Inclusive Minds UK

I recently had someone call out my ADHD in an email. It felt like a real punch in the face- like the world could just see how ‘not normal’ I am. I often see videos calling it a super power. Social media calls it a source of boundless creativity, hyperfocus, and out of the box thinking. And while there may be moments when those things shine through, the reality of living with ADHD often feels far from empowering. It’s missing deadlines even though you care deeply. It’s forgetting appointments, zoning out in conversations and trying to stop yourself from interrupting them with your own fit because you’re so excited to relate to their story that you just have to share it. It feels like your brain is moving in ten directions at once while you struggle to complete a simple task. It’s the shame of knowing exactly what you need to do but not being able to make yourself do it. It’s hearing ‘stop taking on so much’ when you’re already trying harder than anyone realises. For me personally, ADHD isn’t a quirky trait that makes me unique—it’s s real challenge that affects my relationship, work, and self esteem. The pressure to see it as a superpower can make it even harder. It invalidates the struggle, making me feel like a failure when I can’t turn my impulsivity into genius or my hyperactivity into productivity. ADHD doesn’t have to be a superpower to be valid as. You don’t have to turn your struggles into strengths to be worthy. It’s okay to seek support, use tools, take medication, and build systems that help you function. Managing ADHD isn’t about becoming superhuman, it’s about finding ways to work with your brain, not against it. It’s okay to acknowledge both the challenges and the strengths without pretending one cancels out the other. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.

‘1,165 Voices - Late stage neurodivergence, mental health and burnout study’ is live. Please spread it wide and far to raise awareness and help open progressive conversations. In February 2025, I asked LinkedIn and Substack to help me find 35 late stage neurodivergent adults willing to join the 265 who had already shared their personal experiences of mental health, wellbeing, and burnout. Experiences that many feel ashamed or afraid to talk about, mental health struggles, harm, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and ideation. Not the type of information that is ordinarily handed over to a stranger (to the majority of responders). Three days later, over a 1,000 adults had rallied together, willingly gifting me their voices and experiences. What started as a study has become a platform for many voices that collectively demonstrate that a lack of accessible diagnosis and intervention is not only an issue for those who need it the most, regardless of their stage of life, it is fast becoming a socioeconomic problem, on a global scale. I hope it does justice for the trust gifted by so many people that shared such deeply personal experiences. It is long, ‘1,165 voices’ is a lot that needs to be said. Thank you to everybody who made it happen, gave their engaged, commented, reposted and got involved. Big thank you’s to Parul Singh for helping raise awareness and Tiff Cameron for the incredible design. And Kelly Snodgrass and Sher Griffin for all their work on and support to develop the Neurokindness Community (details within the study). Link to study: https://lnkd.in/eSmNuApX

Got the green light today on a new/old project, and I am absolutely p@**^•g glitter!! This has been over two years in the making—proof that staying the course, building real relationships, sharing values, and having a bit of sheer bloody-minded perseverance actually pays off! #CongratsToTheFounders #ProudOfYou 👏🏼 This one’s been with me from the start - my journey with The V Word, my ‘actual’ military transition, my step into the world of entrepreneurship and the long road back to me. Seeing it finally come together AND getting to stay involved? Absolutely chuffed to bits!! I was gonna say more, but since I’m sworn to secrecy (and I love to overshare), I’ll shut up for now! Just had to get a bit of the excitement and gratitude out before I actually exploded. COMING SOON – and trust me, it’s gonna be BIG!! #GreenLight #ComingSoon #ChuffedToBits #HardWorkPaysOff #WatchThisSpace #Grateful #Excited #StayTuned #LoveMyNetwork #Friends Alt text: A close-up of a green traffic light glowing brightly. The words “Got the Green Light Today!” are written beside it, with “COMING SOON” stamped below in bold black letters. There’s the IMUK brain logo in the corner.

For our #SaturdayStrategy post, here is more on the #IMUK Hub that we shared last week…. As we had the pleasure to see the Inclusive Minds UK Community go LIVE, as we had the pleasure in co hosting the event for our client, Ria Jackson and see her business baby come to life…. Massive thank you to Charlie Harris for these amazing images capturing the launch and all of the suppliers, speakers, sponsors and partnership that came together to support the movement of making neuro inclusion the norm 🧠 BHF Priory Centre Lindsay Whiteley Raychel McGuin James Marriott 🎧🎙️ Ask Zoe & Gheko Merchandise just to name a few. It’s been a pleasure to see Rias vision come to life since attending our strategy day last year, and supporting her vision over the last six months after being introduced at The Growth Community meeting in #Barnsley Take a look at how this journey started in the comments and the vision coming to life in the images below 📸 👇🏻

After totally fizzling out on Thursday, I took the last three days to reset, spend time with my favourite people (my most favourite in the pic below!!), and actually get some sleep! Sometimes, you just need a breather to come back stronger, and now I’m ready for a jam-packed week full of joy (aka work!). From attending a masterclass with Lisa Johnson to calls with brilliant people looking to join the #IMHubCollective or #IMHubCommunity, to keynote speaking in London at The Female Voice – Women in the Armed Forces Community on HMS Belfast with Irwin Mitchell for #IWD, it’s all go! Then it’s back up to Manchester to work with The Inspirational Learning Group —right near me Mam and Dad’s, so you KNOW I’ll be getting a proper chippy tea (steak & kidney pud, chips, and gravy, obviously 😋). Throw in World Book Day for our mini and a 1:1 with my business strategy coach Zoe Wadsworth and it’s shaping up to be a belter of a week! Bit of catching up to do on Monday, but after a wee break I’m feeling ready to smash it. Who else is raring to go? What you got on? #ReadyToGo #WorkJoy #WomenInBusiness #ChippyTeaGoals #TakingTimeToReset #NoMoreSundayNightDreadHere

