Tag: Mindroom

300% surge in demand for neurodiversity support

‘a system under strain and a need for urgent change’

New data shows the need for support has rocketed over the past five years, revealing a growing crisis across schools, families, and workplaces

As Mindroom marks 25 years of championing neurodivergent children, young people, and adults in the workplace, new data exposes a sharp rise in need across the UK, and a system struggling to cope.

Over the past five years, demand for Mindroom’s support has soared by nearly 300%, with families waiting years for assessments, children missing school due to unmet needs, and parents describing a system “at breaking point.” 

The charity’s latest Impact Report also shows a 62% rise in families seeking mental health support, a 240% increase in training for professionals, and 93% of young people saying they felt more confident after working with Mindroom – proof of both surging need and transformative impact.

“Everywhere we look – classrooms, GP surgeries, workplaces, kitchen tables – the pressure is mounting,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom.

“Every week, more families come to us saying they simply can’t navigate the system alone. The good news is that public understanding of neurodiversity has grown hugely. The question now is whether our institutions can keep up.”

This comes amid a worsening national picture. A Scottish Parliament report (June 2025) * described a “concerning picture” of neurodivergent care in Scotland, with over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults now waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments, signalling increases of over 500% and 2,200% respectively since 2020.

Some families face waits of up to three and a half years, while in England, reports show children waiting more than four years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report shows the charity handled 25,499 direct contacts on behalf of children and young people last year alone, providing vital one-to-one support and advocacy for families in crisis.

At the same time, its training and consultancy arm grew by 160%, equipping professionals in education, health, and business to create “neuroinclusive communities. But despite this progress, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.

A 2024 national workplace report** found that over half of neurodivergent employees had taken time off due to inadequate support or lack of reasonable adjustments. While neuroinclusion is rising up the corporate agenda, too many workplaces still fall short on psychological safety and practical understanding.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Mindroom is launching new initiatives to expand neuroinclusive practice from classrooms to boardrooms and, over the past three years, the charity has trained more than 10,000 people across sectors, a foundation it now plans to build on through national partnerships, policy advocacy, and expanded training.

“Behind every statistic is a person: a child finally getting the right support in school, a parent who no longer feels alone, or a workplace learning to value difference,” Alan Thornburrow added. “That’s what keeps us going.

“With neurodiversity finally gaining visibility in public life – from government policy to entertainment – we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn awareness into action. Neurodivergent young people are not a side issue; they are the future workforce.”

Founded in 2000 and inspired by the lived experience of Robin and Sophie Dow and their daughter Annie, Mindroom began as a small Edinburgh charity and now supports thousands of families every year. Its mission – to build a society that champions every kind of mind – is more relevant than ever.

To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report

For more information or to access Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report, visit: https://www.mindroom.org

* Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland

** The City & Guilds Foundation “Neurodiversity Index 2024” finds that 50% of neurodivergent employees say they have taken time off work due to their neurodivergence.

£70,000 and Counting: Edinburgh neurodiversity charity’s fundraising heroes drive charity support forward

  • Co-founder Robin Dow’s 25-mile challenge to celebrate 25 years of the neurodiversity charity paves the way for change
  • Board members and Charity’s CEO embark on challenges to drive donations further

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by co-founder Robin Dow, who, at 81 and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, has already raised a huge £70,000 following his 25-mile walk from Mindroom’s Leith office to Tantallon Castle.

Robin’s epic walk is homage to the charity’s 25-year journey since he co-founded it with author, journalist and wife, Sophie Dow, on 2 August 2000. ‘A Mile for Every Year,’ which was expected to raise £50,000.

Reflecting on the experience, Robin Dow commented: “People are enormously generous, and we are incredibly grateful. The substantial amount we have already raised reflects countless small and large contributions coming together.

“The fact that so many people have responded and actively engaged shows that we not only have wonderful families and friends, but also that, in Mindroom, we have a very worthwhile charity.”

Adrian Astley-Jones – specialist in private equity tech advisory and Non-Executive Director for Mindroom – will also soon join the fundraising efforts with his own epic swim, inspiring colleagues and supporters to rally behind the cause.

On the 14th and 15th of September, Adrian will step out of his comfort zone and embark on a big challenge with three close friends, when he attempts to swim across the 3rd largest ocean whirlpool, The Gulf of Corryvreckan, located around 3 miles out from mainland Scotland’s West Coast, and deemed ‘unnavigable’ by the Royal Navy.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Adrian adds: “Passion and commitment are part of the work we do with the Mindroom’s community.

“We have one goal, and that is to offer as much direct support as we can and make a difference to real people. I will certainly do my very best to contribute as much as possible to this very important mission. Every stroke counts!”

Adrian’s fundraising challenge carries a deeply personal meaning, as he has chosen to split donations between two causes close to his heart: Mindroom and Dementia UK.

