Ambulance service launches new project to boost support for neurodivergent staff

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has secured £46,250 from NHS Charities Together to launch a new Neurodiversity Wellbeing Project, designed to give neurodivergent staff, including autistic colleagues and those with ADHD or dyslexia, tailored support in the workplace.

Although 10% of staff reported having a disability or long-term health condition in the 2024 staff survey, NEAS believes the true figure is higher due to underreporting or lack of diagnosis. Annual surveys also show that colleagues with long-term conditions continue to face disproportionate wellbeing challenges.

The grant is part of an £11m national programme, jointly funded with NHS England, supporting 29 projects across England this autumn.

NHS Charities Together’s research highlights the pressure on staff: nearly half (47%) said their role affects their mental health, and 41% reported an impact on their physical health. For NEAS, the demand for targeted support is clear. The Able@NEAS staff disability network says most of the requests it receives are related to neurodivergent conditions.

The new, confidential and voluntary project will include:

• Access to the ‘Genius Finder’ screening tool to help staff understand their strengths and challenges.
• One-to-one coaching sessions to support wellbeing, performance and inclusion at work.
• Training for internal colleagues to become accredited neurodiversity coaches, building long-term in-house capability.
• Ongoing evaluation, with a full impact report due in March 2027.

“All our staff work incredibly hard to deliver excellent patient care, often while dealing with challenges of their own. Under the banner of neurodiversity, we have many colleagues who may be neurodivergent. As a Disability Confident Employer, we take their support seriously. This project will give staff quick access to the targeted help they need to remove barriers and recognise their strengths.”

Pauline Hogarth, chair of the Able@NEAS network and deputy chair of the National Ambulance Disability Network.

The initiative builds on a successful pilot in the Emergency Operations Centre, where tailored training boosted confidence among teams supporting neurodivergent colleagues.

It also aligns with Trust priorities around staff experience, inclusion and psychological safety, including commitments within the People Promise and the 2024/25 Quality Account.

“NHS staff often say they have the best job in the world, but the demands are huge. We need a healthy workforce if we want a thriving NHS. This funding helps ensure staff can look after their own wellbeing with the same care they give to others, and we’re delighted to support this work.”

Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together.

The Neurodiversity Wellbeing Project will launch early in 2026, with access to the Genius Finder tool and initial coaching available from February 2026.

---

To read similar articles, check out our People and skills channel.