Many adults with ADHD don’t need specialist support to help them manage their condition. For those who do, a range of support is available locally and nationally.
Some people may choose to take medication to help with ADHD symptoms, others prefer not to. Talking therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can sometimes be helpful. You may wish to seek support through a helpline or specialist forum, or you might simply want to read up on information and advice around particular topics.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know via our feedback form.
Online information and guidance
NHS website – ADHD
The NHS website includes information on the symptoms of ADHD in adults, as well as advice about diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD.
AADD-UK
Provides a wealth of information including research articles and advice on living with ADHD.
ADHD Adult UK
A helpful source of information on ADHD, with online resources, articles and podcasts on a wide range of topics.
ADHD Foundation
Provides support to adults with ADHD with a dedicated website area for adults.
Online information and guidance
These websites provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to ADHD in adults.
NHS website – ADHD
The NHS website includes information on the symptoms of ADHD in adults, as well as advice about diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD.
AADD-UK
Provides a wealth of information including research articles and advice on living with ADHD.
ADHD Adult UK
A helpful source of information on ADHD, with online resources, articles and podcasts on a wide range of topics.
ADHD Foundation
Provides support to adults with ADHD, with a dedicated website area for adults.
Local groups and online networks
Dorset Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre runs courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change and what support.
ADHD Adult UK
The charity provides an online community forum for adults with ADHD, hosted on Discord. The charity also hosts public talks and workshops on ADHD around the UK, in partnership with Seed Talks.
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory has information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support to adults with ADHD.
ADHD Adults in Dorset
This local group was established in 2023 to provide peer support to adults with ADHD. The group is not currently meeting, but keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of future events.
Local groups and online networks
A range of support is available to adults with ADHD, including online forums, training opportunities and face-to-face support.
Dorset Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre runs courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change and what support.
ADHD Adult UK
The charity provides an online community forum for adults with ADHD, hosted on Discord. The charity also hosts public talks and workshops on ADHD around the UK, in partnership with Seed Talks.
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory has information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support to adults with ADHD.
ADHD Adults in Dorset
This local group was established in 2023 to provide peer support to adults with ADHD. The group is not currently meeting, but keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of future events.
Emotional health and wellbeing
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others. It is estimated that emotional dysregulation affects around half of all adults with ADHD. People with ADHD may therefore need additional support to manage their emotional wellbeing.
Public Health Dorset – directory of support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to adults.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. The service is not specific to ADHD, but people living with ADHD may benefit from this support if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
The CMHT provides support to adults who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties.
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Emotional health and wellbeing
ADHD is not a mental health condition but people with ADHD may be more likely to experience mental health challenges and need support.
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others. It is estimated that emotional dysregulation affects around half of all adults with ADHD. People with ADHD may therefore need additional support to manage their emotional wellbeing.
Public Health Dorset – directory of support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to adults.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. The service is not specific to ADHD, but people living with ADHD may benefit from this support if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
The CMHT provides support to adults who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties.
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Training and understanding
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre runs courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change and what support.
Additional training and research opportunities
Training and understanding
Specialist training is available in Dorset for anyone aged 18 or over who would like to understand more about ADHD.
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre runs courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change and what support.
Additional training and research opportunities
Find out more about training courses for neurodivergent people and opportunities to take part in research.
Advocacy
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support to focused, regulated and supervised advocacy.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
SWAN provides advocacy services to people from across Dorset and can offer help to autistic people who may need support.
Tel: 0333 447928
Learn more about self-advocacy for neurodivergent people in our ‘Finding your voice’ blog.
Advocacy
Advocacy is when someone speaks up for you or represents you in some way. There are also ways to share your own views if you would like to.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support to focused, regulated and supervised advocacy.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
SWAN provides advocacy services to people from across Dorset and can offer help to autistic people who may need support.
Tel: 0333 447928
Learn more about self-advocacy for neurodivergent people in our ‘Finding your voice’ blog.
“My ADHD diagnosis made sense of so much in my life – I’m much more forgiving to myself now”
Sarah, Bournemouth
More helpful information
Local specialist organisations, peer support, emotional health, national charities and more for autistic adults
Self-care tips from members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community and advice on how to look after your wellbeing
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
