Women and ADHD Community Group Constitution and Governance Framework

Group Name

Women and ADHD Community Group

Purpose of the Group

The Women and ADHD Community Group exists to provide accessible psychoeducational workshops and supportive peer spaces for women affected by ADHD and related neurodivergence.

The group aims to:

• support self-awareness, self-understanding, self-compassion, emotional well-being, and confidence
• reduce social isolation through shared lived experience and community connection
• provide safe and supportive spaces for discussion, reflection, and learning
• introduce what research says about the what, why, and how of ADHD, neurodivergence, wellbeing, and relevant psychological and therapeutic theories, share personal insights and experiences to support participant engagement and collaborative working
• improve accessibility to supportive community spaces and personal development opportunities
• promote understanding of neurodivergence in a non-judgemental and inclusive environment

 

The Women and ADHD Community Group provides psychoeducation and peer support only. The group does not provide therapy, counselling, diagnosis, medical advice, crisis intervention, or clinical treatment. Facilitators are not acting as therapists, clinicians, or crisis practitioners within the group setting.

Values and Principles

The group is committed to:

• compassion
• inclusivity
• respect
• accessibility
• collaboration
• lived experience
• neurodivergent-affirming practice
• psychological safety
• trauma-informed approaches

The group recognises that many participants may have experiences of trauma, shame, masking, emotional dysregulation, social exclusion, or mental health challenges. Facilitators will aim to create a supportive environment which prioritises emotional safety, autonomy, and dignity.

Committee Structure

The group will be managed by a committee consisting of a minimum of three members.

Committee roles may include:

• Group Coordinator/Chair
• Treasurer
• Secretary/Administrator
• Facilitator/Committee Members

Committee members will work collaboratively to support the safe and effective operation of the group.

The Group Coordinator/Chair will oversee:

• overall coordination of the project
• safeguarding oversight
• facilitator coordination
• venue liaison
• programme planning
• operational decision-making

The Treasurer will oversee:

• financial record keeping
• invoices and payments
• reconciliation of the community account
• financial transparency

The Secretary/Administrator will oversee:

• meeting minutes
• communication records
• administration
• documentation and governance records

Decision-Making

Decisions relating to the running of the group will be made collectively by the committee wherever possible.

Major decisions including:

• funding applications
• financial commitments
• policy changes
• significant purchases
• changes to group structure
• dissolution of the group

will require agreement from the majority (two out of three) of committee members.

Day-to-day operational decisions may be made by the Group Coordinator/Chair in consultation with the committee where appropriate.

The committee will meet at least bi-annually to review finances, governance, safeguarding, and operational matters.

Membership of the Women and ADHD Community Group is open to individuals who support the aims and values of the group.

Committee membership will be agreed collectively by the existing committee.

Committee members may step down voluntarily or be removed by majority agreement where necessary to protect the safe and effective operation of the group.

 

Finance and Use of Funds

Any income, donations, grants, or surplus funds received by the group will be used solely to further the aims of the Women and ADHD Community Group.

Funds may be used for:

• venue hire
• workshop resources and materials
• refreshments
• insurance
• accessibility adjustments
• administration costs
• subsidised attendance for unwaged or low-income participants
• facilitator training and development
• future programme delivery and community activities

No funds will be distributed for private profit.

Reasonable facilitator payments, reimbursement of agreed expenses, or training costs may be authorised transparently by the committee where appropriate and where funds allow.

The Women and ADHD Community Group operates independently as a community-based unincorporated association and is not operated for private commercial profit.

The Women and ADHD Community Group is an independent community psychoeducational project, administratively supported by Bridging Pathways Limited.

Payments for Women and ADHD events are processed directly into the Women and ADHD Community Group community account and are used solely to support the running and development of the group.

 

 

Banking and Signatory Rules

The Women and ADHD Community Group will operate a separate community bank account.

The account will require a minimum of two authorised signatories from the committee.

Cash withdrawals will not be permitted from the account.

Invoices and expenditure must be approved by the Secretary and/or Chair prior to payment.

The Treasurer will process approved payments via bank transfer in accordance with invoices and committee approval.

Payments will ordinarily be processed once per calendar month unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise.

Financial records will be maintained to support transparency and accountability.

