Today marks the beginning of an important initiative in Liverpool, as individuals are urged to participate in shaping a new strategy for the city that focuses on neurodiversity. The Liverpool Neurodivergent All-Age Strategy, spanning from 2025 to 2030, has been collaboratively developed by the Liverpool Neurodiversity Strategic Partnership over a period of 18 months. Residents, workers, and students in Liverpool are now encouraged to offer their feedback during an eight-week consultation period.
The consultation kicked off at a city center event during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and the draft strategy, along with the consultation, is accessible on the Liverpool City Council’s website until May 14th. Statistics indicate that approximately one in seven individuals in the UK is neurodivergent, with an estimated 69,200 residents in Liverpool falling into this category, though the actual number is likely higher due to underdiagnosis. Insights gathered from the consultation will help refine the strategy to pave the way for future enhancements in services for neurodivergent individuals and their families, with the final strategy scheduled to be presented to the city’s Health and Wellbeing Board in September.
The strategy’s overarching vision is aimed at fostering a society that acknowledges, comprehends, and embraces neurodiversity, thus making Liverpool a desirable place for residence, education, work, and visitation. By empowering neurodivergent individuals to lead fulfilling lives and realize their full potential, the strategy encompasses five key ambitions: celebrating neurodiversity, early intervention, assessment, diagnosis, and support, accessible health and care services, the right to a fulfilling life, and working differently. Feedback is encouraged from respondents to articulate the positive impacts of neurodiversity on their lives and to engage in the forthcoming evolution and implementation of the strategy.
Facilitated by the Liverpool Neurodiversity Strategic Partnership, which amalgamates representatives from various sectors including the council, the NHS, education, researchers, and the community, voluntary, and social enterprise sector, as well as neurodivergent individuals, their families, and caregivers, the strategy marks a significant milestone. Cllr Angela Coleman, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, expressed admiration for the hard work invested by the Strategic Partnership in developing a document that holds transformative potential for thousands of lives in the city. Similarly, Anthony Leo, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Interim Place Director for Liverpool, emphasized the importance of inclusive support and services for neurodivergent individuals, urging those with lived experience to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and supportive environment for all
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