eLearning: Understanding Neurodivergence and resolving workplace barriers

Colleagues seeking to improve how they support our neurodivergent colleagues may wish to enrol in our tailored ESR eLearning programme, Understanding Neurodivergence and resolving workplace barriers.

Designed by someone with lived experience of neurodiversity, a significant investment was made to make this comprehensive support offer available to Gateshead colleagues. Those who enrol will be able to benefit from a better understanding of neurodiversity and associated conditions and build a better understanding of how to support neurodivergent colleagues.

To enrol in this course

• Firstly, log-in to ESR
• Click your initials in the top right, and select ‘Go to My Portal’.
• Then, from the left hand navigation bar, select ‘My Learning’.
• Here, use the search bar and type ‘297 Understanding Neurodivergence’ – and click the magnifying glass to search.
• The course will pop up – just click ‘Enrol’ to enlist in the course
• When you’re ready to start, click the drop-down menu and select ‘Play’

If you’re struggling to access the course and need further support, just drop a line to [email protected].

Staff Wellbeing Hub support

Our colleagues at the NENC ICS Staff Wellbeing Hub have recently recruited a specialist in neurodiversity support. This has led to the launch of several programmes – including those targeted at line managers and helping them to better support neurodivergent colleagues; as well as those aimed specifically at neurodiverse people and supporting them to stay well in the workplace.

To find out more about currently-available or upcoming support offers, just drop an email to [email protected] outlining the kind of support you’re seeking information on. Colleagues can also call on 0191 223 2030 and leave a message, or complete a self-referral form for a call back.

Further support on StaffZone

Neurodivergent colleagues and those who are seeking to support neurodivergent colleagues are advised to check our Staff Networks page on StaffZone.

Here, you’ll find a mass of targeted resources and support, inclusive of support around ADHD, autism, dyslexia, fibromyalgia, tourette syndrome and more. Also hosted here is training, guidance for managers, toolkits of support and more.

Reasonable Adjustments

One of the most effective ways a manager can support you is often through the implementation of reasonable adjustments. Below, you’ll see a block which covers health passports and stress risk assessments – two ways of driving thought and understanding around what might help you keep well at work.

However, it can sometimes be difficult to turn challenges into solutions. The Social Partnership Forum lists a range of suggested adjustments across working environment, equipment, communication styles, presenting information, direction setting, time management, meetings and more, helping provide practical ideas that could help you.

Health Passports & Stress Risk Assessments

Making reasonable adjustments is one of the most effective ways to support our neurodivergent colleagues. To do this effectively, it is important that we first understand our neurodivergent colleagues well – and where adjustments may be most useful.

To do this, neurodivergent colleagues may wish to complete a Health Passport. By doing this, colleagues can give their line manager a better idea of how being neurodivergent impacts them – and how line managers may be able to help you in carrying out your role effectively.

Furthermore, proactive use of Stress Risk Assessments can be a useful way to better understand the needs of colleagues and prompt consideration around what and where reasonable adjustments could be made to help colleagues be at their best at work. To learn more about stress risk assessments and download the template, please visit the Occupational Health and Wellbeing area on StaffZone.

Supporting neurodivergent colleagues at work

Led by the Department for Work & Pensions, Maximus runs a programme of support which focuses on improving general wellbeing at work and providing support over a longer-term period.

Maximus’ Access to Work Mental Health Support Service is available at no cost, is quick and easy to access. To be eligible to access the service, you need only be in employment and have a mental health concern (diagnosed or undiagnosed) which is making your job difficult or has resulted in workplace absence.

Support from Maximus is designed to longer-term (9 months), and aims to improve your general wellbeing at work through methods such as the creation of personalised wellbeing support plans and ideas for workplace adjustments.

Colleagues can self-refer for support from Maximus or have someone refer on their behalf (with permission). To do so, simply visit the Maximus website.

Guide to supporting colleagues with ADHD at Work

Our guide for supporting staff with ADHD at work aims to highlight some of the most practical, effective and common reasonable adjustments that are supportive to those with the condition.

Featuring examples of changes that could be made across areas such as feedback, flexibility, communication, the working environment, technology and more, the document is to be used as a practical guide for managers and colleagues to consider which reasonable adjustments which could be made to support colleagues in fulfilling their potential at work.

Living with Neurodiversity - Citizens Advice Gateshead

Those who have, or who care for someone who has or is suspected as having a neurodivergent condition can be supported by Citizens Advice Gateshead‘s Living with Neurodiversity programme.

The service offered by Citizens Advice is available to all who live, work or study in Gateshead and covers support & advice across benefits claims and appeals, signposting and referrals, travel applications, education, health, community care, housing issues, debt issues and more.

Amongst the conditions that the organisation can help provide guidance and support for include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, tics and tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, learning disabilities and epilespsy & seizure disorders.

For more about this offer, visit Citizens Advice Gateshead’s dedicated Living with Neurodiversity webpage, or get in touch on 0191 490 4384 (ext 631) or via email on [email protected].

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace

Over on the NHS Employers website is a page all about embracing neurodiversity in the workplace – including a list of top tips for supporting neurodivergent staff in their roles.

Also hosted on the page is signposting to a range of resources including information on how to better understand and support staff with hidden disabilities; guidance on building a disability inclusive workplace and much more.