Dissolution Clause

If the Women and ADHD Community Group is dissolved or closed, any remaining funds, after outstanding debts or liabilities have been settled, will be transferred to The One to One Project in recognition of their support in providing venue space and community partnership support.

Remaining funds will not be distributed to committee members or individuals for personal profit.

 

 

Safeguarding Statement

The Women and ADHD Community Group recognises its responsibility to promote the safety and wellbeing of participants.

The group provides psychoeducational and peer-support spaces rather than therapy or crisis intervention. However, facilitators recognise that participants may disclose experiences relating to:

• mental health
• trauma
• abuse
• self-harm
• suicide
• safeguarding concerns

Facilitators will:

• respond with compassion and professionalism
• encourage participants to access appropriate professional support where necessary
• act proportionately to safeguarding concerns
• escalate safeguarding concerns where there is a serious risk of harm to an adult, child, or vulnerable person

Where possible, confidentiality will be respected. However, confidentiality may be breached if there are concerns relating to:

• serious risk of harm
• safeguarding
• terrorism
• criminal activity
• legal obligations

Safeguarding concerns may be discussed within supervision or committee processes where appropriate to support safe and ethical decision-making.

Confidentiality and Privacy

The Women and ADHD Community Group aims to provide a respectful and confidential environment.

Participants are encouraged to:

• respect the privacy of others
• avoid sharing personal information disclosed within the group outside of the sessions
• maintain respectful boundaries

The group cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality within peer spaces.

Personal information collected for attendance, communication, or administration purposes will be stored securely and used only for legitimate group purposes.

Information will not be shared with third parties unless:

• consent has been provided
• there is a safeguarding concern
• disclosure is legally required

The group will aim to follow principles consistent with UK GDPR and good ethical practice.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Women and ADHD Community Group is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants.

The group will aim to:

• reduce barriers to participation
• consider sensory and accessibility needs
• respect lived experiences and identity
• create neurodivergent-affirming spaces
• promote dignity, respect, and psychological safety

Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Review of Governance

This constitution and governance framework may be reviewed and updated by agreement of the committee to reflect the evolving needs of the group and its participants.

 

Women and ADHD

Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy

1. Policy Statement

Women and ADHD is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety and dignity of all individuals who engage with our community group activities. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

As a neuro-inclusive psychoeducational community group, we primarily work with adults, including adults who may be vulnerable due to disability, neurodivergence, mental health difficulties, trauma, social isolation, domestic abuse, exploitation, or other support needs. We are committed to creating emotionally safe, respectful and trauma-informed spaces which reduce harm and promote wellbeing.

Although our primary focus is adults, we also recognise our safeguarding responsibilities regarding children and young people where concerns arise, including disclosures involving risk to children connected to adult participants.

Women and ADHD acknowledges that abuse, neglect, exploitation and coercion can occur in any setting, including community groups, relationships, online environments and family systems. We are committed to responding appropriately, proportionately and lawfully to safeguarding concerns.

This policy outlines how safeguarding concerns are recognised, responded to, recorded and escalated within Women and ADHD activities and events.

2. Purpose of the Policy

Women and ADHD aims to:

• Promote the safety, dignity, wellbeing and human rights of adults attending our workshops and activities.
• Protect adults at risk from abuse, neglect, discrimination, coercion or exploitation.
• Provide facilitators, volunteers and participants with clear safeguarding principles and procedures.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are responded to appropriately and sensitively.
• Balance confidentiality with legal and ethical safeguarding responsibilities.
• Promote trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and accessible safeguarding practice.
• Foster psychologically safe spaces which support connection, learning, self-awareness and peer understanding.

This policy applies to:

• Committee members
• Facilitators
• Volunteers
• Guest speakers
• Workshop attendees
• Anyone acting on behalf of Women and ADHD

3. Definitions

Adult at Risk

Under the Care Act 2014, an adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who:

• Has needs for care and support, whether or not those needs are being met;
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
• As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Women and ADHD recognises that vulnerability may be temporary, fluctuating or situational. Neurodivergent individuals, people experiencing trauma, mental health difficulties, domestic abuse, addiction, financial hardship or social isolation may experience increased vulnerability at different times.

Child

Under the Children Act 1989, a child is anyone under the age of 18.

Although Women and ADHD is an adult-focused community group, safeguarding responsibilities toward children remain where concerns are disclosed or identified.

