Collaborators

 

Autistica

Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity. Our mission is to create breakthroughs that enable autistic people to live happier, healthier, longer lives. We do this by funding research, shaping policy, and working with autistic people to make more of a difference. We involve the autistic community in setting the agenda for change and use the evidence and insights from our work to advise and influence key partners to implement proven solutions that change autistic people's lives. Our research has contributed to developing new therapies, campaigning for better services and the development of evidence-based tools, resources, and information to drive change.

Nottingham Adult ADHD Support Group

The support group aims to provide understanding and friendship and a safe space where people can come and share their problems and successes. We have a variety of activities including “soapboxing” where members have 5 minutes to talk about any ADHD related topic including how the condition is impacting their lives, and “solutions pot” where members anonymously put into a pot a short note outlining a problem. These are read out, one at a time, and the rest of the group suggests solutions and coping strategies. Sometimes we devote the whole evening to a discussion on one particular topic. Nottingham Institute for Mental Health and Nottingham Trent University both provide occasional expert speakers (for which we are very grateful) and the group helps their students with their ADHD related research.

The support group meets on the third Monday of the month 7 – 9pm at St. Andrew’s church hall at the bottom of Chaucer Street in Nottingham town centre. Attendance varies between twenty and thirty people. New people are always welcome.

A few years ago one of our members started a Facebook page which is very active and now has over 1000 members. Here people share problems and information (google Nottingham ADHD Group). 

Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS)

Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service NeSS (nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk)

Part of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, NeSS is a specialist service for adults with neurodiversity within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It supports referrals for adults with (or suspected of having) ADHD and or/ autism for diagnostic assessment and the right treatment. NeSS recognises that neurodevelopmental disorders frequently overlap and that bringing together these specialisms will deliver a more joined-up service for patients.

We offer:

• diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD
• support to understand the condition/s
• short-term support for issues related to autism or ADHD
• medication to treat ADHD (care then to be shared with the GP)
• advice and signposting to additional support including mental health services if needed.

What Support Does Tourettes Action Provide?

Tourettes Action works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is the leading support and research charity for people with Tourette Syndrome and their families. The charity provides a wide range of support services and wants people with Tourette Syndrome to receive the practical support and social acceptance they need to help them live their lives to the full.

Our main activities:

• Raise awareness through the production of written and other published materials to improve the knowledge and understanding of TS.
• Advocating for those living with TS to the statutory authorities e.g. schools and the health service, together with press and other media to improve the lives of those with TS.
• Provision of helpline support by a call back phone service, email and an online live chat service providing information and support to people with TS and their families.
• Running a befriending service to support people living with TS.
• Delivering training to organisations to educate on TS, enabling them to better support those with TS.
• Providing educational support and to schools, teachers and parents.
• Holding conferences, meetings and seminars on topics of interest to people with TS and their families.
• Encouraging and assisting research into all aspects of TS and disseminating the results as widely as possible.
• Facilitating online support groups to bring together individuals to provide fellowship both for themselves and their families.
• Providing workshops and activities for the enjoyment and development of those with TS.
• Liaising with medical specialists in the TS field and offering advice to people living with TS as to the availability of specialist units, consultants and therapists.
• Offering small grants to individuals for the purchase of equipment and other items which will ameliorate the effects of TS.
• Running weekend residential events throughout the year where people with TS and their families can come together to build personal confidence, resilience and a sense of community.
• Funding research into TS.

Parenting Special Children 

Parenting Special Children is a Berkshire based charity and its mission is to provide specialist parenting support to parents and carers of children and young people with Special Needs, so that they can create positive change in their lives. What is unique about Parenting Special Children, and important to the families who receive our services, is that all the staff, trustees and volunteers are parent/carers of children or young people with special needs.