A YFC member in Derbyshire is championing neurodiversity awareness by developing resources to help ensure every member feels included, supported and welcome.
Faith, 15, is Ashbourne YFC’s Competitions and Programme Secretary and has been inspired to help raise awareness about neurodiversity after she took part in an online AgDiversity awareness course, which was funded by the Young Gamechangers Fund.
The training, which included a member from each club in Derbyshire, was designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the agricultural and other land-based industries. Following the training, members discussed how they could adapt the learning for a YFC setting.
“When we put the training into real-life YFC situations, it was easier to see where there might be gaps,” said Faith who discovered a lack of knowledge about neurodiversity was holding clubs back.
“While a lot of members are aware of conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, there can be a gap in knowledge on how to support neurodivergent people in a club setting.
“I wanted to make it easier for neurodivergent people to feel included in YFC and find ways we can support them more.”
The Gamechanger Fund Derbyshire received enabled them to deliver a project following the training course and Faith felt strongly it should focus on raising awareness around neurodiversity.
She is now planning a County Roadshow that can be delivered to all clubs that will share useful resources, case studies and tools.
“I’m aware of people who are neurodivergent feeling overwhelmed in meetings and some YFCs have struggled to support them as they’re unsure what actions to take.
“These roadshows will be aimed at building confidence as well as removing stereotypes and any stigma associated with being neurodivergent.”
Faith has been working with a local adult neurodiversity centre that has supported the content for the roadshow.
“We’re in the process of organising a placement at a centre, which is a specialist care provision for people who struggle with autism. We’re hoping to speak to them about past experiences and build those into our roadshow so we can share real-life examples,” explained Faith.
Faith hopes the training will encourage more members who are neurodivergent to speak up about their experiences and feel more involved in their club.
“It can be scary for some people as they’re used to being treated differently when others find out they are neurodivergent. My hope is that after the roadshow and the training, everyone will feel more comfortable to share more about themselves and know they will be supported.”
Faith is also encouraging every club to appoint a designated person who understands the additional needs of neurodivergent members. This person could offer support during meetings if someone becomes overwhelmed, including allowing them to step out or leave early if needed.
Faith said: “We have had cases where people attend with a parent and need to go home early if they feel overwhelmed. Having a designated person in the club to manage these situations would give members more independence and mean they can participate for longer.”
If the county roadshow is successful, the hope is that the template can be rolled out to other clubs across England and Wales.
For more information on supporting people with additional needs in your club, check out NFYFC’s guide here. Read a Q&A with Faith here about her experience as a club officer.