4. Types of Abuse and Harm

Women and ADHD recognises that abuse may be intentional or unintentional and may occur online, offline, individually, institutionally or systemically.

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
• Financial or material abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Bullying or cyberbullying
• Hate crime
• Mate crime
• Exploitation
• Modern slavery
• Radicalisation or extremism
• Self-neglect
• Stalking or harassment
• Online abuse

We also recognise that trauma, shame, masking, communication differences and previous adverse experiences may impact how neurodivergent individuals disclose abuse or distress.

5. Legal and Ethical Framework

This policy is informed by relevant UK legislation and safeguarding guidance, including:

• The Care Act 2014
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

Women and ADHD also works in line with safeguarding and ethical principles outlined within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018), including promoting participant welfare, dignity, autonomy and protection from harm.

6. Safeguarding Principles

Women and ADHD will aim to:

• Promote empowerment and informed choice wherever possible.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with participants.
• Take concerns seriously and respond proportionately.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality while recognising situations where information sharing is necessary to reduce risk.
• Recognise the impact of trauma and neurodivergence on communication, distress and behaviour.
• Avoid discriminatory or stigmatising assumptions.
• Promote psychologically safe and non-judgemental spaces.
• Encourage participants to seek appropriate support services where needed.
• Maintain clear boundaries around the purpose of the group as a psychoeducational and peer support community space rather than a substitute for therapy or crisis services.

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Where a safeguarding concern arises, facilitators or volunteers should:

• Remain calm, compassionate and non-judgemental.
• Listen without interrogation or leading questions.
• Avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality.
• Record factual information as soon as possible.
• Consider immediate safety needs.
• Discuss concerns with the Women and ADHD committee or safeguarding lead where appropriate.
• Contact emergency services where there is immediate risk of serious harm.

Information may need to be shared without consent where:

• There is risk of serious harm to the individual or others;
• A child or vulnerable adult is at risk;
• A serious crime has been committed or may be committed;
• There are legal or safeguarding obligations requiring disclosure.

Where possible and safe to do so, individuals will be informed about information sharing decisions.

8. Safeguarding Children

Although Women and ADHD primarily supports adults, disclosures or concerns involving children may arise.

This may include:

• Concerns about parenting capacity
• Domestic abuse witnessed by children
• Neglect
• Emotional harm
• Exposure to violence or substance misuse
• Risks of exploitation or abuse

Where a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm, concerns may be shared with Children’s Services or the Police in accordance with safeguarding legislation and local safeguarding procedures.

9. Prevent and Radicalisation

Women and ADHD recognises that vulnerable individuals may be at risk of radicalisation or extremist exploitation.

Radicalisation refers to the process through which an individual comes to support extremist ideologies associated with violence, hatred or terrorism.

Concerns relating to radicalisation will be treated as safeguarding concerns and responded to proportionately in line with Prevent safeguarding guidance where appropriate.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Women and ADHD expects facilitators, volunteers and committee members to maintain confidentiality and handle information sensitively and securely.

However, confidentiality may be lawfully overridden where safeguarding concerns indicate significant risk of harm.

Information sharing decisions will aim to follow:

• Necessity
• Proportionality
• Relevance
• Accuracy
• Timeliness

All safeguarding records will be stored securely in line with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.

11. Recording and Record Keeping

A written safeguarding record should include:

• Date and time of concern
• Name of individual involved
• Nature of concern or disclosure
• Actions taken
• Decisions made and rationale
• Any referrals or escalations

Records should:

• Be factual and accurate
• Avoid assumptions or diagnostic language
• Be signed and dated
• Be stored securely and confidentially

12. Safer Working Practice

Women and ADHD aims to promote safe, ethical and professional boundaries within all group activities.

Facilitators and volunteers are expected to:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Avoid discriminatory or harmful behaviour
• Work within the limits of their competence
• Seek support where safeguarding concerns arise
• Follow relevant group policies and procedures
• Promote respectful and inclusive group participation

Women and ADHD is a psychoeducational peer support community group and does not provide crisis intervention, psychotherapy, psychiatric services or emergency mental health care.

Participants experiencing significant distress or crisis may be encouraged to access appropriate specialist or emergency services.

13. Training and Awareness

Women and ADHD is committed to maintaining appropriate safeguarding awareness for facilitators and volunteers.

