Women's ADHD Workshop

A year ago, I started off what was only supposed to be a social group for local women with ADHD. It was intended to be a place where women with ADHD could come together, drop the mask as well as social expectations, and be themselves whilst making positive connections. My experience of social connection as a neurodivergent woman has been a lonely one, however when this started to change for me, I wanted to give other women the opportunity to feel less isolated and a sense of belonging.

The group mainly attracted women in their mid 30's and upwards. One of the things that came up was the dreaded perimenopause and how much this impacted every area of our lives from relationships to work. The struggle was real. I heard stories of women feeling like they had been gaslighted by medical professionals, and some having to fight to be able to go on to HRT... and so my inspiration began thanks to my hyper focus and need for justice.

I had met with Zoe, the local Community Builder, who told me about various funding grants. We overcame obstacles including the fact the group didn’t have a bank account. With Zoe’s knowledge and connections, she put me in touch with the wonderful Inclusive Exeter, who supported me in submitting the Exeter City Council ward grant application and held our funds. Our ADHD & Perimenopause Coach who was set to run our workshop was incredibly patient through other various challenges along the way, but thankfully it all came together. 

The workshop was a huge success with women coming together at various stages in their journey, but the common denominator being how much we are struggling and impacted. This workshop took place not only to help women with more knowledge and resources, but also to remind them they are not alone and they are not forgotten.What started off as a social group has now become a support network to over 330 women locally, some have even joined from out of Exeter. If you're thinking of starting a group to help and support your local community, I would really encourage it. I have crossed paths with people I never would have in everyday life if it wasn't for this group. Seeing the positive impact of this group and workshop has given me hope that things can get better.

You can join the Women's ADHD social group on facebook here.

Zoe, Community Builder for St David’s and Pinhoe says: “It’s been a pleasure to support the Women’s ADHD group, they’ve come so far in such a short space of time. The group has made a lot of effort to be inclusive, and the organiser has done a great job of taking on the feedback of the group and running activities which members have expressed an interest in. If you’d like to bring people together with shared interests, get in touch!”.