Give to Gain:IWD2026, Edinburgh Returns, Chester Begins and RSD explored…
Our movement gains momentum in March with TEN Peer Support Groups in Scotland, England and Wales; including the eagerly awaited return of our Edinburgh group and a brand new group in Chester!
We hope you’ll come along to your local group in March to lean on and learn from other ADHD adults of marginalised genders to discuss Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
March is Women’s History Month, and the theme of both this month and of International Women’s Day (08.03.26) couldn’t be more aligned with our charitable aims.
But before we delve into all of the above….
Hi I’m Laura, the founder 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 live events and Patreon Community both inspired and continue to inform this Charity, and this month we are featured in ADHD Magazine in my column: ‘The Shame Drop’.
I’m so excited to be part of this genuinely incredible magazine, which is bursting with science, survival skills, real stories and ADHD LEGENDS!
All of us at ADHDAF+ are so grateful to James Brown and all of the team for the awareness and funds raised by ADHD Magazine for our free ADHD Support Groups!
You can grab a copy in supermarkets, WH Smith Travel, TG Jones, or order online HERE
The Shame Drop is an homage to the infamous final question from the Podcast; The Most ADHD Thing - the shame eradication game - which we use as an icebreaker at the start of all ADHDAF+ Charity monthly support groups. We close each group on a happy note by sharing our Glimmers/micro joys.
“Micro joys are how we survive macro grief”
February Glimmers include the launch of two new Support Groups! CONGRATULATIONS and ENORMOUS THANKS
to our new Volunteer Facilitators Paula and MJ!
Our first group in Wales was hosted by MJ in Wrexham, with incredible attendee feedback…
’The session was amazing! Being around like-minded people, sharing our experiences and feeling seen.
Enough time and space was given for me to finish making points.
Highlights were the questions that were asked of us - it wasn't like the usual ice-breakers, the questions felt ND-led, relatable and supportive.’ - Wrexham Attendee 11.02.26
We are so grateful for all group attendee feedback which we ask for at the end of each session; as it enables us to continue to evolve and best support our community.
ADHDAF+ Charity is about us, by us, for us.
Due to unforseen circumstances our Wrexham group is paused. To be the first to find out when it returns you can sign up for Wrexham email reminders HERE
Blackpool’s first session also had glowing reviews…
’Paula did a great job making everyone feel comfortable to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
It was lovely, I will definitely attend the next.’
- Blackpool Attendee 12.02.26
You can join Paula for March’s Blackpool ADHD Support Group on Thursday 12th March 7-9pm at Aunty Social, 28 Topping St,
Blackpool FY1 3AQ
You can sign up for Blackpool email reminders HERE
The focus topic for February’s groups was: ADHD Self-relationship, and it was extremely well received, with amazing feedback from attendees of all groups and an enormous response to the ADHD AF Podcast episode introducing the topic and groups…
I loved this crucial conversation with AuDHD Or Just a Bit Weird Podcast host Jon Hill, who I also had the pleasure of meeting in real life this month.
Thank you to all who tuned in and cheered us on! We’re both so glad that the episode was helpful; both bringing a flavour of the charity support groups for attendees and to validate and educate like-minded listeners all over the world.
If you haven’t already, you can listen to: ADHD Self Relatiionship on ADHD AF Podcast on all platforms or you can watch the video HERE
February brought another brilliant Birmingham session!
You are invited to join Lizee and Yas for March’s Birmingham ADHD Support Group on Tuesday 3rd March 7-9pm at Stryx JQ, 90 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6JZ
(access via secret garden - not cafe entrance)
You can sign up for Blackpool email reminders HERE
Our amazing Ayr ADHD Group is facilitated by Big ADHD Fundraiser Cyclist, Beth.
BIG NEWS about this years cycle raising funds for ADHDAF+ and ADHDadultUK coming very soon…
’Some really good points were made about being kind to yourself, owning behavior and accepting the way your brain works with regards to putting systems in place.’
- Ayr Attendee 03.02.26
If you’re in or around Ayrshire, join Beth for March’s Ayr ADHD Peer Support Group on Tuesday 3rd March 6:30-8:30pm at 48 Newmarket Street, KA7 1LR (acces via left door)
You can sign up for Ayr email reminders HERE
Our London ADHD Group loved February’s topic!
