'Safe and welcoming' ADHD and autism hub to open

A mental health service in Sheffield has launched a new support hub for people who have autism or ADHD.

Sheffield Mind's Wellbeing Centre, in Sharrow Lane, will host the service from 1 June, providing support and advice around topics including the diagnostic process, employment and volunteering.

CEO Margaret Lewis said the hub would also offer practical strategies for managing mental health issues and other difficulties that can come with neurodivergence.

"People can come and relax, decompress a bit... it's somewhere you can feel safe and welcome," she said.

"A big philosophy of the hub is going to be that we are all individuals and these issues [neurodivergence] are going to affect everybody differently."

The Autism and ADHD Support Hub (AASH) will be open to people aged 16 and over and will welcome people who do not yet have a formal diagnosis.

"Statistics suggest 3% of the population has autism, maybe 4% has ADHD," Lewis added.

"The NHS waiting lists for adult diagnoses are really long. There are a lot of people who suspect they may be neurodivergent but are not actually getting that confirmed.

"We are going to welcome those people as well... if you feel you are going to benefit from the hub, then do come in and talk to us."

She said the AASH had come about as a result of research which suggested people with autism are more likely to experience mental ill health.

"There should be provision for people with autism and ADHD to help them develop a positive identity, because people face a lot of disadvantage in society," Lewis said.

The hub will also offer courses co-designed with service users around confidence building and social skills.

Peer support workers who have lived experience of neurodivergence, either themselves or through family, will be employed at the service.

It will operate for 25 hours a week with a mixture of in-person and online sessions, including drop-ins and pre-booked appointments.

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