Please be aware that the global Microsoft outage affecting Outlook and other programmes is affecting our systems.
This means we may not be able to read or reply to messages sent to us while Microsoft works to fix the issue. If you urgently need to contact us, you can call on 01506 841900. π
Itβs a very special #FundraisingFriday as weβre shining the spotlight on four of our incredible colleagues who laced up their running shoes and took on the Supernova 5K across the Forth Road Bridge last Saturday! π
Working at The Donaldson Trust, they see firsthand the difference that support makes β making their efforts all the more inspiring. Raising a combined total of Β£811, their support will help us create opportunities, remove barriers and build a society in which neurodivergent people are understood, accepted, treated fairly and valued.
A huge thank you to our brilliant team for leading by example! π
Are you looking to kick off 2027 with a challenge of your own? Check out our upcoming events and join #DonaldsonsClan, click the link in our bio and head to `Get Involved`.
#DonaldsonsClan #SupporterSpotlight #Supernova5K #MakeADifference
Weβre looking forward to this eveningβs Transitions Event hosted by Carers of West Lothian π₯³
Transitions from school to adulthood can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming – especially for neurodivergent young adults and their families. Thatβs why our Adult Services team will be there to share how we support young adults aged 16+ in building confidence, developing practical skills, and exploring opportunities for independence.
At the event, weβll be on hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and explain how our Adult Services can help neurodivergent young adults navigate this important stage of life with the right support and encouragement. Itβs a chance to learn more about the services we offer and see how we work alongside young adults and their families to create a future that truly fits.
Weβll be there from 6pm to 8pm – come say hello, meet our friendly team, and find out how our services can help your young adult thrive as they move into adulthood. π
Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent young adults?
This could be the opportunity youβve been looking for! π
At The Donaldson Trust, we believe every neurodivergent young adult deserves the chance to thrive, discover their place in the world and shape a future that works for them.
Weβre looking for a Wellbeing Practitioner to join our team in Treehouse β our specialist wellbeing service for neurodivergent adults aged 16+ who require an individualised programme and bespoke environment to support and improve their wellbeing, skills development and independence.
As a Wellbeing Practitioner, you will:
β’ Provide calm, individualised support that is responsive to each supported personβs sensory profile
β’ Have proven experience supporting adults with individualised needs
β’ Hold (or be willing to work towards) SVQ Level 3 in Social Services and Healthcare
We offer a family-friendly working pattern with no evening or weekend work, giving you a true work-life balance while doing work that genuinely matters.
If youβre professional, dependable, collaborative, curious and adaptable β and you have experience supporting adults with individualised needs β weβd love to hear from you.
π Head to our website for more details, click the link in our bio and go to `Work With Us`.
β° Closing Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
βοΈPlease note: Given the nature of this role, we are keen to recruit as soon as possible. Therefore, please apply early, as we will hold interviews throughout the application window and may bring the closing date forward.
Preparing for life after school starts with finding what inspires you. π‘
This Scottish Careers Week, we`re celebrating a pupil from our Sensational Learning Centre who stepped into the worlds of photography, fashion and literature during a recent visit to the Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston. πΈ
For neurodivergent young people, exploring potential career paths isn`t just about learning job roles. It`s about finding environments where their talents are supported, understood and allowed to shine.
By engaging directly with creative tools and industry-inspired workshops in a thoughtfully structured setting, this visit opened up real-world possibilities, helping her connect her current passions with future career ambitions. π
Beyond gaining practical skills and discovering how media and creative arts operate behind the scenes, the trip offered something even more fundamental: a welcoming, accessible environment tailored to her needs. She said:
"It was really good to be in a small group for the activities. It was really great for neurodivergent people. I am really glad they thought about this because it made it much easier for me to join in."
When these kind of experiences are genuinely neuro-inclusive, they do more than inspire. They show the people we support that their skills are valuable and that there is a path for them in the workplace after school. βΊοΈ
#ScottishCareersWeek
We are marking Trustees Week 2026 by celebrating the people who help guide and shape The Donaldson Trust – our Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees play a vital role in supporting The Donaldson Trustβs mission and direction. Their experience and insight help us continue to grow and develop as the National Body for Neurodiversity.
We are incredibly grateful for their contributions and the powerful impact they have in driving our mission forward.
Get to know our Trustees on our website, click the link in our bio π
#TrusteesWeek
With plenty on the agenda, our parliamentary engagement continued this week, and we`re grateful to @danieljohnsonmsp and @alexanderkerr__ for their time and insights. π
Daniel has been a longstanding advocate for neurodivergent people and neurodivergent rights in Scotland. Our conversation reflected on recent progress while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges still to come. We discussed the importance of public service reform being shaped by a clear focus on outcomes, inclusion and the rights of marginalised communities, particularly at a time when greater strategic direction is needed within Scotland`s neurodivergence policy landscape.
We also had a valuable discussion with Alex about employability, skills and creating pathways that work for everyone. We shared how our Connect neurodiversity training and consultancy services help organisations build more neuro-inclusive workplaces, while exploring the value of skills-based learning, apprenticeships and alternative routes into employment for neurodivergent young people and adults.
These conversations are vital in helping drive forward the rights, opportunities and aspirations of neurodivergent people across Scotland. We look forward to continuing our cross-party engagement and welcoming Amanda Lindsay MSP to our Linlithgow campus next week. π
Moving beyond school into adulthood is a major milestone, and having the right network in place makes all the difference. π
Thatβs why weβre looking forward to attending the upcoming Planning for Adulthood Transitions Event hosted by @carerswestlothian next week.
Members of our Adult Services team will be there to discuss our tailored support for neurodivergent individuals aged 16 and over as they take those next steps.
Whether you`re just starting to think about transitions or already making plans, drop by our stand to meet the team, pick up information and discover how we support young adults and their families to shape a future that truly fits.
Event details:
π Date: Thursday 12th November
π Time: 6pm to 8pm
π Location: Inveralmond High School, Livingston
If you are a parent or carer of a young person aged 14-18 with additional support needs, come along and see the support available.
β Spaces are free but booking is essential. Click the link in our bio to reserve your spot!
#Transitions #Neurodiversity #SchoolLeavers #Neurodivergence #AdditionalSupportNeeds #AdultServices