A perfect Sunday afternoon reminder, on my desk courtesy of Ria Jackson Thinking of growth and the week ahead. What this week consists off is … 🪴1:1s and Group Accountability in the #Hub 🪴Ask Zoe Strategy Day 🪴She Business this #Wednesday 🪴4N - Business Networking for International Women’s Day 🪴Finished off with lunch with our Abigail W. at the weekend. How about you? How’s the week ahead looking for you. Comment below ⬇️

How are we at Friday like?! I need to share the highlight of what was a very rapid week. It was, without a doubt, meeting and hearing from Ria Jackson at Rotherham & Barnsley Business Link. In all honesty, I actually found some of Ria’s presentation quite uncomfortable not just because I found her experience so relatable but because my little family and I are on our own adventure in the world of neuroinclusion and neurodiversity. Ria is a force and I’m so grateful that she and Inclusive Minds UK are challenging and changing the world for neuro different people.

🚀 Introducing a new series: Creating a Neuro-Inclusive Workplace for People with Dyspraxia! 🚀 Every employee deserves a workspace that celebrates their unique strengths. In this series, we explore the real challenges faced by individuals with dyspraxia—from working memory and disorganisation to reading/writing difficulties and managing stress—and share practical, innovative solutions. By understanding these challenges and embracing diversity, we can transform our workplaces into spaces where everyone thrives. 💡 As long as you have a brain, you can be excellent. 💡 Find the full report here https://lnkd.in/evGYB96w 💬 Join the movement! Drop your ideas or experiences in the comments and tag someone passionate about inclusion. #Neurodiversity #Dyspraxia #InclusiveWorkplace #WorkplaceInclusion #NeuroInclusive #Empowerment #TheBlackDyspraxic #Innovation #Equality

Last night, I threw a tantrum so epic it would have made toddlers blush with second-hand embarrassment! Why? Cos I Can’t Get No Sleep! Ever noticed how everything feels ten times more annoying when you’re knackered? You drop your phone, and instead of picking it up like a ‘normal’ person, you glare at it like it just insulted your entire family. That’s TIREDNESS! A lack of sleep doesn’t just make you yawn a lot—it messes with your emotions in ways that would make a reality TV producer jealous. Sleep Deprivation = The Ultimate Drama Amplifier - Tiny inconveniences? Personal attacks. - Positive vibes? Nowhere to be found. - Judgment? Non-existent (hello, 2 AM cheese block feast). Now, throw ADHD into the mix, and it’s like lighting a firework indoors. - Executive function? Gone. (What little you had in the first place!) - Frustration levels? Sky-high. - Focus? Like herding flaming cats on roller skates. There’s a reason why sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture! So, if you’re running on fumes (like me!) and wondering why everything feels harder, moodier, or downright unbearable—congratulations, you’re a human being with a brain that hates running on empty. Best bet? Prioritise sleep like it’s a VIP event, especially if your ADHDer, even if your ADHD brain prefers a 1 AM reels rabbit hole. Now, go get some rest.. I am. Or at least drink some water and pretend you’re going to bed early tonight! #ADHD #TiredAndEmotional #SendHelpAndSnacks #SleepDeprived #Tantrums Alt Text: Alt Text: Black and white image of Ria Jackson looking exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, head resting in her hand. In the lower right corner, the text reads: “I Can’t Get No Sleep.” Background music: Faithless – Insomnia.

Last night, I threw a tantrum so epic it would have made toddlers blush with second-hand embarrassment! Why? Cos I Can’t Get No Sleep! Ever noticed how everything feels ten times more annoying when you’re knackered? You drop your phone, and instead of picking it up like a ‘normal’ person, you glare at it like it just insulted your entire family. That’s TIREDNESS! A lack of sleep doesn’t just make you yawn a lot—it messes with your emotions in ways that would make a reality TV producer jealous. Sleep Deprivation = The Ultimate Drama Amplifier - Tiny inconveniences? Personal attacks. - Positive vibes? Nowhere to be found. - Judgment? Non-existent (hello, 2 AM cheese block feast). Now, throw ADHD into the mix, and it’s like lighting a firework indoors. - Executive function? Gone. (What little you had in the first place!) - Frustration levels? Sky-high. - Focus? Like herding flaming cats on roller skates. There’s a reason why sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture! So, if you’re running on fumes (like me!) and wondering why everything feels harder, moodier, or downright unbearable—congratulations, you’re a human being with a brain that hates running on empty. Best bet? Prioritise sleep like it’s a VIP event, especially if your ADHDer, even if your ADHD brain prefers a 1 AM reels rabbit hole. Now, go get some rest.. I am. Or at least drink some water and pretend you’re going to bed early tonight! #ADHD #TiredAndEmotional #SendHelpAndSnacks #SleepDeprived #Tantrums Alt Text: Alt Text: Black and white image of Ria Jackson looking exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, head resting in her hand. In the lower right corner, the text reads: “I Can’t Get No Sleep.” Background music: Faithless – Insomnia.