Neurodiverse Community
Nominee Profile
Location: Catterick Garrison
Neurodiverse Community (NDC), founded in 2019 by Lesley Collier, it is a vital grassroots organisation supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, particularly from the Armed Forces and civilian sectors. As a parent-carer herself, Lesley recognised the lack of tailored support for neurodivergent families and took it upon herself to create a safe, inclusive space for people to connect, share, and grow.
Cheryl Came on board to support our youth within the area, Allowing a safe space for our youth. Youthability was taken over and formed, seeing the ability in you.
What began as a small coffee morning for parents has transformed into a thriving, community-driven project that offers a range of support services. NDC empowers individuals by providing sensory-friendly spaces, family drop-in clinics, youth development programs, and crucial resources such as EHCP and PIP guidance. The organisation’s holistic, person-centered approach ensures that no one is left behind.
Through inclusive initiatives, NDC fosters strong relationships within the community, giving a platform to those whose voices have historically been unheard. The team is made up of parent-carers, neurodivergent adults, and volunteers—all with lived experience—ensuring that NDC remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
NDC’s work has positively impacted countless lives, helping neurodivergent individuals and their families build resilience, find connection, and thrive in a society that often overlooks them.
As NDC moves forward, the goal is to expand and improve the services it offers, reaching more communities in need. This includes expanding sensory spaces, developing job-readiness programs, and providing more tailored support for our neurodivergent members and families. NDC also plans to strengthen its partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of its services.
Cheryl Came on board to support our youth within the area, Allowing a safe space for our youth. Youthability was taken over and formed, seeing the ability in you.
What began as a small coffee morning for parents has transformed into a thriving, community-driven project that offers a range of support services. NDC empowers individuals by providing sensory-friendly spaces, family drop-in clinics, youth development programs, and crucial resources such as EHCP and PIP guidance. The organisation’s holistic, person-centered approach ensures that no one is left behind.
Through inclusive initiatives, NDC fosters strong relationships within the community, giving a platform to those whose voices have historically been unheard. The team is made up of parent-carers, neurodivergent adults, and volunteers—all with lived experience—ensuring that NDC remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
NDC’s work has positively impacted countless lives, helping neurodivergent individuals and their families build resilience, find connection, and thrive in a society that often overlooks them.
As NDC moves forward, the goal is to expand and improve the services it offers, reaching more communities in need. This includes expanding sensory spaces, developing job-readiness programs, and providing more tailored support for our neurodivergent members and families. NDC also plans to strengthen its partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of its services.