A recent BBC article highlights the growing backlog in ADHD diagnoses across the UK. While diagnosis is crucial, it’s just the beginning of managing ADHD. So, what practical steps can be taken both before and after seeing a doctor?
Peer-to-peer support networks could be a game-changer. These communities connect individuals facing similar challenges, offering real-world advice, emotional support, and practical strategies for managing ADHD. Unlike costly or delayed professional care, peer support is often free and immediately accessible, providing a sense of community and empowerment.
Here’s how you can take action:
Join a Support Group: These offer immediate advice and connection.
Educate Yourself: Understand ADHD to make informed decisions.
Implement Coping Strategies: Use tools like time management techniques.
Advocate for Yourself: Communicate your needs to employers and schools.
Stay Connected: Combat isolation by connecting with others.
While we push for quicker diagnoses, peer support can bridge the gap, offering affordable, practical solutions to help individuals thrive before and after a formal diagnosis.
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In recent years, there has been a significant rise in ADHD diagnoses amongst adults in the UK, approximately 6.8% of the adult population globally.
This trend reflects an improved awareness and recognition of ADHD symptoms, leading to an increased demand for understanding and support.
A Community Focused Solution
This is where ADHD Action Network steps in, offering guidance, resources, and a supportive community.
We’re passionate about creating a consistent supportive community for individuals with ADHD.
Our Mission
Our mission: To empower, uplift, and provide actionable and positive solutions for those navigating life with ADHD through a peer-driven community.
The group practice is based on:
The latest research around ADHD and neurodiversity
Creating environments that build neural pathways
A digital-free environment that allows for active listening
Actionable steps that can be applied to everyday life
Research into community support groups for neurodivergent individuals has shown these groups play a crucial and positive role in providing peer-led support, raising awareness, and empowering neurodivergent people.
The Importance of Community Support
Research Insights: Studies show that community support groups play a crucial role:
Providing emotional support
Finding understanding
Sharing experiences
Gaining access to relevant actionable resources
Challenges Faced by Adults with ADHD in the UK
Adults with ADHD in the UK face several challenges, including:
Access to Support: Many adults encounter long waiting lists for ADHD assessments and support services. In some areas of London, the wait can be as long as eight years. This delay can hinder timely diagnosis and intervention, exacerbating the difficulties faced by individuals with ADHD.
Societal Stigma: Despite growing awareness, there is still significant societal stigma associated with ADHD. Misconceptions about the condition can lead to judgment and misunderstanding, making it harder for individuals to seek help and openly discuss their struggles.
Daily Obstacles: Managing ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of daily life, including maintaining employment, managing relationships, and achieving personal goals. Without adequate support and understanding, these challenges can feel insurmountable.
Join Our Community
Our community is a safe space—a place to share stories, learn, and grow.
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Steven Bartlett recently highlighted a societal shift towards seeking community over digital saturation.
At the London Buddhist Center, I’ve found a living example of this movement. Their innovative approach to mindfulness and meditation offers a digital detox path that is particularly empowering for those of us with ADHD.
Meditation, often seen as elusive for ADHDers, is demystified here. The LBC’s expert-led group sessions prove that focused mindfulness is not only possible but also a potent complement to traditional ADHD management strategies.
As we embrace this counter-trend of meaningful connection, I’m eager to integrate these practices into our ADHD Action Network, enhancing our collective journey towards mental well-being.
Your Thoughts: Are you also experiencing this pivot to authenticity and community? What initiatives resonate with you in this quest for connection?
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Did you know that recent data from The Lancet and NICE indicate a childhood ADHD incidence rate of 5% and an adult rate of 3-4% in the UK? That’s an estimated 2.6 million people (694,000 children and 1.9 million adults) navigating life with ADHD.
In light of this, the demand for understanding and support has never been greater.
ADHD Action Network is here to meet that demand. We’re driven by a single goal: to build a dependable and supportive community for individuals with ADHD. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
Our Mission: Empower, uplift, and provide actionable solutions for those living with ADHD through a peer-driven community.
Our Program: A community space for building consistent, long-term discipline around positive solutions.
Our Community: Support groups led by empathetic experts with lived ADHD experience.
We focus on proactive strategies for sustainable progress, not quick fixes. Our community is your safe space—a place to share stories, learn, and grow.
Together, We Thrive: Join us in creating a brighter, more inclusive future.
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ADHD is a significant health issue affecting the NHS. Long wait times or expensive options from private healthcare providers are proving the need for innovative solutions to support people more than ever. Haringey is stepping forward and acting as an innovator in supporting a program for its community.
The newly launched ADHD Action Network (AAN) has completed a co-production with The Bridge Renewal Trust’s Tottenham Talking program to offer support to the Haringey community for those looking to find solutions for their ADHD.
A cohort of 10 persons has completed the program, an innovative peer-to-peer approach that leverages a customised 4-step program backed by evidence-based best practices. The benefits of peer-led group programs (such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous) have long been validated, saving the healthcare system and Government precious funds and providing much-needed support to many people across the country.
“It was great to see how the group bonded over relatable issues,” says Dave, a program participant, “A place for real conversations and non-judgmental sharing.”
Program developer and co-producer Nick Pairaudeau says, “Having been through a complex journey of discovery from reading about ADHD to getting a diagnosis, through looking for solutions once being diagnosed that were drug-free, I felt compelled to build a program of positive action in concert with key stakeholders.”
“I am proud of the amazing support the community in Haringey has shown in helping make this program a reality. Due to the success of the program, we will continue the work of the group and build out more programming and innovative solutions to support those in the borough of Haringey.”
AAN has also developed a customised outreach marketing strategy tailored to inform and engage key stakeholders and those with or who think they might have ADHD to signpost and build awareness of the program.
