Neurodiversity charity wants to raise awareness

Niamh McDermott (left) and Penny Chapman have campaigned to raise awareness for those with neurodiversity

A charity that supports the neurodiverse community in Jersey wants to work with more organisations to improve the lives of people with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

AllMatters Neurodiverse Jersey was set up in 2022 as a Facebook group to support parents of children with neurological conditions.

It now has more than 2,000 online members and has become a charity to offer more official support.

Co-founders Penny Chapman and Niamh McDermott are qualified to offer employers and organisations training in how best to support people with neurological conditions.

The charity has worked with Ports of Jersey to improve services at the airport for people with neurological conditions

The charity has worked with the Ports of Jersey to improve support at Jersey Airport for those with neurological conditions and additional needs.

Airport workers have been trained on best practices and a board has been installed to help passengers with communication problems interact with staff.

Ms Chapman said there had been a “fabulous response” to the work and Ports of Jersey staff had “embraced” the training.

It now wants to roll out similar initiatives across the island.

Ms McDermott added there had also been some “really, really hard days” for the charity, especially “when it came to giving parents a voice”.

An example of the communitication boards the charity uses to help raise awareness

The charity has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards.

Ms McDermott said the nomination gave them the "lift that we need every now and again" and also helped to raise awareness of their work.

Ms Chapman added: "Our ethos has been to never turn people away."

The winner of the awards is due to be announced in September.