Our Impact

"Such an amazing project and is definitely need. more people need to understand that having Nuro diverse isn't a disadvantage or an illness and this is definitely what this community does, my daughter loves going to this event every week once she self regulates and is there. As a mum I honestly couldn't thank this group enough they are more like family members and has saved me and my daughter from feeling alone and isolated."

"They go beyond in all ways to assist and help the community and those in need"

"Amazing work for all neurodiverse adults and children that need extra support and to know who and where to get it from."

"It is the only place I have ever been able to send my children and relax knowing that the staff will do all they can to support my child to have fun and enjoy themselves. After usually being the parent that waits for the phone call to say come and collect your child this has been truly incredible"

"Kirsty is exemplary citizen who genuinely cares about the Neurodiverse community. It's all the work and effort that Kirsty puts in that isn't seen and recognised that truly deserves accolades."

"This organisation is making a huge difference in the lives of people in this community."

"My sons had so much fun and cannot wait to come back again, thank you!"

"One of the parent carers was very nervous about her son attending the session, and was so grateful to be able to have a break as her child has complex needs. now that she has got to know our team and after being able to have quite a few coffees uninterrupted she was really grateful and wants to work with our team in the future as its rare that she can find a space that her son in welcomed in or that she has chance to have a break from her caring responsibilities."

"With a track record in delivering positive change at place-based level and ambitions to grow provision to meet need by developing training and learning opportunities for children and young people outside of formal education, building peer support networks and bespoke mentoring, this charity delivers on many levels and is an asset to the communities in which it works. We have no hesitation therefore in supporting their application for funding and will watch with interest as they bring their ambitions to fruition."

"Growth in confidence. More attempts by some participants to join in and try to make friends. Another positive was to see so many of the young people give it a go and try new foods such as different fruits and vegetables. Parent carers told us it was lovely to see their children making friends. They said that their children had a great time and they cannot wait to join us at future sessions again."

"One of the young people attending grew in confidence as the days went on and enjoyed helping prepare the food on her last day she enjoyed it so much she has asked if she can come back as a volunteer to support with artwork as her future ambition is to be an art therapist. When the young person first entered the room they were very reserved and quiet it was so lovely to see them come out of their shell and enjoy themselves."

"This organisation does its utmost to ensure the safe guarding and development of programmes to those who do not have a voice to speak. They really are a beacon to parents and young children who feel they do not have a voice."

"I support Kirsty's work in this field. Her efforts are amazing"

"The services provided by NDC are so supportive to my family and many others in our military community. I am so thankful for the safe and supportive encouraging services and events they provide."

"Neurodiverse Community (Catterick) Has been a huge asset and support for all within the North Yorkshire area. they have opened a world of change and acceptance within the area. They support from Armed Forces community, to veterans and civilians. Stemming the support from 1:1 Support to into Employment. They support Children, Adults and Parents and carers into a world of accepting all around them. The Founder and Managing Directors are parent Carers themselves and they have worked tiresly without a wage and just with sherar determination to support. They support the Armed Forces and understanding thier rights and needs while serving in the world of the Armed Forces, They help and support those in gaining relevant training and support into Employment. They support their youth community, leading for some gaining positions within the Youth Council. Helping all Children and Adults with key Life skills, from Cooking Classes, financial support to the basics of social interactions. They now work closely with the MOD, NHS the local council and now focusing highly on Mental Health Challenges. To watch a community grow, a local area thrive with the support and make changes with the support of this wonderful organisation. Making Members, professionals and individuals feel empowered, feel included and most of all Heard. Daily children and adults Mask. Daily this is a struggle, Neurodiverse Community allow them to know. That even in a world not quite ready for them they have the freedom to be who they are. No mask needed, no judgment and full understanding is there. All involved allow Acceptance for all to accept who they are, find their true selves. Finding their identity, finding who they can be without being told the world says you have to be a certain way. Thank you NDC for making our world a better place."

