
The founders of two initiatives in Upper Eden have opened a high street shop to support neurodivergent children and adults.
The women behind Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre and Reggie’s Cause have opened the shop, called Autumn George Interiors — Home of Juvenis Books, which they describe as a warm and welcoming space that blends creative retail with purpose.
“While showcasing beautifully curated homeware and gifts, it also serves as the headquarters for Juvenis Books,” said Anouska Wardale, founder of Reggie’s Cause and Juvenis Books.
Anouska is the mother of Kirkby Stephen heart transplant hero Reggie Wardale, a pupil at Brough Primary School.
Following Reggie’s transplant, Anouska set up a charity called Reggie’s Cause, which provides books she has written about Reggie’s journey to help fellow heart transplant children and their families.
Her second book, called Because of You, follows on from the first book she wrote, called Reggie Gets a Special Gift.
Written from Reggie’s point of view, it describes things he has done post-transplant, including going swimming, going on holiday and fell walking.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Reggie received a heart transplant at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital 10 days before his second birthday. The hope is that, by sharing his story, awareness will be raised of the importance of organ donation, especially in children.
Money raised by Reggie’s Cause pays for the books to be published, and they are then given out as part of gift bags to children and their families who are in hospital and going through experiences similar to Reggie’s.
Speaking about the new venture, Anouska said it was “more than just a shop”, adding: “It’s a sensory-friendly community hub designed to offer calm, creativity and connection.
“Visitors can explore inclusive children’s books, emotional regulation tools like Regemo Boxes and a growing range of supportive resources for neurodivergent individuals and families.
“Juvenis Books empowers neurodivergent children and those with medical complexities through inclusive stories, emotional regulation tools and therapeutic resources.
“Our books are inspired by real-life experiences navigating sibling life with care and courage.
“Our characters include Barnaby the autistic bee, and T-Reg the dino, who learns to regulate his emotions with the help of his imaginary friend, Juno the Axolotl.”