A new website will launch in Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18-24 March) to support Dorset’s neurodivergent community.
The new Dorset Neurodiversity Hub (www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity) will provide an accessible, credible source of information for people of all ages. It has been developed as part of NHS Dorset’s All Age Neurodevelopmental Review, which identified a need for better information about support for people with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those living with autism and ADHD.
The new website includes signposting to a wide range of support, including peer support groups, local and national charities, online advice and guidance, and professional support. It also features articles and blogs written by members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community, and video interviews with neurodivergent people and their families.
NHS Dorset has worked in partnership with people with lived experience of autism and ADHD to develop the new website. Kit Bevan is a 27-year-old marketing professional from Poole and explains:
“Taking part in the development of this website has allowed me to use my creativity at a time where I felt really silenced when I spoke about my experiences as an autistic woman. I’ve been given the opportunity to not only write, but share my viewpoints and offer advice on subjects such as website layout, wording, and accessibility. It has been a privilege to leave my footprint on such an incredible project.”
The term neurodiversity is used to describe and celebrate the concept that our brains all work differently. It is estimated that one in seven people are neurodivergent – that is, they have one or more neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or Tourette’s syndrome.
Mark Harris, Deputy Director of Place at NHS Dorset, said:
“We are delighted to launch this new website, which we hope will provide a valuable resource to our neurodivergent community here in Dorset. Every neurodivergent person is unique. Some may need support to help them fulfil their potential or cope with certain challenges, others may not. But a range of support is available to those who need it, and you don’t always need a clinical diagnosis to access it.”
“We are very grateful to all the people with lived experience who have helped us to shape this website, as well as experts from local charities and specialist organisations.”
Trish Jubb is the Chair of Dorset Adult Asperger’s Support (DAAS) and has played an active role in supporting the development of the website and its content. Trish says:
“I am very excited at the launch of the new website and delighted at the detail and care involved, with considerable input from autistic people and others who will actually use it. I have loved being part of it, as someone with lived experience.
“I often speak to people who are at a loss to know where to turn and I look forward to being able to direct people to it. I think it will prove helpful to a huge range of people, whether they are recently or long-term diagnosed, family or friend, a practitioner – or just starting to question who they are. I will definitely be using it and recommending it to people who ask DAAS for information.”
Visit the new Dorset neurodiversity hub at www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity
