Nearly 100 neurodivergent young people are set to benefit from new specialist mental health support in their own homes.
The scheme, funded by London Freemasons, will aid 18 to 25-year-olds across the capital who face conditions such as autism and ADHD and are reluctant to leave their homes to access care.
A £59,000 grant from London Freemasons has been awarded to the Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (CDARS) to deliver the programme.
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Alexandra Thomas, grants and bids manager at CDARS, said: "We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant. Neurodivergent young people are at risk of not accessing the right support for their mental health and the challenges linked to their neurodiversity.
"Offering professional support from their homes can help bridge a gap and build their self-confidence and social skills so they can gradually engage in community services."
Around half of those supported by CDARS’ Young People Programme present symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD. While many prefer online interaction over in-person contact, this can limit opportunities for social development, skill-building, and community engagement.
The funding will support two part-time Outreach Neurodiversity Support Coaches with backgrounds in psychology or social work and trained for working with neurodivergent individuals. The coaches will provide person-centred care in the clients’ homes, aiming to build confidence and reduce social isolation.
Will Clayton from London Freemasons said: "I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help CDARS with their hugely important project helping neurodivergent young people. The challenges facing them is significant and this wonderful charity has an excellent programme of support that can literally mean the difference between life and death, given the prevalence of suicidal feelings among this group."
National data shows that neurodivergent young people face higher rates of severe mental health issues, including a suicide rate up to 12 times higher than their neurotypical peers. They also experience high dropout rates from group programmes and greater social withdrawal.
Families are affected as well. According to the National Autistic Society, 79 per cent of autistic people and 70 per cent of family members feel socially isolated, with half avoiding going out due to fears of negative public reactions.
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