jeff and Emma are standing together at a networking event, both smiling. Bottom right: Jeff and Emma are posing in front of a blue Third Sector Awards backdrop.

Our CEO Jeff and Senior Programmes Manager Emma were honoured to attend the #ThirdSectorAwards.

We are proud to have been finalists alongside #Digit<all>, #SharedInterestFoundation and #SkylarksCharity.

Congratulations to the winners #VeteransWithDogs and the highly commended #TheMovement.

Celebrating STEM Stories: Meet Animesh

An autistic engineering teacher at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, he shows how diversity fuels creativity in problem-solving.

🎥 Watch his story: youtu.be/unSynBwWbdI?...

#CelebratingSTEM #Inclusion #Engineering #

[Image description] A collage of photos from the 14th International Conference on Compressors and their Systems, hosted at City, University of London. Top: A large group photo in a lecture theatre, with rows of attendees smiling at the camera. Middle left: A smaller group photo featuring Lightyear Foundation representatives and the sponsored young engineers standing together in front of a Lightyear Foundation banner. Middle right: A panel session with Lightyear Foundation’s logo displayed ona powerpoint, and speakers on stage with the young enineers. The powerpoint reads "Breaking down barriers to disabled and neurodivergent children and young people taking part in STEM". Bottom: The official conference banner, with the City, University of London logo and the text “14th International Conference on Compressors and their Systems, 8th-10th September 2025, City, University of London.”

What an inspiring week at the 14th Intl Conference on Compressors & their Systems! 🎉 First time #LightyearFoundation partnered & we were proud to join 4 brilliant neurodivergent engineers 💡 Huge thanks to #City,StGeorge’s & #Smallpeice Trust! 🙏 #BigGive

[Image Description] A circular image of a student wearing a purple jacket and cap standing next to a brightly coloured blue and yellow racing car with “Rapid Fit” branding. Behind them are large motorsport posters. This circular image takes up most of the graphic At the top, bold text reads: “Work Inspiration Trip to: Prodrive”. to the right of the title are two circular inset photos showing: students observing engineers at work, students gathered around a piece of equipment, and students looking at computer screens. There is also a cartoon of a blue and yellow race car and black and white checked flags. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears in the bottom left corner. and the background is yellow.

Eight students from #JohnWatsonSchool joined a Work Inspiration trip to @prodriveofficial.bsky.social 🚗💡

From race car design to engine testing, they explored cutting-edge motorsport tech & met inspiring engineers 🔧🏁

Huge thanks to #Prodrive for inspiring future innovators!

#FutureEngineers

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM Network event. The background is purple, blue, yellow and white with science-themed graphics. Text reads: “Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM Network is proud to present Making Labs Accessible. Wednesday 3rd September. 4pm to 5pm. On Zoom. We’re celebrating a milestone - 50 sign-ups for the SEND in STEM Network: Making Labs Accessible! We’re so proud to be working alongside such inspiring STEM professionals who are committed to making science and research spaces more inclusive. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about making STEM labs more accessible for disabled and neurodivergent researchers.” On the left is the Lightyear Foundation logo. On the right is a photo of Dr Katherine Deane, smiling, wearing sunglasses and a blue top.

We’ve hit 50 sign-ups for SEND in STEM!

Event Details: Making Labs Accessible
🗓 Wed 3 Sept, 4–5 PM BST
🎙 With Dr Katherine Deane (UEA)

Join us to explore accessibility in STEM labs.
👉 Register: lnkd.in/esEGMpuQ

#STEMInclusion #SENDinSTEM

[Image Description] A group of people, most wearing white lab coats, stand in a modern laboratory space with bright blue lighting. They are gathered in front of large glass windows that look into a high-tech lab filled with scientific equipment and cables overhead. In the foreground, one person in a patterned dress is speaking with a lab-coated individual. On the left and right edges of the image is a blue graphic overlay with circular molecule-style designs. At the top left, the Lightyear Foundation logo is displayed. At the bottom, bold text reads: “Thank you CATAPULT Cell and Gene Therapy.”

Fantastic news!

A huge thank you to #CellAndGeneTherapyCatapult for donating £6,500 💜

Their support helps break down barriers to STEM for disabled & neurodivergent young people.🔬

Check out their incredible work in cell & gene therapy: ct.catapult.org.uk

#ThankYou #FutureScientists

[Image Description] Purple and orange graphic titled “IMMERSIVE DOME” with five gold star icons underneath. On the left is a quote from Ruth Farnworth: “Zee brought the dome to our school last week. Wow, it was so impressive and such a lovely experience for our pupils. There are so many films to choose from for all different learners at any stage in their learning journey. Thank you so much. Thank you also to Lightyear Foundation for making all this possible. Such a great idea for the whole school to be involved with.” Below the quote is the Lightyear Foundation logo. On the right side is a photo of pupils sitting inside an immersive dome, watching a giant screen projection of a Mars rover on a red, rocky surface.

“Wow, it was so impressive and such a lovely experience for our pupils… Thank you to Lightyear Foundation for making this possible.” 💡 Big thanks to our partners #immersive_experiences for hosting an amazing STEM Futures trip to #ysgolstchristophers 🚀 STEM really is for everyone 🔭

A screenshot of a Zoom meeting with six smiling participants, including members of the Lightyear Foundation team and a BSL/English interpreter. Participants are named on-screen as Errol, Hannah, Kirsty J, Samantha Green, James Arthur, and Khalil Thirlaway, with some wearing headsets and one person waving to the camera.

