A New Era, Unmasking ADHD and several full circle moments…
It’s been an EXTREMELY exciting month for our Charity - and we’re only just getting started!
The above photo was taken at May’s London ADHD Group - one of THIRTEEN free in-person ADHD Peer Support Groups we facilitate to connect and empower ADHD adults of marginalised genders.
There’s many a May ‘glimmer’ to share - plus June’s groups information AND some very BIG NEWS…
Hi I’m Laura, Founder and CEO of ADHDAF+ Charity.
I was diagnosed with severe combined type ADHD aged 38 in January 2022; which not only improved my quality of life; it saved my life… and I’ve been on a mission to help others like me ever since.
My Podcast ADHD As Females (ADHD AF) united a ‘Leopard Print Army’ of listeners, which led to an online peer support community and three UK Tours.
The ADHD AF Podcast Community and Live Events both inspired the creation of - and continue to inform the work of this Charity.
This month began a full circle moment - in which we announced our first Live Event as a Charity…
ADHD Easy Target in collaboration with the National Lottery Community Fund and the National Trust is taking place at Nostell - a gorgeous Georgian House, Gardens and Woodlands in Wakefield - West Yorkshire on Sunday 6th September 2026.
Though this radical ADHD Symposium is free for attendees; there are limited spaces available, and over 60% of tickets have already gone - despite having only mentioned one of the many speakers of the day!
And I’m so excited to have a further announcement about this speaker…
Dr Helen Wall is not only joining us at our first live event; she is joining our charity.
We are honoured, grateful and so excited to announce that Helen is one of two new Trustees joining our Board for this brand new era!
We are equally as excited to announce our second new board member very soon! But
Dr Helen Wall, is a highly respected General Practitioner, menopause specialist, author, and leading advocate for women’s health, with a particular focus on the intersection of ADHD and menopause.
With a career spanning clinical practice, medical education, and media engagement, she has become a trusted voice in raising awareness of how hormonal changes can profoundly impact neurodivergent women.
As a GP, Dr. Wall is known for her compassionate, patient-centred approach, combining evidence-based medicine with a deep understanding of the lived experiences of her patients. Recognising a significant gap in awareness, she has pioneered conversations around how menopause can exacerbate or unmask symptoms of ADHD, particularly in women who may have been previously undiagnosed.
Beyond her clinical and literary work, Dr. Wall is a passionate ADHD advocate. She works tirelessly to challenge stigma, improve understanding, and promote better diagnostic and support pathways for women and girls.
Whether addressing menopause, mental health, or neurodiversity, she is committed to empowering individuals with knowledge and encouraging informed conversations. She advocates for a more integrated, holistic approach to women’s healthcare; one that acknowledges the interplay between hormones, mental health, and neurodiversity.
You can listen to Helen on ADHD AF discussing ADHD, Hormones and Peri/Menopause wherever you get your podcasts or watch the video HERE
“It is an absolute honour to become a Trustee for ADHDAF+ because in a time of change and movement for ADHD Women, this charity is leading the way in support.”
All of us at ADHDAF+ are so grateful for Helen’s support. Her knowledge, experience and passion will be invaluable to the future of our charity. THANK YOU SO MUCH Helen, and welcome aboard ‘the good ship leopard print! :)
And from one legend to another… Lou O’Connell MBE qualified four of our team in Supervising First Aid for Mental Heath (FAA Level 3 Award) in Mental Health Awareness Week.
In her own words:
‘Mental health first aid isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being present, compassionate and willing to step forward when someone is struggling’
Alongside the mental health first aid training qualifications gained - we are lucky enough to have Lou aka ‘Mental Wealth Mentor’ and bestselling author of the incredible book: ‘You are not your ADHD’ supporting all of our volunteer facilitators and team with our mental health behind the scenes.
We are all so lucky and grateful to have her!
Plus it’s another wonderful full circle moment; as ADHD AF Podcast supported Lou at the first stage in her ADHD discovery.
The mental health first aid training Lou facilitated was possible thanks to funds raised for ADHDAF+ by The Big ADHD Fundraiser 2025…
ENORMOUS THANKS to all who took part and donated!
I can’t wait to share the big news about the VERY Big ADHD Fundraiser 2026 very soon! But before that, we’ve got another incredible fundraiser happening in June…
Shelley Smith is running a half marathon to raise funds for our charity!
