Borders pilot puts neurodivergent voices at heart of funding
A Scottish Borders woman has launched a pioneering project that aims to put neurodivergent people at the heart of local funding and governance
The Neurodivergent Local Action Group (ND LAG) pilot, made possible by the Scottish Borders Local Action Group, will explore how neurodivergent people can take part in governance, influence funding priorities and help shape decisions that better reflect lived experience.
The first-of-its-kind initiative is being developed in the Scottish Borders with the aim of creating a practical and inclusive model that could eventually be rolled out nationally.
The project is encouraging neurodivergent adults from across the Borders to get involved, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis. No previous experience of committees, funding panels or governance is required.
The ND LAG pilot was developed by Rachel Parker, a neurodivergent adult living in the Scottish Borders, following her own experiences of navigating funding systems. It will bring together neurodivergent people, community organisations, public services, employers, funders and support providers.
Ms Parker said she identified significant barriers within existing funding structures.
She said: “For too long, decisions have been made about us, without us.
“This pilot will demonstrate the social and economic value of people from underrepresented groups making the decisions about how support is designed and implemented to create the most efficient and most meaningful impact.
“We want to hear from neurodivergent people across the Scottish Borders, whether or not they have ever been involved in anything like this before. Your lived experience, your perspective and your understanding of what needs to change are what matter.
“We are also keen to speak with local organisations, services, employers and community partners who want to help build a more inclusive approach to governance.”
The pilot will focus on engagement, research, partnership building and training, including exploring how meetings can be made more accessible, what practical support participants may need and how decision-making processes can better work for neurodivergent people.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Borders Local Action Group said: “We’re delighted for this pilot to be taking place here in the Scottish Borders and shaping the future for targeted support whilst laying the foundations for a more integrated approach to local community decision making.”
The project team is particularly keen to hear from neurodivergent people, those interested in joining a board, organisations supporting neurodivergent people, funders wanting to become more neuroinclusive, and Local Action Groups from across the country.
Find out more at www.rachelparker.info/ndlag or email [email protected]