A range of peer support services is now available for neurodivergent York residents, delivered by Daisy Chain, an award-winning charity.
The support has been commissioned by the Connecting Our City project which brings together a number of partners, people with lived experience and their carers, to build a community-based network of mental health help for residents.
This builds on commitments made in ‘A city that works for all – York’s All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030’ to improve support offers for autistic people and those with ADHD, independent of whether they have a diagnosis.
The free service from Daisy Chain is for adults (aged 18+) who self-identify as autistic or ADHD, as well as those with a diagnosis or who are currently awaiting assessment.
It includes peer support drop-in sessions, bookable one-to one appointments, advice and information and ‘understanding myself’ workshops.
The York Mental Health Partnership Co-Chairs, Professor Lynne Gabriel OBE and Dr Steve Wright, said:
Neurodivergent people and those with ADHD are more likely to struggle to manage their mental health. With increased knowledge, awareness and more diagnoses, this is essential support to help people optimise their wellbeing. Being delivered by peers from experts Daisy Chain, ensures compassionate and practical support when it’s needed.”
Cllr Lucy Steels‑Walshaw, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing at City of York Council, said:
The Connecting Our City partnership continues to find thoughtful and practical ways to support neurodiverse people, building on the goals of our All‑Age Autism and ADHD Strategy.
“Neurodivergent residents and their families now have more choice and easier access to community‑based peer support, with sessions available to book directly through Daisy Chain.”
Lisa Pope, Director of Commissioning for York and North Yorkshire at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, added:
This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when health, care and community organisations work together. By building a network of accessible, community-based support alongside people with lived experience, we can help ensure neurodivergent residents have the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them.”
Residents can contact Daisy Chain directly by telephone on 01642 531248 (option 2), by email at york.support@daisychainproject.co.uk , or by completing the referral form at https://daisychainproject.co.uk/?s=York