ND1, Downpatrick’s first neurodivergent support group for adults, was an initiative set up by service users, Multi-disciplinary team social work staff, and the County Down Rural Community Network. The overall aim of ND1 is to become independently ran by its members, as a constituted group.
Aim:
- To co-produce a sustainable neurodivergent support group for approximately 10-15 people, connected to wider support systems, which will continue independently after Multi-disciplinary Team Social Work involvement.
Objectives:
- To improve upon the emotional and physical well-being of neurodivergent group members.
- To improve upon understanding and management of neurodivergent traits for neurodivergent group members.
- Capacity building – to build upon neurodivergent group members existing strengths, support networks, confidence, resilience, and social skills; to support with everyday living.
- Celebrating and promoting the strengths of neurodivergence and advocating for acceptance and inclusion.
The ND1 group meets on a fortnightly basis (as well as ad hoc outings and outreach sessions) to provide support to members and to co-produce activities to address its overall aim and objectives.
Between August 2023 – March 2024, ND1 group members have worked in partnership to plan and deliver a number of events, including for example a photo collage workshop, positive affirmations workshop and wellbeing and resilience workshops. The group has also held Quiz nights and arts and crafts sessions.
ND1 has also partnered with other groups and the local community, delivering for example, workshops with Down County Museum, Castleward Visitor Experience and SENSED support group in Crossgar for parents of neurodivergent children.
Planning nights allow the group to come together to reflect on past events and identify ideas for future events which support the overall aims and objectives of ND1. Some of the group’s current priorities include fundraising to support group constitution and sustainability, as well as building connections with other groups (e.g. SENSED carer group, Neurodiversity UK and Neurocafe Project) and organising further workshops/events.
The outcomes from the group have been extremely positive, with 100% of members reporting that they find group sessions useful and that it has helped them to make friends and feel like a valued member of a group/community.
Self-reported knowledge of neurodivergence, self-care and ability to seek support and has also increased amongst members. All members have reported moderate to a great deal of improvement in their mental well-being as a result of their membership in the ND1 support group.
