How Listening, Co‑Design and Insight Sparked a Neuro-Inclusive Partnership

When I began working as a Team Leader within the integrated coaching service, I was struck by how many neurodivergent colleagues were navigating their roles with creativity and resilience, yet without support that truly reflected their lived experience. Their stories highlighted a gap - but also a possibility.

My conversations with staff led me to connect with Steph Nelson, founder of NeuroCreators. Her creative, identity‑affirming approach resonated deeply with what I was hearing from coaching clients. It felt like the missing piece. Together, we began shaping something new.

Drawing directly on the needs expressed in coaching sessions, we co‑designed a bespoke NeuroCreators workshop. It launched in November 2025, and the response was remarkable. The feedback was so strong that we delivered a second cohort in January 2026, again with overwhelmingly positive reflections from participants.

Recognising the potential, I brought this connection into the Thrive at Work programme. What began as a conversation has since grown into a valued partnership that is helping shape a more inclusive offer for neurodivergent colleagues across West Yorkshire.

The success of these workshops caught the attention of Leeds Health and Care Academy, who saw the potential for wider system impact. They have since partnered with Steph to bring this neuro-inclusive offer to staff across West Yorkshire.

For me, this journey reflects the heart of VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) practice: listening closely, responding creatively, and building relationships that open new pathways for inclusion.

Alongside Leeds Mind and Barca, Inspire North continues to champion neurodiversity‑affirming support- not just as an intervention, but as a commitment to the wellbeing, identity and potential of every member of our workforce.

Aparajita Das
Team Leader, Linking Leeds