"A pivotal aspect of support in out community. The one place I have turned to and always found what needed socially, emotionally and practically. They deserve this more than ever. When schooling wasn’t found and lost a year of education they helped me to believe in myself. Helped me to achieve what others didn’t know I was capable of."

"No words can describe of how much this has organisation has changed my life and many others in the community. Against all barriers they have helped families, adults, children and professionals bridge the barriers within neurodiversity."

"The backbone for my family with complex needs. I am a serving soldier and we are married unaccompanied. My wife is disabled and my children have neurodiverse needs. During the years NDCC has held my family together to allow me to continue to serve. I am not the only soldier in the position in our community and without NDCC we would fall apart."

"Fantastic organisation because its outstanding for levels of neurodiverse support. neurodiverse community have helped to support my family. They are truly a community that cares and because of them both my children have a space they can go where they truly shine and be themselves, the smiles on my childrens faces when they see the volunteers makes my day, both of my children are non verbal and neurodiverse community has been right there with us celebrating every single word and every way the children find to communicate i cannot wait to see how much more they enjoy as they grow up surrounded by a community that loves them and is supportive of eachother. They make a huge difference to the community and go above and beyond to support families of those with additional needs."

"My daughter attends the group to which has become a lifeline for her, she has made many friends and her social life has rocketed, my daughter feels as though she part of someting positive and our group is now starting feel like a big supportive family."

"Has been nice to see have an environment where I don’t feel judged and can meet others in similar circumstances. As a dad I have been able to learn more about neurodiversity on my children within this group and have learned better ways to handle it. They have been very supportive. They show a lot of commitment towards the local area and you can see the joy when they are doing the job. My daughter who is non verbal has loved this group and so has my son. It is always in a safe environment making me more calm as I don’t have to constantly chase my kids."

"I have supported Lesley and her group for the best part of two years in their endeavours."

"Lesley has been an absolute amazing lady who has helped me massively prepare for mediation & always here for support"

"Excellent work that they do for adults, children, parents and carers, available at all times. Always engaging the community, raising awareness and being a supporting voice for everyone. Children always seem happy and proud to be a part of the neurodiverse community."

“Good work and community that they offer”

"Absolutely inspirational"

“They have been a great support to me so far”

"Brilliant group. Outstanding work by all involved. A variety of groups and events. Always there for information, help filling in forms or just a chat"

"They have been amazing and so helpful & completely inclusive, a lot of work and effort are put into events that are held, my Son loves the youth club as he can be himself."

"This organisation saw a huge hole in their community and filled it. They have made a huge impact in their area providing support and community to families and are so deserving of this award"

"They provide an incredibly valuable service to our area which is so needed."

"Has support my niece in so many ways. Without NDCCatterick she would be isolated and misunderstood. I am pleased to share my experience with NDCC and how they have been instrumental in supporting my niece, who is neurodiverse and has a complex family situation. NDCC has provided invaluable assistance in all aspects of support, making a significant difference in her life. My niece has been struggling with various challenges related to her neurodiversity, including anxiety, depression, and social communication difficulties, which have impacted her daily life. Additionally, she has two neurodiverse children, and her husband is a serving member of the armed forces. The situation has been challenging, to say the least. However, NDCC has been a tremendous source of support, providing her with essential resources and assistance to navigate the complex landscape of social work involvement, education, and healthcare. One of the most significant challenges my niece faced was with social work involvement. The situation was complicated due to her neurodiversity, and it was difficult for her to understand the process and navigate it effectively. NDCC stepped in and provided her with a dedicated support circle and helped her understand the process, answered her questions, and ensured that she received the support she needed. This support was critical in reducing her anxiety and ensuring that she received fair and equitable treatment. Her confidence in herself has began to emerge. NDCC has also provided significant support in education and healthcare. My niece's children are neurodiverse, and it was challenging for her to navigate the education system and ensure that they received the support they needed. NDCC provided her with essential resources and information to ensure that her children received the support they needed in school. The support has made a significant difference in their academic and social outcomes. One In addition to education, NDCC has also provided support in healthcare, ensuring that my niece and her family received the services they needed. NDCC has provided guidance in accessing healthcare services, communicating for her needs, and ensuring that she received necessary accommodations. The support has been invaluable in keeping her healthy and ensuring that she received the care she needed. Another critical area where NDCC has provided support is in the armed forces community. My niece's husband is a serving member of the armed forces, and NDCC has ensured that she received the support and resources she needed to navigate the unique challenges of military life. The support has been invaluable in ensuring that the family remained connected and supported, despite the challenges of deployment and frequent moves. Overall, NDCC has been an incredible source of support for my niece and her family. They have provided essential guidance, support, and resources to help her navigate the complex landscape of social work involvement, education, healthcare, and the armed forces community. The support has been critical in reducing her anxiety, improving her mental health, and ensuring that her family received the support they needed to thrive. In conclusion, I would highly recommend NDCC to anyone who requires support in navigating the challenges of neurodiversity and complex family situations. They have been an invaluable source of support for my niece, and I'm grateful for everything they have done for her."