Safeguarding knowledge may include:

• Adult safeguarding
• Trauma-informed practice
• Neurodivergent-affirming approaches
• Domestic abuse awareness
• Suicide awareness
• Mental health awareness
• Prevent awareness where appropriate
• Professional boundaries and ethical practice

Training and reflective practice will be reviewed proportionate to the scope and activities of the group.

14. Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the Women and ADHD committee or facilitators.

General contact:

📧 womenandadhd@outlook.com

As an unincorporated community group, safeguarding responsibility is held collectively by the committee and facilitators delivering activities on behalf of Women and ADHD.

If there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm:

• Contact 999
• Contact Adult Social Care or Children’s Services within the relevant local authority where appropriate

15. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in legislation
• Safeguarding incidents
• Community feedback
• Organisational growth or operational changes

Women and ADHD is committed to maintaining safeguarding practices that are ethical, proportionate, trauma-informed and neuro-inclusive.

References

UK Government Care Act 2014.

UK Government Children Act 1989.

UK Government Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

UK Government Mental Capacity Act 2005.

UK Government Equality Act 2010.

UK Government Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018).

 

Women and ADHD

Safeguarding Procedures

1. Purpose

These safeguarding procedures outline the practical steps Women and ADHD facilitators, volunteers and committee members should follow if they become concerned about the safety or wellbeing of an adult, child, or vulnerable person.

These procedures should be read alongside the:

• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Confidentiality and Privacy Policy
• Code of Conduct

Women and ADHD is a psychoeducational and peer-support community group. Facilitators are not acting as therapists, crisis practitioners, social workers, or emergency mental health professionals within the group setting. However, all facilitators and volunteers have a duty to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

2. Key Safeguarding Principles

Women and ADHD will aim to:

• Promote dignity, autonomy and empowerment.
• Respond proportionately and compassionately to concerns.
• Prioritise safety and wellbeing.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Avoid causing additional distress or trauma.
• Recognise the impact of neurodivergence, trauma and communication differences on disclosure and behaviour.
• Act within the limits of competence and role boundaries.
• Record concerns factually and accurately.

3. Designated Safeguarding Responsibility

The Women and ADHD committee holds collective safeguarding responsibility.

The Group Coordinator/Chair will ordinarily act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead unless otherwise agreed by the committee.

General safeguarding contact:

📧 womenandadhd@outlook.com

Where appropriate, safeguarding concerns may also be discussed within supervision or committee consultation processes to support safe and ethical decision-making.

4. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

• Direct disclosure
• Behavioural changes
• Emotional distress
• Physical presentation
• Written communication
• Concerns raised by others
• Online interactions
• Observation of risk to children or vulnerable adults

Possible concerns may include:

• Abuse or neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Suicidal intent
• Self-harm
• Exploitation
• Coercive control
• Radicalisation
• Stalking or harassment
• Financial abuse
• Risk to children
• Serious mental health deterioration
• Immediate risk of harm

Facilitators should avoid making assumptions, diagnoses or investigative questioning.

5. Immediate Response Procedure

If someone discloses a safeguarding concern:

Facilitators Should:

DO:

• Stay calm and compassionate.
• Listen without judgement.
• Allow the person to speak in their own words.
• Take the concern seriously.
• Acknowledge the person’s feelings.
• Explain confidentiality limits honestly.
• Consider immediate safety needs.
• Record information factually as soon as possible.
• Seek support from the committee or safeguarding lead where appropriate.

DO NOT:

• Promise absolute confidentiality.
• Investigate the situation yourself.
• Ask leading or excessive questions.
• Offer guarantees or outcomes you cannot provide.
• Share information unnecessarily.
• Minimise or dismiss the concern.

6. Risk Assessment and Decision-Making

Facilitators should consider:

• Is anyone in immediate danger?
• Is there risk of serious harm?
• Is a child or vulnerable adult at risk?
• Does emergency intervention appear necessary?
• Does the person have capacity to make decisions about their safety?
• Is additional support or referral appropriate?

Safeguarding responses should aim to be:

• Necessary
• Proportionate
• Lawful
• Trauma-informed
• Ethically defensible

Where possible, adults with capacity should remain involved in decisions affecting them.