And she’s doing it in leopard print as she’s one of the Leopard Print Army of listeners who have been helped by ADHD AF Podcast…
I am so moved by Shelley’s words, and the team and I are so grateful for all of her hard work! Thank you so much Shelley!
If you’re able to help Shelley hit her £1K target for next month’s run - please donate via this link.
We are so extremely grateful for all donations and fundraisers, as they pay for our free in-person ADHD adult Peer Support Groups - of which we facilitated thirteen in May….
Starting at our most northerly session; one attendee of our Ayr ADHD Peer Support Group reported:
’I was really interested in the topic (Burnout) and enjoyed hearing other peoples stories in person’
- Ayr Attendee, 05.05.26
If you’re in or around Ayrshire, come and join Beth’s June session on Tuesday 2nd June, 6:30-8:30pm at 48 Newmarket Street, KA7 1LR.
You can sign up for email reminders for our ADHD Ayr Support Group HERE
On the same night in Birmingham:
‘Very open, honest and understanding people’
- Birmingham Attendee, 05.05.26
Lizee invites your to join her June Birmingham ADHD Peer Support Group on Tuesday 2nd June, 7-9pm at Stryx JQ,
90 Vyse St, B18 6JZ
You can sign up for email reminders for our ADHD Birmingham Group HERE
ENORMOUS CONGRATULATIONS to our new Swindon Facilitator Jen and Co-facilitator Kim on the huge success of our first Swindon ADHD Group with 17 attendees at the first session!
‘I really enjoyed the session, facilitators managed it well, spoke easily and comfortably making a really comfortable/safe environment. There was enough time for everyone to share, felt validating and I enjoyed the opening about the most adhd thing I’ve done!’
- Swindon Attendee, 05.05.26
Our next Swindon ADHD Peer Support Group is on Tuesday 2nd June, 7-9pm at Little Grazey, 114 Victoria Rd, SN1 3BH. You can sign up for ADHD Swindon Group reminders HERE.
The following evening at our Runcorn ADHD Group:
’I enjoyed speaking to others like me and really enjoyed the session.’
-Runcorn Attendee 06.05.26
You can join like-minded Runcorn locals who GET IT on Wednesday 3rd June, 6:30-8:30pm at Murdishaw Community Centre, Barnfield Ave, WA7 6JW.
Sign up for email reminders for our ADHD Runcorn Group HERE.
Meanwhile in Cambridge…
“It was amazing being in a room of people who I just related to and enjoyed being around and could unmask. The host was also amazing”
- Cambridge Attendee 06.05.26
You’re invited to Donnie’s next Cambridge ADHD Peer Support Group on Wednesday 3rd June, 7-9pm at Unity Centre (Blossom Room) Pathfinder Way, Northstowe, CB24 1FD and you can get Cambridge email reminders HERE.
Bristol ADHD Group Facilitator Kate’s ‘David Brent’ pose is a real glimmer of May for me! :) Joke’s aside, it is wonderful to see this group THRIVE - with 21 attendees connecting at May’s session!
‘As always, I really enjoyed the session. Everyone is always made to feel welcomed, accepted and heard and Kate did an excellent job of adapting the session for a larger group. I'm not always able to get to each month's session, but when I do, I always come away feeling supported and less alone.’ - Bristol Attendee, 07.05.26
Our next Bristol ADHD Support Group is on Thursday 4th June, 7-9pm at The Loft (3rd Floor) Tobacco Factory, BS3 1TF
Enormous congratulations to new Facilitator Eve on a brilliant first Hemel Hempstead ADHD Peer Support Group!
Eve’s work connected and empowered 6 like-minded locals; one of whom treated my London podcast shows attendees to impromptu poi performances.
I mention this - not only because it was so lovely to see a familiar face - but because the surprise poi is a real highlight of those three tours which inspired creating our charity. When I’m telling podcast listeners to come to our groups (and now events) ‘as they are and to do what would make them feel most comfortable’ - it’s Chrissie’s poi that always springs to mind! Thank you for shining your light Chrissie, and helping inspire the work we do!
Another Glimmer from this first Hemel Hempstead session is this wonderful feedback:
’It was open and relaxed. Eve kept us on track but it didn't feel forced or rushed to stick to any time. Everyone was given the amount of time needed to share. I could have stayed all night!’