"Being a part of this group has changed my life for the best. Meeting likeminded people and supporting others has been incredibly fulfilling, and it has helped me get back on track with my own life."

"There are several reasons why I believe NDCC should be named Neurodiverse Organisation of the Year. Firstly, their commitment to helping individuals with neurodiverse needs is exceptional. They provide a wide range of resources, including support groups, peer support, and educational supportprogrammes, all designed to help those with neurodiversity navigate the challenges they face. Personally, I have benefited greatly from the support provided by NDCC, especially during a difficult time when I was dealing with domestic abuse, while also caring for my five children who have neurodiverse needs. The support I received from NDCC was invaluable, and it helped me to feel less alone and more empowered. Additionally, NDCC is not only a resource for individuals with neurodiversity, but also for their families and caregivers, as they recognise that this is often an equally challenging experience. The support and guidance provided by NDCC has helped me to better understand and navigate the unique challenges that come with caring for individuals with neurodiverse needs. Another reason why NDCC deserves to be recognised is their focus on inclusivity and diversity. They understand that everyone's experience with neurodiversity is unique, and they work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. This inclusivity extends to their staff and volunteers, who come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation. Finally, NDCC's commitment to community outreach and education is truly commendable. They work tirelessly to raise awareness about neurodiversity and to promote acceptance and understanding in the wider community. This includes partnering with schools and other organisations to provide training and support, as well as organising events and campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with neurodiverse needs. Overall, NDCC's dedication to helping individuals with neurodiverse needs, their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, their focus on community outreach and education, and the personal support they have provided me and my family, make them a truly exceptional organisation, and one that is more than deserving of the title of Neurodiverse Organisation of the Year"

"Fantastic support to the local community. Succeeds where lots of other organisations fail through sheer determination and inclusiveness. This community organisation supports each individual as though they are their only priority -regardless as to how many families are being supported."

"This group offers real support for families with differently abled children. The groups are inclusive and go above and beyond to cater for the children’s needs. I appreciate what they do for my daughter. I hope they win the award as they deserve it."

"Lifeline for families - very welcoming and supportive group. My daughter loves attending sessions here"

"I work at ITC Catterick and my role is one which support recruits with learning barriers recruit (teaching). On occasion permanent staff have come to seek advice to support their children who are neurodivergent. I always signpost staff to Lesley and her team, who have a wealth of knowledge. Staff always return to me with updates saying how they feel much more supported after working with Neurodiverse Community (NDCC). NDCC is run by empathetic parents of children with SEND who are passionate about supporting others, be it carers or young people with SEND. NDCC can relate to issues that parents are having and go above and beyond to ensure that young people with SEND can flourish in the community and their parents have the knowledge to ensure their children are supported. NDCC works tirelessly and I was impressed by their ambition, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm they have to make the world more SEND friendly and aware, one day at a time. I believe that NDCC deserve this award and they are champions of neurodiversity - they are going to do some marvellous things in the future and this award will help improve their reach, so they can do more wonderful things!"

