Next Neuro-Inclusion Network on Wednesday 15th July 2026, 1pm-3pm on Zoom
We are delighted to announce the next Neuro-Inclusion Network on Wednesday 15th July, 1pm-3pm on Zoom.
Based on feedback from the last network, the focus of this network will be Reasonable Adjustments for Your Organisation. We’ll look at how you can support neurodivergent colleagues and practical tips to improve accessibility for staff and volunteers.
Our guest speaker will be Laura Shambrook, CVS Cheshire East, who will be sharing her experience working in the voluntary sector from a neurodivergent perspective.
We will also have two breakout rooms to focus discussion – please indicate your preferred breakout in the booking form. Both breakouts will be recorded and shared after the session.
Breakout Rooms:
How to manage and support neurodivergent teams
How to speak to your manager about neurodivergence and accessibility
Who can attend: Staff and volunteers of non-profit organisations delivering services in Cheshire East, this session is not open to the general public.
Please register for the Network via the link below.
Last Meeting: Thursday 26th March 2026
We were delighted to host the first Neuro-Inclusion Network on Thursday 26th March on Zoom. This meeting brought together 14 participants from across Cheshire East, including groups directly supporting neurodivergent individuals and other local non-profits.
A huge thank you to Ana Fay, Talk2Ana, a wonderful guest speaker sharing her experience with neurodivergence and overcoming challenges in work and life. Please see meeting materials below and keep an eye on this site for next Network dates.
See agenda attachment at bottom of this page
See recordings of the meeting below
Meeting notes and actions here
See survey results here
Neuro-Inclusion Network Overview
Building on the great interest and engagement from our Neurodivergence in the Voluntary Sector training, we aim to create a space where you can share your lived experience as an employee, manager or volunteer, learn strategies to make your organisation more neuro-inclusive, and explore practical ways to overcome barriers to inclusion.
Whether your group works directly with neurodivergent* individuals or if you are looking to learn more about neurodiversity to better support your team and service users, this network is here to help.
CVS Role
CVS will act as facilitator and organiser of the network, but we want it to be an open space for sharing knowledge. Your attendance and input are essential, whether you have specialist experience in neurodivergence or if you’re new to the area and want to learn more.
Network Schedule
The first network will be online to assess interest and gain insight to shape future networks, followed by an in-person meeting building on the discussion and themes identified.
Neurodivergence Training with CVS
CVS also offer training on Neurodivergence in the Voluntary Sector, available as a live session on Zoom (free) and as eLearning (£5)
Any questions? Contact helen.roger@cvsce.org.uk or laura.shambrook@cvsce.org.uk.
* Neurodivergence as defined by the National Autistic Society
Neurodivergence Support Organisations
Organisation | Focus / Services |
Charity for autism support across life stages—parent/carer workshops, youth & adult social clubs, café, therapy, sensory room, advocacy & training/workshops. | |
Peer-based support groups for adults and children, weekly youth group, workshops and events Autism Inclusive | Crewe | |
Parent-led support for autistic people—diagnosed or awaiting diagnosis; free membership and community events Autism Networks (A.N) | Live Well Cheshire West | |
Our group is dedicated to providing support, connection, and understanding for those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse experiences. We come together to share stories, offer guidance, and build a strong, inclusive network. | |
Specialist school-based consultation support for children/youth in Cheshire East schools Beyond AutismNHS Cheshire and Merseyside | |
NHS diagnostic assessment services (children/young people), referrals via GP or education settings Cheshire & Wirral NHS Trust | |
County-wide charity offering training, resources, tailored support to autistic individuals, families, schools & employers Cheshire Autism | |
Inclusive SEND support information (CEAT, Parent/Carer Forum, Youth & Family Hubs, CEIAS advice service) NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside |
Neurodivergence Resources and Tools
Category | Name of Tool / Guideline | Content Focus & Primary Use |
Employer Admin Tools | Formal letter templates to help employers confirm and document workplace adjustments, ensuring legal compliance. | |
| A manager's guide for implementing day-to-day support strategies for neurodivergent colleagues. | |
| A 1-1 remote session providing a formal report detailing specific assistive technologies (e.g., mind-mapping software, screen filters) and individualized coping strategies. | |
Employer Strategic Support | Specialised training, webinars, and a dedicated helpdesk for employers seeking neurodiverse talent. | |
| A benchmark and award system for identifying best-in-class inclusive employers. | |
Self-Advocacy Tools | A personalised template to help neurodivergent staff communicate their specific sensory and communication needs to employers. | |
| A co-produced profiling tool designed to identify an individual's unique strengths and unmet support needs. | |
Implementation Guidelines | Expert guidance on the Equality Act 2010, inclusive recruitment, and legal duties for employers. | |
| A formal quality standard and framework used to evidence and improve autism-friendly practices. | |
| A model for groups to support staff or clients awaiting formal assessment by offering early-stage coping mechanisms and a structured support pathway. | |
Strategy & Community | Regional data used to benchmark local needs and identify specific gaps in neuro-inclusion. | |
| Localis ed community advice, training, and support for adults with ADHD/ASC and their carers. | |
Environmental Audits | A diagnostic tool for auditing physical and social environments to reduce anxiety and improve communication. | |
Recruitment & Hiring | Comprehensive guide on inclusive job design, accessible interview processes, and onboardings. | |
Transition & Education | Search tool to identify specialist local support for navigating school transitions and education-based concerns in Cheshire East. | |
Personal Support Tools | A tool to help families and professionals decode complex SEND and neurodiversity terminology. | |
| A free resource for employees and clients struggling with sensory processing issues that affect sleep. Staffed by practitioners specifically trained in neurodiversity. | |
| A centralised resource where parents/carers and professionals can access a wide range of information, tools, and support related to understanding and supporting autistic individuals. |
Neurodivergence Training
Category | Training | Content Focus & Inclusion Value | Format & Duration |
Local VCFSE Training | Live and on-demand training to help you understand barriers for neurodivergent colleagues and practical inclusion strategies. | Live Zoom (2hrs) or eLearning (1hr) | |
VCFSE Essentials | Private course for teams tailored to your needs – condensed sessions include Neurodivergence, Safeguarding, Boundaries, Equality, UKGDPR, and Mental Health. | Private Team Session | |
National Specialist | Builds manager confidence in making reasonable adjustments and reducing stigma. | eLearning (90 mins) | |
Professional development, consultancy, and CPD learning for inclusive practice. | Varies (Courses & CPD) | ||
Strategies for supporting staff with dyslexia, from recruitment to daily workflows. | eLearning & On-site | ||
Championing neuro-inclusion, legal aspects, and the "Manual of Me" tool. | FutureLearn (3 weeks, 2hrs/week) | ||
Free weekly workshops on neurodiversity basics, tailored for HR and Managers. | Weekly Live Webinars | ||
Focuses on spotting barriers and creating neuro-inclusive environments (Free for members). | eLearning |
