More urged to sign up to the vital scheme, making a real difference to the lives of neurodivergent young people and volunteers alike
An Edinburgh-based initiative offering vital support for neurodivergent young people navigating the complex journey into adulthood is celebrating its first successful year and the difference the Volunteering Scheme is making to the lives of both neurodivergent children and young people, and the volunteers themselves. Mindroom, which champions all forms of neurodiversity, launched its Volunteer Programme last November and has already doubled the number of volunteers.
Andrew Wright, Team Leader at Mindroom, says: “Mindroom believes that no mind should be left behind and working with volunteers to support the delivery of our transitions programme helps us to ensure this is a reality for even more young people, as well as providing an opportunity for the volunteers themselves to flourish and give something back to their community.”
“Our vision is of a service that can provide this support to any young person who needs it as they explore for themselves where their strengths lie and how they might use them as they make the transition to life as an adult.”
Neurodiversity affects 15-20% of the global population including a large number of young people in schools and communities who face many challenges as they develop into adulthood. Whether it’s navigating education, social situations or planning for the future, neurodivergent young people often encounter judgement, misunderstanding and a lack of tailored support that can make these challenges even harder to overcome.
Mindroom’s volunteer programme plays a key role in offering this support, helping neurodivergent young people build confidence, develop vital life skills and better prepare for the transition into adulthood. By providing these resources, Mindroom ensures that young people can access the support they need to thrive, while also fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Volunteers undergo rigorous training, including seven in-depth modules covering safeguarding, trauma-informed mentoring and neurodiversity. Since its launch the programme has grown rapidly and by the end of this year Mindroom hopes to have 10 volunteers mentoring young people across Scotland.
Sharon, a Mindroom volunteer and parent of an autistic daughter, describes her experience: “Volunteering with Mindroom has been incredibly rewarding. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I understand how crucial support is during challenging transitions including school or entering the workforce. There is such a shortage of services for neurodivergent young people and programmes like this are absolutely essential because they provide a safe space where young people can feel heard and understood, helping them to gain confidence, reflect on their choices and build the skills they need to succeed.
“The training I was offered during Mindroom’s volunteering program didn’t just prepare me to work with young people, it made me feel confident that I could make a tangible difference to their lives, and that’s what makes this opportunity so important on a personal, professional and societal level.”
Sharon, Mindroom volunteer
Phoebe Crehan, another volunteer and a neurodivergent counselling student, adds: “Volunteering with Mindroom has been truly eye-opening. Watching the young people I mentor gain confidence and start advocating for themselves has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not only allowed me to support others who share similar experiences but it ‘s also deepened my understanding of the challenges they face.”
“I often think how helpful this programme would have been to me when I was younger, particularly as I didn’t receive my diagnosis of neurodivergence until later in life and so Mindroom’s volunteer programme highlights just how structured opportunities can channel into meaningful change.”
Mindroom is actively seeking volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds, recognising that diversity enhances the impact of its mentoring programme. Volunteers from all walks of life bring valuable perspectives, enriching the programme and the experiences of the young people they mentor.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, says: “At Mindroom, our mission is to ensure that every neurodivergent young person has access to the support and opportunities they need and our volunteer programme is central to this mission, providing crucial mentorship to help young people navigate life’s transitions with confidence. On this International Volunteers Day, we want to recognise the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, whose dedication makes a real difference in the lives of these individuals. By offering their time and expertise, volunteers not only help empower young people, but also play a key role in advancing Mindroom’s vision of a more inclusive society where all minds are understood and supported.”
To learn more about the volunteering programme our Transitions Service or get in touch directly:
Contact number: 0131 370 6730
Email: andrew@mindroom.org
