Many neurodivergent people experience anxiety and sensory sensitivities, so it is important to offer environments that promote calm, regulation and wellbeing.
Young people supported at our Gate service have the opportunity to join in with meditation sessions every morning, and recently enjoyed a spa-themed relaxation session in our swimming pool.
Based on the positive feedback from these sessions, Swimming Teacher Gemma created another wellbeing activity this week as part of Mental Health Awareness Week – a guided floating relaxation session in the pool. This gave the young people the opportunity to switch off and relax while enjoying a totally new experience.
The session, which was suitable for all abilities, combined supported floating with calming music, low lighting and guided relaxation.
“Blissful”, “Perfect” and “10/10” were just some of the phrases used by the people we support to describe the session.
To find out more about our Gate service, visit https://www.donaldsons.org.uk/gate/
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #Neurodiversity
Recently, the young people we support at Vibe had the chance to step beyond their usual routine and into something new, an experience designed to open up opportunities, build confidence, and strengthen connections within their community.
They took part in an incredible pottery session at @linlithgow_pottery, led by the talented Zibah. It was a hands-on class and everyone got stuck into working with clay, exploring creativity and trying something completely new.
More than just a creative activity, this experience was all about expanding horizons. The group walked together to the studio, building independence and confidence before the session even began. Once there, Zibah warmly welcomed everyone, gave a tour of the space, explained safety guidance, and demonstrated techniques.
In the lead-up to the session, the young people practiced using clay in the service to build familiarity. At the studio, each young person chose what to make, from trinket dishes to mugs and bowls, giving them a real sense of ownership over their work.
For neurodivergent young people, experiences like pottery can:
• Build confidence and patience
• Provide a calming, sensory creative outlet
• Strengthen social connections in a relaxed environment
• Encourage independence and pride in their achievements
There were smiles, laughter, and a real sense of accomplishment – not just in what they made, but in the experience shared and the confidence gained along the way.
A big thank you to Zibah and everyone at Linlithgow Pottery.
To find out more about Vibe, visit our website (link in bio).
#neurodiversity #pottery
It`s a special Fundraising Friday as two of our amazing corporate partners are taking part in fundraising challenges this weekend!
On Saturday, a team from Nexa Life Sciences and Concilium Search Group are taking on the mighty Tough Mudder, while our local partners from @pacittijoneslinlithgow are taking fundraising to new heights in the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil.
There’s still time to donate to either team – links in bio.
Fundraising is so important as every penny raised helps us to build a more inclusive community where neurodivergent people are recognised, valued, and supported to thrive.
Good luck and thank you everyone taking part for going the extra mile to support Donaldsons — we’ll be cheering you on all the way!
#fundraising #neurodiversity
Neurodivergent children and young people often find attending events and performances a challenge due to sensory overwhelm and anxiety. Bright lights, loud noises and busy event spaces can be a struggle.
That’s why we were delighted to welcome the cast from A Home for Hamish (just.us.clareandlesley) to our Sensational Learning Centre.
The performance, created by deaf dance artist Clare Adam and autistic dance artist Lesley Howard, followed the story of May and their imaginary friend, Hamish the Haggis, as they travel across Scotland to find a perfect night’s sleep.
The production merged dance and British Sign Language in a sensory world, cleverly creating a space where young people can see themselves, their languages and their sensory needs represented and respected.
Pupils were absolutely captivated by the production as Clare and Alice took them on a journey full of colour and adventure.
After the performance, the pupils were able to interact with the set and chat to the actors and stage manager about their different journeys into the arts.
The Sensational Learning Centre is focusing on providing more opportunities for pupils to access the arts, as this can spark curiosity and creativity, as well as boosting wellbeing. This visit was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience something new, and to find out more about career opportunities within the arts.
Find out more about the Sensational Learning Centre on our website (link in bio).
#theatre #neurodiveristy #inclusion
On Thursday, voters across the U.K. head to the polls for what is shaping up to be an era-defining set of local and parliamentary elections. In Scotland, 129 MSPs will be elected to the Scottish Parliament, each with responsibilities for scrutinising and voting on legislation that will impact on each of us for years to come.
Our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, reflects on our hopes for the 7th parliamentary session, the political parties’ manifestos, and what that all means for the estimated 825,000 neurodivergent people living in Scotland.
You can read the full article at the link in our bio.
#Neurodiversity #ScottishElections
It`s Fundraising Friday!
Our corporate fundraising partners at Pacitti Jones Estate Agency & Solicitors in Linlithgow are taking fundraising to new heights next weekend at the Port of Leith Distillery abseil!
On Saturday 9th May, Lewis Martin, Danielle Reid, Kerri Henderson, Carmen Osborne and Shona Brown will be donning their safety gear and abseiling down the 131ft distillery building. They are taking on this incredible challenge to raise money to help build a more inclusive community where neurodivergent people are recognised, valued, and supported to thrive.
They have raised an amazing £660 so far, but there’s still time to support them at the link in our bio.
Good luck to the Pacitti Jones team! We’ll be there to cheer you on (from the ground!) on the day!
#PacittiJones #fundraising #neurodiversity
At our Sensational Learning Centre, we believe that it’s important for young people to feel connected to others, and to have opportunities to participate in activities in the wider community. The Chestnut Class at our Sensational Learning Centre recently took part in a Clubbercise event run by @dsscotland.
The event was held to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day by raising awareness and promoting inclusion. Young people were encouraged to join in with 21 minutes of dancing over live stream, and the Sensational Learning Centre was among 37 schools taking part.
Pupils really got into the spirit, joining in with the dancing and waving glow sticks. They also wore odd socks, a symbol of inclusion and support for people with Down’s syndrome.
The young people particularly enjoyed seeing so many people taking part as this helped them to feel connected to other schools and be part of a shared experience. Families had the opportunity to make a donation, which meant that as well as having fun, the young people felt they were helping to make a difference for people with Down`s syndrome and their families across Scotland.
This event was a fun way to try something new and enjoy some exercise, and everyone ended the session feeling tired but happy.
To find out more about the Sensational Learning Centre, visit the link in our bio.
#DownsSyndrome #WorldDownsSyndromeDay #neurodiversity
Are you an experienced Adult Practitioner? Are you passionate in supporting the independence and positive wellbeing of others?
We are looking for Wellbeing Practitioners to join our growing Adult Services team here at Donaldsons, on a permanent, part-time basis.
We know how important a good work–life balance is, and working patterns include Tuesday to Thursday 11.30am to 2.30pm – perfect for fitting in around school runs or other commitments, and leaving your evenings and weekends free.
To find out more and apply today, visit the link in our bio.
#jobs #vacancy #neurodiversity
