BeyondAutism Post-19 has partnered with Southside Shopping Centre to launch a student-led market stall, giving autistic young adults the opportunity to gain real-world retail experience and showcase their creativity.
The grand opening took place yesterday, Tuesday 18 November, at 11am.
The market stall, open every Tuesday, sells a range of handmade greeting cards and keychains crafted by students from BeyondAutism’s Post-19 service, an education programme for autistic young adults aged 19-25 that focuses on employment, independence, community participation, and wellbeing.
What began as a successful Etsy shop run by students has now evolved into an in-person enterprise, allowing them to interact directly with customers, manage sales, and gain confidence in a professional environment.
According to the UK Government’s Buckland Review of Autism Employment (2024), only three in ten autistic adults are in employment, despite many wanting to work. Barriers often include inaccessible hiring practices, limited workplace support, and navigating challenging sensory environments. Initiatives like the Southside partnership aim to bridge that gap by helping young autistic adults build the skills and experience needed to succeed while doing something they enjoy.
Sincoln Yap, who launched the Etsy shop entirely on his own and has attended BeyondAutism for ten years (including the last four at Post-19) is one of four students running the stall. He said: “I started the Etsy shop because I wanted to make money from card making. Selling at Southside makes me proud, I get excited every Tuesday.”
Christina Cooper, Retail & Brand Manager at Southside Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to have BeyondAutism represent within Southside Shopping Centre. Their students have been selling beautiful handmade items and engaging with our shoppers, gaining confidence and new experience through these interactions. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion, community and celebrating the incredible diversity that makes Southside such a welcoming place for everyone. We’re proud to support initiatives that help create meaningful opportunities and promote greater understanding of neurodiversity within our local area.”
BeyondAutism continues to work with employers and community partners to improve employment opportunities for autistic young adults. Our mission is to ensure every autistic child and young adult access the education and support they need to belong, succeed, and lead lives full of opportunity, choice, and independence.
