Neurodiversity in the Workplace Workshop

Join us for an essential afternoon for anyone who wants to improve their working environment to harness the strengths that neurodivergent people bring to the workplace. You will hear about the small adjustments and strategies you can put in place to create neuro-inclusive workplaces and hear personal stories and examples from a range of experts who are neurodivergent themselves or who work to support neurodivergent people.

We know that every individual deserves the opportunity to flourish in their workplace and your workplace will see the benefits from creating this environment.

Who should attend?

If you are a manager, leader, HR professional, or a committed colleague then this workshop is for you.

Your business or organisation will benefit from becoming neuro-inclusive and our workshop will tell you how to do achieve this.

Hear from 3 expert speakers followed by an insightful panel discussion with opprtunities for questions throughout.

Speakers

Daryhl Lewis- Wellbeing Services Manager- Making Space

Daryhl will offer an introduction into neurodiversity, provide information on the work taking place at Making Space around Neurodiversity and explain more about the support and training Making Space can offer businesses.

Dan Bird- The Traitors Season 3- Video

Hear from Dan about his experience in The Traitors Season 3 and how his Autism diagnosis allowed him to see the game in a different way to the other contestants. Dan also describes his experiences in the workplace including the challenges he faced in the corporate world prior to his diagnosis and the understanding he found post diagnosis.

Donna Garraway- Seetec Pluss Team Manager Warrington

Donna will share her lived experience of being neurodivergent in the workplace and provide event delegates with information on the adjustments Seetec make and practices they follow to support and celebrate neurodiversity.

Panell discussion- hosted by Neil Lewis, The Empathy Coach

The ED&I agenda is close to Neil's heart, given how closely linked to empathy and understanding it is. Neil will explore the concept of empathy with the panel and examine their views, passions and insight into neuro-inclusive working environments.

Panellists

Jade Palmer – Head of Philanthropy and Business Development, Petty Pool Trust

Jade will provide her insight and thoughts around ensuring neurodivergent young people are welcomed into paid employment and how employers can support them.

Kevin Berry- Neurodiversity Support Manager- HMP Liverpool.

Kevin offers practical knowledge on the adjustments made in the justice system to support neurodivergent people and how his learning can be applied to the workplace.

Lucy Stanistreet- Small Business Consultant- L8Six

Lucy will provide her perspective on her working life pre and post ADHD diagnosis, both as a manager and an employee.

Tea/coffee and snacks will be provided.

Wine served during networking.

Speaker and Panellist Bios

Daryhl Lewis- Wellbeing Services Manager- Making Space

As Wellbeing Services Manager, Project Manager on Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System, and Neurodiversity & Inclusion trainer, Daryhl brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. As a parent carer also diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, Daryhl offers authentic insights into the realities faced by neurodivergent individuals and families. With a background in Psychological Wellbeing and education as an Early Years SENDCO, she brings deep understanding of the importance of early intervention and individualised support strategies. Through her current roles, she works to bridge policy and practice, ensuring neurodiversity initiatives are both evidence-based and genuinely responsive to community needs. As a trainer, she uses her diverse expertise to drive actionable change across organisations, advancing neurodiversity understanding and inclusion.

Dan Bird- The Traitors Season 3- Video

Dan appeared in the hit BBC show, The Traitors in January 2025. He has since written travel book, Go Neuro Way about his travel adventures with Autism and has worked in the corporate world.

Donna Garraway-Team Manager- Seetec Pluss Warrington

Donna leads a team who assist people alongside the DWP to get the furthest from employment back in to work, working together to overcome barriers build confidence and learn new skills. Her background is in support work, working alongside social services and probation before joining Seetec. Donna has been with Seetec for over 4 years.

Neil Lewis- The Empathy Coach

The Empathy Coach was founded in 2020. Born out of a deep passion and affinity for empathic practice, self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and 20+ years experience of award-winning people development, it's Neil's mission to help individuals, leaders and businesses to thrive in today's diverse, fast-paced and emotionally-driven world.

Jade Palmer – Head of Philanthropy and Business Development, Petty Pool Trust

With 15+ years’ experience in fundraising and business development across health, education, culture, and community sectors, Jade is a collaborative leader and recognised national speaker. Currently Head of Philanthropy and Business Development at Petty Pool, a college supporting young people with SEND into employment, Jade also serves as Chair of Governors at a secondary school with a broad and dives catchment. Passionate about inclusion, she will share insights on enabling neurodivergent young people to access and thrive in the workplace.

Kevin Berry- Neurodiversity Support Manager- HMP Liverpool.

Kevin spent 15 years teaching in inner city schools and referral units, becoming an expert in learning needs and behaviour management. In 2022 he moved to the Ministry of Justice to advise on Neurodiversity.

As the Neurodiversity Support Manager at HMP Liverpool, Kevin has led a number of initiatives to change the environment, policies and procedures to improve the outcomes for neurodivergent offenders. Kevin was nominated for a Butler Trust Award in 2023 for using art and graphic design to revolutionise front line communication and boost inclusion in a Pr*son setting.

Lucy Stanistreet- Small Business Consultant.

Lucy was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021. She has held leadership roles in hospitality and recruitment before going on to build her own successful businesses in retail, beauty, and training. Today, Lucy supports small businesses to grow, drawing on her lived experience and commercial expertise to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve sustainable success. Through her consultancy, L8Six, she provides tailored guidance and practical strategies that empower business owners to thrive.

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Host or Publisher Making Space