Making Space hosts neurodiversity workplace workshop for local employers
Published 18 November 2025
Around 50 people from organisations across Warrington and the wider North West attended an inspiring Neurodiversity in the Workplace Workshop in November, hosted by Making Space at The Village Hotel, Warrington.
The event brought together managers, HR professionals, business leaders and colleagues who want to create more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees. With an estimated 15–20% of UK adults being neurodivergent - but 30–40% still unemployed - the workshop aimed to challenge stigma, remove barriers and highlight the strengths neurodivergent people bring to the workforce.
Creating workplaces where neurodivergent people can thrive
The workshop provided practical guidance on small, manageable adjustments employers can make to support neurodivergent staff. It also featured powerful personal stories from speakers with lived experience. To make the event itself neuro-inclusive, Making Space incorporated fidget toys, a traffic-light communication system, extra spacing between seats and encouraged people to take breaks whenever they needed.
Expert speakers share lived experience, insights and strategies
Daryhl Lewis, Wellbeing Services Manager at Making Space, opened the event with an introduction to neurodiversity and an overview of the training and support Making Space offers to organisations.
Delegates also heard a video message from Dan Bird, star of The Traitors Season 3, who reflected on how his autism diagnosis shaped his experience on the show. Dan shared how his neurodivergence helped him analyse situations differently:
The unique ways I saw the game were massive strengths for me. I was able to analyse things from different angles, and being able to separate my emotions from my gameplay really helped because I never took anything too personally.
Donna Garraway, Team Manager at Seetec Pluss Warrington, offered a moving account of her experiences as a neurodivergent person in the workplace and shared examples of the inclusive practices adopted within her organisation.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, facilitated by Neil Lewis (The Empathy Coach), covering topics such as supporting young neurodivergent people into work, the positive impact of neurodivergent thinking on business performance, and effective management approaches.
Panel speakers included:
- Kevin Berry – Neurodiversity Support Manager, HMP Liverpool
- Lucy Stanistreet – Small Business Consultant, L8Six
- Amanda Hornby – Dyslexia Specialist Trainer, British Dyslexia Association
- Jade Palmer – Head of Philanthropy & Business Development, Petty Pool Trust
A memorable moment came when Kevin doodled a horse to help him focus. When he asked if anyone minded, a delegate quickly replied: “Neigh!”. The panel used the moment to discuss how many adults - like children - are discouraged from doodling, despite it being an effective concentration tool.
Reflecting on the event, Natalie Bargery, Making Space Corporate Fundraising Lead, said:
I have learnt so much from our speakers and panellists. They provided so much knowledge and insight and managed to put it across in an interesting and fun way. I hope everyone who attended has gone home with plenty of ideas on how to make their workplace more neuro-inclusive, and that together we can ensure more neurodivergent people are happy and thriving in work.
The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates on LinkedIn, including:
What an inspiring and insightful day. Every conversation, event and piece of training is another step towards a more inclusive world for us and future generations.
Eye-opening. Each speaker gave me new insights, helped me name feelings I’ve carried for years, and showed me how to bring that understanding back into work to better support my team and customers.
All proceeds from the event went directly to Making Space, helping the charity continue its work to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia and other complex needs, as well as the families and carers who support them.