CEO for Mindroom, Alan Thornburrow, will also be pushing fundraising efforts even further when he takes on the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 28 September.

Talking about the joint fundraising efforts and the team spirit, Alan said: “Participating in the Loch Ness Marathon is more than a personal challenge…It’s an opportunity to channel energy into meaningful change.

“I’m proud to contribute every step of the way.

“Powered by individuals’ efforts and public generosity, Mindroom’s support has been growing steadily since I began as CEO in 2022, and our fundraising feats will benefit people directly, with donations translated into both the future of the charity and the development of new and expanded services, offering tangible support.

“This is why we do what we do, to inspire real change!”

To donate to the three individual fundraising efforts, the links are:

Robin’s epic 25-mile walk; 

Adrian’s open ocean swim; 

Alan’s Loch Ness marathon

“A Mile for Every Year”: Robin Dow’s epic fundraiser marks 25 Years of Mindroom

81-year-old co-founder embarks on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle East Lothian, to celebrate the charity’s anniversary and raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children and families

On Saturday 2 August, Robin Dow, co-founder of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), once again embraced his experience as a marathon enthusiast for a deeply personal and inspiring fundraising event to commemorate 25 years to the day since he and journalist and author – and Robin’s wife – Sophie Dow, founded the charity.

At 81 years old and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Robin walked 25 miles (40 km) from Mindroom’s office in Leith to the dramatic cliffs of Tantallon Castle, East Lothian – a symbolic and powerful act to raise much-needed funds to support the charity he co-founded with Sophie in 2000, inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion (now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”). 

Robin Dow said: “I’m incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful wife and four caring and considerate children: Fiona, James, Annie and our Charity, Mindroom. Sophie and I brought Mindroom into the world on 2nd August 2000.

“During the past 25 years, it has developed from an infant with unknown potential to a mature entity with a heart, a soul and a spirit which has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of neurodivergent children, families and those who support them.

“Mindroom is now an adult, personified by an excellent team of Trustees, run by a multitalented and dedicated staff team and funded by a broad base of statutory, trust, corporate and individual donors. My 25-mile walk, taking place on the day that the Charity was founded, is my thank you to everyone who has contributed to the upbringing of this amazing organisation. 

“Advancing years and the big C mean that this is my last major endeavour on behalf of Mindroom and those whom we help. Please show your support by donating to a fundamentally important cause, while also spurring me on as I walk 1 mile for each of the 25 years of the life of Mindroom. And let’s hear it for the next 25!”           

It seems a long time ago that Robin and Sophie sat at their kitchen table in Inveresk (East Lothian) and registered Mindroom with one vision: No Mind Left Behind. A quarter of a century later, that vision has flourished into an influential organisation now supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland and beyond.

An Epic Walk

Robin set off from the Mindroom office at exactly 08:02am on 02 August (a nod to the official birthday of the charity) with the aim of reaching Tantallon Castle exactly 8 hours and 2 minutes later.

He was joined by family members, friends and supporters, and by Mindroom’s CEO, Alan Thornburrow, along the way.

The walk aims to raise a bold £50,000 – that’s £25,000 for each co-founder, another nod to the history of the charity, and they are well on the way to achieving their goal, thanks to some initial generous donations. Every donation will help Mindroom provide direct, life-changing support to neurodivergent children and young people who often also face serious mental health challenges.

Sophie added: “Robin’s unwavering dedication towards Mindroom’s vision of making sure that no mind is left behind, is yet again expressed in his inspirational actions and initiative, this time in a 25 mile walk.

“Let’s walk with him – in spirit or in person – all the way!”

Alan shared: “When I first met Robin and Sophie during the interview process to become CEO of Mindroom in December 2021, I was immediately taken with their passion, energy and vigour.

“I already knew Mindroom was a cause I wanted to work in service of, but I also knew this was a very special organisation whose co-founders were still so dedicated to realising the vision they set out with in 2000.

“Fast forward to the present day, our 25th anniversary, and Robin’s determination, courage and commitment are nothing short of remarkable. As fellow marathon runners, we both know what it is to suffer, but also to believe that we are capable and can overcome pain by continuing to move forward in pursuit of our goals. Robin’s walk is both inspiring and significant. How could I not take part! 

“I’m honoured to be sharing some steps of the journey with him on his “Big Walk”, but even more so to have shared the last 3 years as CEO, working with two remarkable co-founders, an excellent Board and a highly respected and motivated team – and to continue working to address the fundamental injustice neurodivergent young people, adults and families face every day – we need your help!”

Mindroom also created some useful resources, which can be downloaded here:

  • Mindroom 25: Anniversary Menu – 25 powerful ways your donation will help change lives.
  • Mindroom 25: Introduction – A snapshot of the charity’s work, their impact, and the challenges faced by the 29 specialists who deliver support every day.