Yesterday was Int Youth Day! 🎉
We celebrated with our new Lightyear Youth Group, where disabled young people connect, share ideas, & make STEM inclusive.
led by youth voices because its their future

www.lightyearfoundation.org/lightyear-youth-group

#InternationalYouthDay #STEMForAll #YouthVoice

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation's SEND in STEM Network event titled “Making Labs Accessible”. The event details state it will take place on Wednesday 3rd September, 4–5 pm on Zoom. The graphic mentions speaker Dr. Katherine Deane discussing the Disability Access in Laboratory Environments (DALE) project, followed by a Q&A. A photo of Dr. Deane wearing sunglasses and smiling is on the right side. The Lightyear Foundation’s logo appears on the left. The background features purple and blue cloud shapes with orange and yellow molecule-like designs.

🔬SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible

Wed 3rd Sept | 4-5PM (BST)

Join Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) to explore how we can make STEM labs accessible for disabled & neurodivergent researchers.

Register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/send-in-st...

#SENDinSTEMNetwork #LightyearFoundation

It was so great having you! We can not wait to work with you again soon!

[Image Description] A group of students in light blue uniforms sit at a lab table using pipettes and colourful test tubes during a visit to the Wellcome Genome Campus. The image includes three smaller circular photos: Left is a student in lab coats working with a scientist. Middle is Students in lab coats observing scientists in a science labs through glass. The right shows students in lab coats posing happily together holding their DNA extractions in their hands. The Lightyear Foundation logo is in the top right corner, with text reading: “Work Inspiration Trip to: The Wellcome Genome Campus”

Our biggest Work Inspiration visit yet! 30 Castledon School students explored DNA extraction (meet “Gregg” & “Alfata 42”), pipetting, and life as scientists.

“It’s life changing,” said a teacher.

Thank you Castledon & the amazing Wellcome Genome Campus team!

#FutureScientists #WorkInspiration

[Image Description] An illustration of three animated young people watching a video call on a large screen. A screenshot of six smiling people are on the call, part of the Lightyear Youth Group. The background is purple with a colourful bubble border and the text “lightyear youth group” at the top with the molecular logo to the left of it.

Lightyear Youth Group has launched last week!
A new inclusive community for neurodivergent & disabled young people in STEM.
Led by YOU, evolving with YOUR voices. 💡
First official meeting this autumn! 🍂
Follow us and DM for how to join!
#YouthLed #STEM #Inclusion #LightyearYouthGroup

A child in a white lab coat holds a blue test tube over a measuring cup filled with yellow liquid and colorful objects. Overlaid text reads: “Can you pledge? Pledge today and double our impact!” Logos for The Big Give and Lightyear Foundation are visible in the corner.

Double the Impact!
Pledge £100+ before 29 Aug to unlock match funding for children with disabilities in STEM.
Your gift = double the resources, double the joy, double the change.
Already pledged? ❤️ Like, repost & tag a friend!

community.biggive.org/s/pledge?cam...

#DoubleTheImpact #BigGivePledge

Image 1 Description: A colorful promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group event. A young person enthusiastically holds a microphone and points to the side while standing in front of banners that read “Lightyear Foundation”. The image is framed by a border of multicolored circles. Below the photo is a purple banner with the event logo, a QR code, and text: “1 Week to go! Follow the QR code above to book your spot for FREE 30 JULY 2025 | 2:00–3:15 PM | ONLINE”

Image 2 Description: A smiling man, Khalil Thirlaway, stands confidently in front of a vibrant background showing a globe. He wears a black shirt with a bold peace-symbol-like design. On the right, white text on a purple background states "Meet our Speakers:" and then introduces him: “Khalil Thirlaway Biologist and science communicator who brings science to life through podcasts, games, comedy, and more. Khalil shares how neurodivergence shapes his relationships with science, creativity and the world we live in.” Event date and logo appear at the bottom within a multi-coloured circular border.

Image 3 Description: A speaker named James Arthur is shown mid-talk, holding a microphone and standing in front of a projected slide that says “I HAD AN IDEA.” James has curly hair, wears glasses, and is dressed in a patterned shirt and vest. The right side of the image features the words "Meet our Speakers" and then their introduction on a purple background with colorful circular border: “James Arthur Math communicator, consultant, and comedian who screams about maths all day (their words!), while navigating dyslexia and dyspraxia. From BBC Radio 4 to vineyards in France, James makes complex ideas playful and proves math can be deeply human and wildly fun.” Event details and logo are shown at the bottom.

Image 4 Description: A headshot of Kirsty Jones smiling warmly, wearing a white blouse. The background is neutral. The right side of the image features text stating "Meet our Speakers" and is introducing her against a purple background bordered with colorful circles: “Kirsty Jones A biologist and lecturer passionate about microbiology, yeast stress responses, and disability inclusion in STEM. Kirsty champions accessibility in science and is a powerful voice for making research spaces more equitable for everyone.” Event details and the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group logo are at the bottom.

1 week to go 🚀
Join us online on 30 July, 2–3:15 PM for talks on STEM, creativity & inclusion

Featuring:
• Khalil Thirlaway (science & neurodivergence)
• James Arthur (maths & comedy)
• Kirsty Jones (disability in STEM)
• Lightyears own Hannah and Sammy

#LightyearFoundation #LightyearYouthGroup