7. Emergency Situations

Call 999 immediately if:

• There is immediate danger to life
• A serious crime is occurring
• Someone is at immediate risk of suicide or serious self-harm
• There is immediate risk to a child or vulnerable adult
• Medical intervention is urgently required

If safe and appropriate, remain with the person until support arrives.

8. Adult Safeguarding Procedure

Where concerns relate to an adult at risk:

1. Listen and respond appropriately.
2. Assess immediate risk and safety.
3. Record factual information.
4. Discuss with the safeguarding lead or committee where appropriate.
5. Encourage the person to access appropriate support services.
6. Refer to Adult Social Care or emergency services if necessary.
7. Store records securely.

Possible referral routes may include:

• Adult Social Care
• GP
• Mental health crisis services
• Domestic abuse services
• Police
• Emergency medical services

Women and ADHD will aim to respect autonomy wherever possible unless there is significant risk of harm.

9. Child Safeguarding Procedure

Although Women and ADHD primarily supports adults, concerns involving children may arise.

Examples may include:

• Exposure to domestic abuse
• Neglect
• Physical or emotional harm
• Parental substance misuse
• Unsafe living conditions
• Sexual exploitation
• Risk of significant harm

Procedure:

1. Record the concern factually.
2. Consider immediate risk to the child.
3. Discuss with the safeguarding lead or committee where appropriate.
4. Contact Children’s Services or Police where risk thresholds are met.
5. Maintain secure safeguarding records.

The welfare of the child must remain paramount in safeguarding decision-making.

10. Suicide and Self-Harm Concerns

Women and ADHD recognises that some participants may experience emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Facilitators should:

• Respond calmly and compassionately.
• Avoid panic or confrontation.
• Encourage access to appropriate professional support.
• Assess whether there is immediate risk.
• Escalate concerns where there is serious or imminent danger.

Where someone appears at immediate risk of suicide:

• Contact emergency services where necessary.
• Encourage attendance at A&E or crisis services.
• Contact crisis support services if appropriate.
• Do not leave the person alone if immediate risk is present and it is safe to remain with them.

Women and ADHD is not a crisis service and cannot provide ongoing risk management or emergency mental health intervention.

11. Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

Women and ADHD recognises that domestic abuse may include:

• Emotional abuse
• Coercive control
• Financial control
• Isolation
• Sexual abuse
• Physical violence
• Technology-facilitated abuse

Facilitators should:

• Respond non-judgementally.
• Avoid victim-blaming language.
• Respect autonomy where possible.
• Avoid pressuring disclosures or actions.
• Consider risks to children and vulnerable adults.
• Signpost to specialist domestic abuse support where appropriate.

12. Radicalisation and Prevent

Concerns relating to radicalisation or extremist exploitation should be treated as safeguarding concerns.

Where appropriate:

• Record concerns factually.
• Discuss concerns with the safeguarding lead.
• Seek external safeguarding advice if necessary.
• Contact Police or Prevent safeguarding channels where risk thresholds are met.

Facilitators should avoid discriminatory assumptions relating to race, religion, culture or political beliefs.

13. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible.

However, information may be shared without consent where:

• There is serious risk of harm
• A child or vulnerable adult is at risk
• A serious crime may occur
• Disclosure is legally required

Information sharing should be:

• Necessary
• Relevant
• Proportionate
• Accurate
• Securely handled

Where safe and appropriate, individuals should be informed about decisions to share information.

14. Recording Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding records should include:

• Date and time
• Name of individual involved
• Nature of concern
• Exact words used where relevant
• Observations
• Actions taken
• Referrals made
• Decisions and rationale
• Name of person completing the record

Records should:

• Be factual and objective
• Avoid personal opinions or diagnosis
• Be signed and dated
• Be stored securely in line with UK GDPR

15. Boundaries and Scope of the Group

Women and ADHD provides:

• Psychoeducation
• Peer support
• Community connection
• Reflective discussion
• Wellbeing-focused workshops

Women and ADHD does not provide:

• Therapy
• Counselling within the group setting
• Clinical assessment
• Diagnosis
• Medical advice
• Crisis intervention
• Emergency mental health services

Participants may be encouraged to access appropriate specialist support where needed.

16. Training and Competence

Facilitators and volunteers should maintain safeguarding awareness proportionate to their role.