’It was really well balanced with all of us having an opportunity to speak. It was such a nice group, we all help each other’
- London Attendee 05.02.26
Join Ruth for March’s London ADHD Peer Support Group on Thurrsday 5th March 6:30-8:30pm at Almorah Road Community Centre, 58 Almorah Rd, N1 3EU.
You can sign up for London email reminders HERE
Meanwhile in Oxford….
‘
I enjoyed the session. Liked the ice breaker to get us all flowing. Also like the fact there’s a kind of agenda for us to focus on.’
- Oxford Attendee 11.02.26
Come along in March to Kirsty’s Oxford ADHD Peer Support Group on Wednesday 11th March, 7-9pm at Jubilee Room, Headington Quarry Village Hall, OX3 8NX (Margaret Rd entrance)
You can sign up for Oxford email reminders HERE
Another tremendous turnout for our Bristol group!
‘After struggling with feeling like the odd one out/something was "wrong" with me throughout my entire life, it was such a validating, comforting and nourishing room to be in.
Everyone was incredibly generous, open and compassionate during discussions. I really appreciated the supportive and encouraging environment and the relaxed rules/freedom to fidget and move around. Thank you for such a beautifully empowering evening!’
- Bristol Attendee 12.02.26
Join Kate for the next Bristol ADHD Peer Support Group on Thursday 5th March, 7-9pm at Tobacco Factory: The Loft (3rd Floor) BS3 1TF
(access via Theatre entrance)
You can sign up for Bristol email reminders HERE
A final glimmer of the month… in Manchester, our Toni facilitated her first session solo - something she wouldn’t have felt confident enough to do in the past - and a great time was had by all.
AMAZING WORK TONI!
‘It was good to look at myself and try and learn to love myself again.’
- Manchester Attendee 11.02.26
Join Gill and Toni at our Manchester ADHD Peer Support Group on Wednesday 11th March at Friends’ Meeting House,
6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS.
You can sign up for Manchester email reminders HERE
Enormous thanks to all of our incredible volunteers and attendees for another fantastic month connecting and empowering ADHD adults of marginalised genders with invaluable peer support!
We are all so excited for March’s RSD sessions….
Though each month’s adults only ADHD groups focus on a different topic; all follow the same format for each session and run for two hours.
All of our venues are fully accessible, and although attendees are encouraged to share their experiences if they would like to - there’s no pressure!
Similarly, there’s no pressure to be on time or stay for the duration.
All are welcome to sit comfortably, take some time out or move around during - so long as they do not disrupt the session
for other attendees.
Can any adult attend ADHDAF+ Groups?
As you can see from March’s schedule above; we have two new ADHDAF+ groups. Well, sort of…
We have already held several Edinburgh ADHD Support Groups. However, the legendary Nicole was no longer able to facilitate them, therefore the group has been on pause until we could fill her leopard print shoes…
I’m VERY excited and grateful to introduce our brand new Edinburgh Co-facilitators Marianne and Vanessa!
Though I have absolutely no idea why Marianne (Maz) has a goat on her back; I do know what a fantastic Co-facilitator she will make.
In fact, she may well be the G.O.A.T. ;) Just ‘kidding’ ;)
…OK I’ll stop now!
Like many of our Volunteer Group Facilitators, Maz is a member of the Podcast Patreon Community - which not only inspired and informs, but also fundraises for ADHDAF+.
The support she receives from the Podcast Community daily over the last few years inspired her to volunteer for our Charity…
‘The peer support I have online is literally life saving and I loved meeting folk in real life. I want to be part of helping our community connect, share and feel less alone.’ - Maz
Vanessa is also part of the ADHD AF Podcast Patreon furniture…
‘I have personally received so much benefit, support and care from both the online community and from connecting to people in person.
I have seen how important connection is.
Peer support truly helps people know they aren’t alone and therefore find it easier to deal with the hardest and most isolating parts of ADHD.
I owe a lot to ADHDAF+ so am looking forward to giving something back.’ - Vanessa
How lucky are we to have these two join forces to bring back our Edinburgh Group! THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH!
You can join this formidable duo at March’s Edinburgh ADHD Peer Support Group 7-9pm Thursday 12th March in a new venue:
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
You can sign up for Edinburgh email reminders HERE
Enormous thanks and a very warm welcome to Tina, who is launching our brand new group in Chester.
