Last week, the NeuroDivas ADHD Support Group celebrated their 1-year anniversary. It was a day to honour their achievements over the past year and the friendships they’ve built.

The group meets every Thursday at The Sanctuary, offering a safe space for women with ADHD. They come together to share experiences and lift each other up.

Creating a safe, welcoming space

Holly, Melissa and Clare created the NeuroDivas group shortly after meeting on an ADHD course, organised by Birmingham Resilience Education and Wellbeing Services CIC (BREWS CIC).

“We all got on really well and realised there wasn’t much support for ladies in particular,” Holly explained. They then decided to create their own support group.

Nora Young, from BREWS CIC, added: “They spoke with the team at The Sanctuary about continuing to meet up. With the support of Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (Erdington NNS) and the wonderful people at The Sanctuary, NeuroDivas has now been running for 12 months!”

The group began working with Erdington NNS in January 2025, receiving support to formally set up the group, develop policies and procedures, and access training, such as Mental Health First Aid.

In September 2025, they successfully applied for 12 months of funding through Erdington NNS. This funding allows the group to continue running, hire the meeting space at The Sanctuary and provide resources for members.

“Erdington NNS and BCM (Birmingham Community Matters) have been really encouraging and supportive. They’re a great team and we’ll continue to make progress with their support,” Melissa said.

A year of achievements and friendship

Over the past year, NeuroDivas has grown from strength to strength. Their members have grown in confidence, with some now attending courses or taking driving lessons. It’s also made a huge impact on Claire, Melissa and Holly, strengthening their friendship.

“We’re all friends,” Clare said, “We’re there for each other and try to help each other’s strengths.”

Holly added: “I always say Thursday is my best day of the week because of the warmth and understanding I’ve found with our group. But I wouldn’t be able to do this on my own. I’m thankful to Melissa and Clare – we’re like the three amigos!”

Members also feel this same sense of belonging. Emma, a NeuroDivas member said:

“It’s my safe space, my sanctuary, my family. Somewhere I can be me, without apologising.”

To mark the big day, the group celebrated with a special anniversary cake and were gifted with a stunning diamond art piece made by group member Viki.

With the group now entering their second year, they’re looking at ways to expand. From exploring new activities for their wider member base and signposting courses help to build confidence and employability.

“It’s a bit like a Kinder Egg,” Melissa explained, “We don’t know what will happen.

“But we still have goals and plans, and that is to keep supporting women through motivation and inspiration. That’s our driving force.”

Here’s to many more years – congratulations NeuroDivas! We can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. They are a fantastic success story of how The Sanctuary can provide a safe, welcoming environment for community-led groups, and how the team, along with Erdington NNS, can help them every step of the way.