"Great people great company and the group helps in so many ways they look after there members when they need help and also help with other neurological problems like functional neurological disorder epilepsy and many more"

"NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, has worked with Catterick Neurodiverse Community Group and its members, to help transform and develop a sustainable adult autism and ADHD assessment service in York and North Yorkshire. Lesley hosted a focus group, bringing members together to share their experiences and feedback on the service and to understand how the pathway has developed based on earlier feedback. This was also an opportunity to gather insight on what good pre and post assessment support would look like, a concern dominated throughout the earlier engagement. The feedback will inform the final recommendations of the pathway. Lesley will continue to work closely with the ICB to ensure the views from people with lived experience is embedded."

"It’s such an amazing group"

"This is a well organised group who give abundance of support to family and friends who need it."

"Neurodiverse are a great organisation helping those in need. They support our charity Pendragon Community Trust based in North Yorkshire."

"I have see first hand how important the work that NDC Catterick is to both the children/youths attending AND the support given to parents and parent carers in the Catterick and wider Yorkshire communities such as Leeming. Because of the location the participants are particularly vulnerable with members of some of the families being in the British army, and dads being away for weeks on end. The mums rely on NDC Catterick events for support physically and mentally. Both MDs of the organisation are army families themselves with autistic children, and understand/can empathise entirely. Lesley works tirelessly for the group and expect nothing in return. All neurodiverse organisations are fantastic, but I think with these army families especially, life is so demanding on top of having children on the neurodivergent spectrum. Thanks for listening. I vote NDC Catterick!"

"I am a mum of two children who are both on the pathway for autism assessment. We are also a military family. I got in contact with Lesley who introduced me to the NDC community and it has helped me and my children tremendously. I feel we are part of something special which holds no judgment and is understanding and patient. My children can be 100% themselves without feeling anxious. Being a military family it can feel quite isolating and lonely. I feel that being part of the NDC community I do not feel alone anymore! I love the fact we can share experiences and ideas with eachother."

"A brilliant community looking out for all"

"Excellent group of people They do incredible work supporting local families and giving them a community. Especially the families that have to homeschool due to having educational needs that aren't being met by the system. I have worked for them through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We have completed one session and have 3 more over the summer. They have let us make a link with local families that are neurodiverse and have been really supportive in teaching us the best ways to work with the groups."

"Neurodiverse Community Catterick (NDCC) - this group is providing a much needed service to a highly vulnerable group as military lifestyle adds an additional layer of challenge to the target families."

"NDCC provide a wide range of support for the young people in our area, they are approachable and always happy to help, and I know our young people think a lot of them."

"Just the most amazing people and help"

"They are amazing, so much knowledge and support. They have been a god send."

"Neurodiverse Community in Catterick is valuable for assisting those that are neurodivergent and their families. The activities, information and support available have helped myself and others greatly. There is a huge lack of understanding and care within the health, education and employment sectors. Neurodiverse Community work hard to get the correct information and awareness across to everyone."

"Lesley Collier from neurodiverse community catterick Iis absouletly amazing ,she gives everyone 110 percent of her time Lesley is so knowledgeable in so many areas Lesley does and is making such positive changes to families in the Catterick and Richmond areas"

"I know how much the NDC community is supporting my grandchildren and also other children and parents/parent carers in Catterick and surrounding areas. Army life is tough for these families and this neurodiverse community group is a lifeline for some families, also helping non army also, very inclusive. Please place my vote. Thanks"

"Thank you for everything you have done to help us on this very difficult journey. I could not have done this without you. You were always there for anything I needed and I am extremely grateful. Thank you for helping me secure the right school for my son."