’ADHD AF podcast was a great help and comfort to me when I was first diagnosed.
Listening to Laura made me feel less alone and helped me process my feelings around my diagnosis.
There is nothing in my area that supports women and it is needed.
I have previously worked for charities that aline with my values as it gives me a great sense of purpose and joy.’ - Tina
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is intense emotional pain triggered by either real or perceived rejection, criticism, or failure.
Though not currently a formal diagnostic term, RSD is commonly discussed in ADHD communities and by clinicians to describe a pattern of emotional sensitivity linked to ADHD-related differences in emotional regulation.
Our reactions can be rapid, intense, and (are often considered) ‘disproportionate’ to the situation. Alongside deep emotional feelings of shame, and hurt; for some of us, RSD can also cause physical pain.
RSD is not a separate diagnosis in diagnostic manuals, but it is widely recognised clinically as a common emotional experience among many ADHD adults.
Photo Credit: @summonfirephotography
For many people with ADHD - myself very much included - the emotional side of ADHD can be the hardest. RSD is my nemesis!
On the third Podcast Tour: ADHD AF Alien Nation, I created a caricature to raise awareness about RSD in a unique and engaging way.
Introducing RSD-2, the most sensitive Droid in the Galaxy!
In this ridulous skit, I addressed the audience, whilst being regularly interrupted by a Darth Vader inspired voiceover - vocalising my negative internal narrative, to demonstrate my extreme sensitivity to perceived rejection. None of what ‘the dark side’ was saying was true - or at least I hope not! ;)
The character was really well received, and a fun way to validate and educate. I hope to bring RSD-2 back someday.
My conclusion in this ridiculous performance was that ‘RSD actually stands for Really Sh*t Daydreams.’
Sincere apologies for my language, but for the most part it’s true!
I’ve discussed the topic of RSD in multiple episodes of the podcast. Most notably, two micro episodes with tips from experts on how to cope with it. Both are available on ADHD AF on all podcast platforms or...
- You can listen to: RSD Warriors, Not Worriers with Rach ‘Adulting ADHD’ Idowu HERE
- Or hear: Find the win when battling RSD with Dr Alex Conner of ADHDadultUK HERE
All of our Facilitators very much look forward to hearing your experiences of RSD at our ADHD Peer Support Groups in March.
“ADHDAF+ Charity is
built, led and run by Women.”
March is Women’s History Month, and the theme for 2026 is
’Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future‘
Established in 1978 as ‘Women’s History Week’. After lobbying efforts led by the National Women's History Alliance, the week to the entire month of March in 1987.
Highlighting women who are at the forefront of creating sustainable change, not just environmentally, but also socially, economically, educationally, and within systems of justice and equity. It recognises women whose leadership is helping build a more sustainable, just, and resilient future for communities and the planet.
’GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Honour: Celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.
Educate: Raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change.
Inspire: Empower individuals and institutions on how to take action toward sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence.
Connect: Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.
Envision: Encourage a long-term vision for our future where women’s leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet.’
- nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org
German Activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of International Women’s Day in 1910’ and in 1911 the first official IWD took place.
In 1975, the United Nations officially began celebrating International Women’s Day.
‘When we give, we gain.
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
#GiveToGain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.
Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication.
When women thrive, we all rise.’ - internationalwomensday.com
Our Charity is as much about connecting and empowering our Facilitators as our group attendees.
From our Board of Trustees,
(as pictured) to our Operations Team, to our 22 Volunteer Facilitators, and I…
We have all gained by giving our time and skills to the ADHD Community by creating and running ADHDAF+.
In doing so, our free monthly Peer Support Groups have connected and empowered 330 ADHD adults and counting - the vast majority of whom are Women.
All of us at ADHDAF+ would be so incredibly grateful if you could give to our Women led Charity this International Women’s Month.
Your support will help us to continue connecting and empowering in Scotland, England and Wales, so that the ADHD Community can gain invaluable Peer Support.
“Courage calls to courage everywhere, and its voice cannot be denied”
Here are some ways you could #GiveToGain this #WomensHistoryMonth if you are able:
Photo taken at ADHD AF Alien Nation Tour in May 2024
We hope to welcome you to an
ADHDAF+ Charity ADHD Peer Support Group
on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in March!
If you are struggling YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Please reach out for help via our list of resources HERE.
Thanks so much for all of your support!
Laura x
