OPEKA

Formerly known as CASTL Project, OPEKA is a community-focused charity dedicated to providing inclusive, enriching, and empowering activities for adults with Additional Support Needs (ASN). Our new name, OPEKA, comes from the Russian word for "guardianship" — a tribute to our co-founder Chris’s heritage and a reflection of the trust, care, and support that sit at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in ways that honour their unique ways of experiencing the world. Inspired by personal stories — including Chris’s own journey alongside his non-verbal autistic brother, Nick — and the extraordinary ways neurodivergent people interact with textures, shapes, colours, and sound, we’ve shaped an identity rooted in compassion, creativity, and inclusion. Our activities range from art, music, and movement to sports, sensory engagement, and community events — all delivered in a warm, accessible, and joyful environment. At OPEKA, we’re not just creating programmes. We’re building a community where differences are celebrated, and belonging is felt.