For donations to the charity and to sponsor Robin’s incredible initiative, please visit this link, including the opportunity to donate anonymously.

Every pound matters — no donation is too small, nor too substantial!

For more information about Mindroom and the work they do, please visit:

Salvesen Mindroom Centre

Mindroom Launches ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’

On Wednesday, May 14, 10 – 11:30am, Mindroom, a leading Edinburgh based charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity and works to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent people by removing barriers, increasing opportunities and shaping a more accessible world, will launch ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’ with a free-to-attend online event .

The guide – developed through a collaborative partnership with Neuroinclusion at Work partners and the Prince Couple’s Foundation in Sweden – brings together real voices to offer meaningful insights into creating more inclusive workplaces.

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Registrations to the online event now open: Wednesday, May 14, 10 – 11:30am

Mindroom, a leading charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity and works to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent people by removing barriers, increasing opportunities and shaping a more accessible world, will launch ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’ with a free-to-attend online event on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 to 11.30am.

The launch, which will be hosted by Mindroom’s CEO, Alan Thornburrow, will include:

  • An introduction to the guide’s purpose, principles, and practical applications
  • A panel discussion featuring employees with lived experience of neurodivergence in the workplace

With research showing that diverse perspectives lead to better problem solving, stronger teams and improved performance, the guide – developed in collaboration with a series of Neuroinclusion at Work partners and with active participation from the Prince Couple’s Foundation in Sweden – is rooted in lived experience and brings together perspectives from neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers and employers to support organisations on their journey towards creating more inclusive workplaces.

Alan Thornburrow comments: “By embracing neuroinclusion, organisations can create better working environments, where new talent is recognised, employees prosper and an inclusive business culture shines through, thus positively affecting growth and innovation in the workplace.

“We are very proud of the work we conducted in collaboration with our partners, and very grateful for everyone’s time. ‘Thriving Workplaces’ is not a set of instructions.

“This is a starting point; a resource grounded in experience and created by listening to neurodivergent individuals and collecting their thoughts on taking meaningful and lasting steps towards inclusion.

“We are very much looking forward to hosting the event and welcoming as many participants as possible to join on the journey to a more accessible world and a more inclusive working environment.”

The guide – structured around core principles of building an inclusive culture (with concrete everyday actions), support and psychological safety (where people feel free to speak openly without fear of judgement) and leadership and accountability (setting the tone with empathy) – aims to support on a practical level, including real-life insights and tools to either get started, or continue on the journey to inspire real change for the better.

“We are pleased with this collaboration and appreciate the concrete guide it has resulted in – especially since it has been developed together with neurodivergent individuals themselves”, says Helene Öberg, Secretary General of the Prince Couple’s Foundation, which is a partner in the project.

“We believe this will be a functional and important tool for employers to see and harness everyone’s full potential, something that truly aligns with our work for dyslexia and everyone’s right to be themselves.

“Being able to complement our portfolio, which focuses on tools for children, with tools that ensure that people with dyslexia/neurodivergent individuals have the best conditions throughout their whole lives feels very valuable, and we look forward to seeing the guide used in workplaces worldwide.”

Whether beginning on this journey or building on existing actions and effort, the guide provides a flexible starting point, including practical and adaptable ideas to help start meaningful conversations in the workplace and take action in a way that works for each specific organisation.

A free downloadable link to this resource will be available after the event.

For more information and to join the launch of ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’, please book your place here:

‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’

For more information about the work Mindroom does, please click here:

Salvesen Mindroom Centre

Edinburgh-based charity Mindroom secures Young Start Award

Funding will support new Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights project and participation programme, aimed at neurodivergent young people aged 8-24

Mindroom, a leading charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity, has been awarded £96,279 in funding from Young Start. 

Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, awards dormant bank account funding to projects that help young people reach their full potential. The grant will support a new rights and participation project designed to ensure neurodivergent young people are heard, included, and have access to opportunities which drive positive youth-led change.  

Over the next three years, the programme will support as many as 100 young people and 10 volunteers, going a long way to ensure those who are part of the project are actively involved in shaping their own futures.

Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, commented: “We are incredibly grateful for this vital opportunity to support the work we do and to enable us to further empower young neurodivergent people across Scotland.

“By creating spaces where they can lead, share their experiences, and advocate for their futures, this project will be a significant step towards building a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity and the unique contributions these young people can make.”

The project, named Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights, will utilise a co-production model to create youth-led awareness campaigns and neuro-affirming resources by and for neurodivergent young people.

It will also provide opportunities for participants to build self-confidence, gain new skills, and develop peer networks within their communities. 

Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair said: “We are delighted to announce our latest Young Start funding, which allows us to support so many fantastic organisations, who are providing a safe and welcoming environment where the door is always open for young people to go and learn new skills and hone their talents.

“Through our Young Start grants, we want to continue to support more projects which work so hard to encourage and develop the potential of young Scots.”

The funded project is set to create long-term impact by promoting better physical, mental, and emotional well-being among young neurodivergent people – as well as offering new skills and opportunities – and will ultimately provide participants with the tools they need to advocate for their rights and make a meaningful impact in their local communities.

For more information about Mindroom please visit the official website: 

www.mindroom.org

For details around the Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights programme, please visit: tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/scotland | Twitter | Facebook

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Mindroom’s Shocking Surge in Support Needs

2023 Impact Report reveals that cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on families affected by disability

Mindroom, a leading charity championing neurodiversity, has released its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting a staggering 261% surge in demand for direct help and support services for young people in wake of Covid.

Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre comments, “We, like many other charities that work with young people, are facing significant challenges due to the post-Covid landscape.

“Clinical mental health conditions have increased significantly, access to public services has been reduced, and the cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on families affected by disability.”

A total of 2,249 issues were raised during 2023 with almost half of those centering around further support with education. Key issues included access to education, assessments, bullying, school exclusion, communication with school staff, legal entitlements, placement requests and transitions from school.

People also sought support for health-related issues including access to assessment and diagnostic services, post-diagnostic support, access to mental health services, support to navigate health-related meetings and signposting to other sources of support.

In response to this sizable increase in demand, the charity has worked hard to become a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of neurodivergence in an evolving world.

The 2023 report highlights how Mindroom’s nimble response has contributed to the pressures that exist with issues in education, health, parent support, and transitions.

Thornburrow continues, “Grounded in a person-centred, strengths-based approach, Mindroom’s Direct Help and Support service has become a catalyst for achievements. It’s not just about services; it’s about unlocking pathways to vital resources, fostering empowerment, and nurturing a culture of inclusion.

“By providing the right support at the right time, we improved access to vital services for neurodivergent young people across Scotland. Through our work, we empowered individuals, fostered inclusion, and facilitated positive changes in their lives, contributing to a more equitable society that values all kinds of minds.”

The impact isn’t just measured; it’s celebrated. Overwhelmingly positive metrics speak volumes with up to 100% satisfaction reported by service users.

95% of parents and carers felt that Mindroom made a significant difference to them and their children’s lives and 95% of parents also felt that the team understood their experiences, concerns, and questions.

SMR6745-Impact-Report-AW_S4Download

Thornburrow concludes, “Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of Scotland’s neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.

“As we look ahead at the rest of 2024, we are excited to continue collaborating and building a brighter future together.”

For more information on Salvesen Mindroom Centre go to:

https://www.mindroom.org/

Influential entrepreneur becomes Vice-Chair of Salvesen Mindroom

Business leader, educator and entrepreneur Judy Wagner has been appointed Vice Chair of neurodiversity champions Salvesen Mindroom Centre.

Ms Wagner, a strong advocate for diversity in the workplace for three decades, has been a trustee of the Edinburgh-based charity for the past three years during which time her influential business network has helped to expand the charity’s reach and impact.

She has also enabled the charity to broaden its scope of service delivery and attracted new clients and opportunities to extend its services.

An Edinburgh University graduate and Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, she has been heavily involved in championing diversity issues since co-founding international executive search business FWB Park Brown in 1993 and has also worked with Scottish Enterprise to establish the Balancing the Boardroom project, the first of its kind in Scotland for women on boards.

Last year she was part of an independent review on Women in Entrepreneurship commissioned by the Scottish Government. She focused on the education sector, liaising with key leaders across the whole sector, examining how enterprise and diversity, including neurodiversity, could be embedded in our education system. 

“There is no doubt that the best teams embrace diversity of all forms,” she says. “And the benefits of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace are well proven in ensuring success, attracting and retaining key talent and creating a welcoming environment.”

Ms Wagner, who is also passionate about Salvesen Mindroom’s role as a key partner in the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, part of the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at The University of Edinburgh, is committed to helping establish the charity as a centre of excellence for Neurodiversity, supporting children, young people and those in the workplace with leading research, advice and practical resources.

Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s Chair Sandy Manson, who has long argued for diversity to become a key business priority, says: “Judy’s ethos and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for us.

“She embraces everything we are trying to achieve and has already proved an impressive force for good on various fronts, including using her networks to publicise and attract delegates for the global It Takes All Kinds Of Minds conference we held in the city in March. We look forward to enhancing our offering further with her guidance as Vice Chair.”

Salvesen Mindroom Centre is a charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity and supports all kinds of minds. Their mission is to be a leading centre for change, in how we live, work and learn. They will achieve this through support, education, advocacy, and research. Visit their website for more information on the charity’s work.