New Neurodiversity Support Hub

We are delighted to let you know about the launch of The Neurodiversity Support Hub. Following a pilot phase, we are excited to be able to roll this out across Hertfordshire thanks to funding from both Herts County Council (HCC) and the NHS. The Hub has initially been funded until the end of March 25 and ADD-Vance have been commissioned to run the Hub, which is open Monday - Friday 9am-1pm.

The Hub is staffed by experts by experience, they can answer any questions to do with Neurodiversity, however big or small, or just be a listening ear. Please note, no diagnosis is required to access the support and the helpline is open to parents, carers and professionals.

The Hub can be contacted by phone on 01727 833963, with an answerphone facility for out of hours or by email at support@add-vance.org

Please share this information with your parents/carers/staff and colleagues. 

We also have some new digital webinars which parent, carers and professionals can access on demand.  Initially we have webinars on Understanding Autism, Understanding ADHD, Navigating the SEND world and Navigating the SEND world post 16.   Over the coming months we will be expanding this offer to include several other topics. They can be accessed here SEND documents and resources (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

If you have any queries or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me or alternatively you can contact the project team on hct.hertsneurodiversitytransformation@nhs.net

The feedback we have received so far has been fantastic, here is a small sample:

• I was stuck in a moment where I didn’t know which way to turn. Your helpline saved me today and put me in the right direction, made me feel less alone and has given me hope. thank you, I feel stronger just by knowing what to do next.

• I was feeling especially low and unsupported as a neurodivergent parent with neurodivergent kids. The call was such a life-line and the practical resources emailed to me afterwards are very useful. All in all, your service has kept me going during a particularly difficult time. Thank you.

• Amazing support. I was lost without L’s help, experience, advice, and support. I felt overwhelmed and now feel very supported and have direction. I felt I was heard and had the time and space I needed and could speak without being judged and ask anything. This service is incredible!