Communication aids, colourful fidgets and gifts with a sense of humour—Fizzy Fuzzies and Friends is bringing a collection of work by disabled and neurodivergent creators to Common Ground in North Shields.
Behind the business is Kit, the founder of Fizzy Fuzzies, whose mission is to make the world an easier place to be.
The new shop will bring together Kit’s own designs and products from other disabled-owned businesses, offering visitors the chance to discover independent creators whose work they might not find elsewhere.
Products shaped by personal experience
Fizzy Fuzzies began during a difficult period when Kit was struggling with their health. Running a business offered a sense of purpose and a way to help both themselves and others.
While looking for support and accommodations, Kit found it difficult to find affordable disability aids that didn’t feel cold or clinical.
That experience inspired a range combining practical uses with colour, character and humour, helping people communicate their needs and express themselves.
As Kit explains:
“While I can’t fix everything, I hope my creations can help make a small difference to someone’s life and wellbeing and can maybe bring a smile to their face too!”
Raising awareness and advocating for acceptance remain central to the business.
What will you find at Fizzy Fuzzies and Friends?
The Common Ground shop will stock communication aids, disability tools and fidgets, alongside funny, relatable designs and gifts.
Visitors can browse stickers, patches, pins, apparel, notepads, keychains, books and even make-up. Some products have a specific practical purpose; others are simply something to enjoy or give to a friend.
Everything in the shop has been designed by disabled or neurodivergent artists and creators. For Kit, sharing the space is also an opportunity to support people who face barriers to selling their work in person.
Fizzy Fuzzies and Friends brings those businesses together in a physical shop where customers can explore their collections.
Kit’s favourite: animal whiteboard keychains
Among the products Kit is most excited to share are the hand-drawn animal whiteboard keychains.
Bright and playful, they offer a practical way to communicate when speaking is difficult or being heard is a challenge.
Kit sometimes finds it hard to speak because of their disabilities. The keychains provide another way to ask for something, answer questions or have a conversation without needing to speak.
Customers have found other uses too, including communicating at concerts when it’s too loud to hear each other.
“I love how subtle they are but also bright and fun!”
They capture the thinking behind Fizzy Fuzzies: creating something useful that people can enjoy carrying and using.
A little shop with a welcoming purpose
Opening a shop has long been a dream for Kit. Joining Common Ground means having a space of their own while getting to know the other independent traders around them.
Their hopes for the unit are personal and straightforward:
“If my little unit cheers someone up on a rubbish day, then I will be happy!”
We’re delighted to welcome Fizzy Fuzzies and Friends and look forward to seeing visitors discover Kit’s work and the other creators sharing the shelves.
Visit Fizzy Fuzzies and Friends at Common Ground
Common Ground opens on Friday 20 November 2026.
Common Ground
Former Wilko building
The Beacon Shopping Centre
Bedford Street
North Shields
NE29 6QF
Full market hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm.
Common Ground is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, with parking in the Beacon Centre car park. North Shields Metro and Transport Hub are around a two-minute walk away, and the North Shields ferry landing is around ten minutes away on foot.
Interested in trading at Common Ground?
We offer regular units with a minimum three-month licence, starting at £100 plus VAT per week, alongside short-term pop-up units at £150 plus VAT per week for a maximum of two consecutive weeks.
Standard units are approximately 3m × 3m. Whether you’re ready for a regular shop or would like to try a pop-up first, we’d love to hear about your business.
Email simmie@ilovenorthshields.com with a little about what you offer, photographs of your products, website or social media links and your preferred start date. All opportunities are subject to suitability and availability.
