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Liverpool is set to officially unveil an ambitious initiative designed to enhance support for neurodiverse individuals on Tuesday, 24th March. This launch will take place during a city-region event that convenes leaders from sectors such as health, education, employment, and the voluntary community. The gathering aims to foster collaboration and commitment to improving neurodiversity services throughout the region.
The centerpiece of the event is the introduction of *Liverpool’s Commitment to Neurodiversity: A Strategy for an Inclusive City 2025–2035*. This strategic plan will be revealed at the Annual Neurodiversity Symposium, held by the University of Liverpool in partnership with NHS Cheshire & Merseyside and Liverpool City Council. The symposium provides a forum for policymakers, sector leaders, academics, and lived-experience experts to exchange knowledge, highlight successful initiatives, and identify joint avenues for systemic progress.
Throughout the symposium, participants will hear from a variety of speakers, including younger and adult individuals with lived experience. Notably, Shaun Flores, a prominent advocate for OCD and mental health, will discuss his personal journey and efforts to combat misunderstandings about OCD. The event will also feature a virtual keynote delivered by Aidy Smith, an acclaimed broadcaster and journalist living with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD, whose unique perspective on neurodiversity awareness has garnered international attention.
The strategy itself is the result of close collaboration among partners across Merseyside, influenced heavily by the experiences and contributions of neurodivergent people, their families, and carers. Liverpool City Council is leading a cross-regional partnership to implement this vision, responding to research that highlights persistent barriers faced by neurodivergent residents in education, employment, and healthcare access. With an estimated 70,000 neurodivergent people living in Liverpool—though actual numbers may be higher due to diagnostic challenges—the plan recognizes the urgent need to improve support for those with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and Tourette’s Syndrome.
Councillor Angela Coleman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, emphasized the significance of the collaborative development process, stating, “Developing this strategy alongside our partners across Merseyside has been an important and collaborative process. Being able to launch it at an event that brings together organisations, professionals and community voices who share a commitment to improving the lives of neurodivergent people is a significant moment for our city. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the residents who shared their lived experiences. Your insights have shaped this strategy. Your contribution ensures we are working towards a region where neurodivergent people are recognised, supported and able to thrive.”
Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the symposium’s role in promoting neurodiversity. She explained, “The symposium, first launched at the University of Liverpool in 2024, is shaped by lived experience and aims to strengthen awareness, understanding and inclusion across the Higher Education sector. We are delighted that this year’s event provides a platform to showcase the city’s commitment to neurodiversity. By bringing together policymakers, sector leaders, researchers and experts by experience, the symposium creates space to share insights, celebrate best practice and explore opportunities for collective action across systems.”
Anthony Leo, Acting Place Director for Liverpool at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, expressed optimism about the strategy’s impact on healthcare. He remarked, “As an integrated care system, we recognise that neurodivergent residents form a vital part of our communities. This strategy sets out a clear, collaborative vision to help individuals thrive at every stage of life, representing a significant step forward in how we support neurodivergent people across Liverpool. By working in partnership with local organisations, communities and people with lived experience, we are committed to improving access to services, reducing inequalities, and ensuring care is more responsive, inclusive and person-centred.”
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