- Hemel Hempstead Attendee, 07.05.26
Join Eve at her next session: Thursday 4th June, 7-9pm at St Johns Hall, Station Road, HP1 1JY and you can get email reminders HERE.
Despite discovering a very last minute date change (due to polling day) Ruth facilitated another successful session at her London ADHD Peer Support Group.
’It was nice to be able to discuss with peers and I loved the fidgets and the drawing gear. Ruth was good at giving time to everyone.’
-London Attendee 14.05.26
ADHD London locals, you’re invited to join on Thursday 4th June, 6:30-8:30pm at Almorah Road Community Centre, 58 Almorah Rd, N1 3EU and you can sign up for email reminders HERE.
May brought another fantastic Manchester ADHD Group! Gill has been facilitating these sessions for over a year! You can listen to her talk about her group in the latest ADHD AF Podcast HERE
‘Such a good venue and the right amount of time.
I really enjoy the sharing element - good to get tips and perspectives from other people.’ - Manchester Attendee 13.05.26
Join Gill at the next ADHD Manchester Session on Wednesday 10th June, 7-9m at Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount St, M2 5NS and you can get email reminders HERE.
A fantastic evening was had by all at Paula’s Blackpool ADHD Group.
‘I enjoyed the topic and the discussion. It was nice being in a room full of people who have similar experiences and ways of thinking in a very creative and relaxing space’
- Blackpool Attendee, 14.05.26
Come along to the next ADHD Blackpool Peer Support Group on Thursday 11th June, 7-9pm at Aunty Social, 28 Topping St, FY1 3AQ and you can sign up for email reminders HERE.
We are also facilitating free ADHD Peer Support Groups in June in Chester and Oxford…
You can join Tina at her Chester ADHD Group on Thursday 4th June, 7-9pm at Rainbow Tearooms, 28 Bridge St, CH1 1NQ and you can sign up for ADHD Chester Support Group reminder emails HERE
You can come along to Kirsty’s Oxford ADHD Support Group on Wednesday 10th June, 7-9pm at Jubilee Room, Headington Quarry Village Hall, OX3 8NX and you can sign up for ADHD Oxford Group reminder emails HERE.
Finally, a fabulous time was had at May’s Edinburgh ADHD Support Group.
You can come along to the next: Thursday 11th June, 7-9pm at Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL and you can sign up for email reminders HERE
Thank you to Vanessa, who did a fantastic job facilitating for the first time solo - as Co-facilitator Maz was unable to attend. Maz experienced massive amounts of ‘fomo’ at missing May’s group… I very much relate as I wish I could come to them all!
We hope you can make one of our free in-person ADHD Peer Support Groups in June, focussing on: Unmasking ADHD….
Full details of all groups available HERE
A final full circle moment
The focus topic for all 13 June ADHD Support Groups is Unmasking ADHD… which was one of the first focus topics we introduced to our sessions!
In due course we will introduce more new topics than those we’ve covered; but it’s also important to revisit each one. Not only for new attendees who missed the previous - but also for any attendees who were part of this prior group discussion - in order to reflect on how far we have all come in the year since - and to acknowledge and share what has helped them with that aspect of their ADHD.
You can listen to the episode: ADHD Masking: How do we Unmask? On ADHD AF on all podcast platforms now. It was recorded in June 2025, way back when we’d only been facilitating ADHD Groups three months, only hosted 5 groups and I hadn’t switched over to video podcasting yet! How times have changed! :)
You can also listen to this fantastic mini episode with ADHD Coach Meghann Birks reframing People Pleasing to Peace Keeping HERE.
We hope you will join the conversation with other local ADHD adults at one of our June groups.
“But what is the format of ADHDAF+ Groups? Who can attend?
How do we choose locations?
AND... What’s with all the leopard print?!
Your questions, answered on our FAQ page”
You can find out all of the above HERE plus more information about Our Story, an overview on our Home page, plus Testimonials and Press, and new ways you can Support Us, including Corporate Sponsorship Packages. Perhaps your place of work or business might like to help fund a local group?
We would be so grateful for any support to help us connect and empower ADHD adults of marginalised genders in Scotland, England and Wales.
I cannot wait to share the big news about thie years Big ADHD Fundraiser and our second new Trustee very soon and I hope to meet you at the our first live event in September! Free tickets HERE.
Please know that if you are struggling
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Please reach out for help via our
list of resources HERE.
Thanks so much for reading and for all of your support!
Laura x