Relevant training may include:

• Adult safeguarding
• Child safeguarding awareness
• Suicide awareness
• Domestic abuse awareness
• Trauma-informed practice
• Neurodivergent-affirming practice
• Professional boundaries
• Prevent awareness

Facilitators should work within the limits of their competence and seek consultation where necessary.

17. Local Safeguarding Contacts

Emergency Services

• 999

Non-Emergency Police

• 101

Samaritans

• 116 123
• Samaritans

Norfolk County Council Adult Social Services

• Norfolk Adult Social Care

Norfolk Children’s Services

• Norfolk Children’s Advice and Duty Service

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

• Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline

18. Policy Governance

Document title: Safeguarding Procedures
Organisation: Women and ADHD Community Group
Version: 1.0
Adopted: May 2026
Review date: May 2027

References

UK Government Care Act 2014.

UK Government Children Act 1989.

UK Government Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

UK Government Mental Capacity Act 2005.

UK Government Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018).

 

Women and ADHD

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

1. Policy Statement

Women and ADHD is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community group activity. We believe that all people should be treated with dignity, compassion, fairness and respect, regardless of background, identity, lived experience, or neurotype.

As a neuro-inclusive psychoeducational community group, we recognise that many women and marginalised people experience barriers to accessing support, social connection, education and community spaces. We are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming, accessible, trauma-informed and non-judgemental.

We value lived experience, diversity of thought, and authentic self-expression. We believe these differences strengthen our community and support collective learning, connection and well-being.

This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that all participants, facilitators, volunteers, guest speakers and community partners are treated fairly and without discrimination.

2. Our Commitments

Women and ADHD will:

• Treat all individuals with dignity, compassion and respect.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming and psychologically safe environment.
• Challenge discrimination, exclusionary behaviour, stigma and stereotypes.
• Recognise the impact of neurodivergence, trauma, disability, social inequality and marginalisation on people’s experiences.
• Work to reduce barriers to participation wherever reasonably possible.
• Make reasonable adjustments to support access, communication and participation needs.
• Promote inclusive and affirming language and practice.
• Encourage diverse lived experiences and perspectives within the group.
• Respect confidentiality, privacy and individual autonomy within safeguarding and legal limitations.
• Continually reflect on and improve accessibility and inclusion practices through participant feedback and ongoing learning.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All facilitators, volunteers, committee members and guest speakers involved with Women and ADHD.
• All workshop participants and attendees.
• All psychoeducational workshops, peer support activities, online communications, events and community engagement activities delivered under Women and ADHD.
• Any collaborative work undertaken with partner organisations, venues or external facilitators.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and aligned with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:

• The Equality Act 2010
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Data Protection Act 2018
• UK GDPR
• The Care Act 2014
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Under the Equality Act 2010, protected characteristics include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We additionally recognise the importance of inclusion and accessibility for individuals who identify as neurodivergent, including but not limited to ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette’s syndrome, alongside people experiencing mental health difficulties, chronic illness, trauma and social disadvantage.

5. Inclusive Practice

In Group Delivery

Women and ADHD aims to provide workshops and community spaces that are:

• Neuro-affirming and strengths-based.
• Trauma-informed and emotionally safe.
• Accessible, flexible and compassionate.
• Grounded in psychoeducation, lived experience and evidence-informed practice.

We will aim to:

• Use clear, respectful and inclusive communication.
• Provide information in accessible formats where reasonably possible.
• Encourage autonomy and choice in participation.
• Respect sensory, communication and emotional regulation needs.
• Promote peer connection without pressure to disclose personal information.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries to ensure the group remains psychoeducational rather than therapy.

In Facilitation and Volunteering

We are committed to fair and inclusive opportunities for facilitators, volunteers and contributors.

We will:

• Welcome facilitators and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Consider reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
• Promote respectful collaboration and shared decision-making.
• Challenge discriminatory language or behaviour within group settings.

6. Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying

Women and ADHD does not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation or hate speech in any form.

This includes behaviour relating to:

• Disability or neurodivergence
• Race or ethnicity
• Sex or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Religion or belief
• Age
• Mental health
• Socioeconomic background
• Any other protected or marginalised identity

Any participant, facilitator or volunteer behaving in a way that compromises the safety, dignity or inclusion of others may be asked to leave the group or have their involvement reviewed by the committee.

7. Reporting Concerns

We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses discriminatory, harmful or exclusionary behaviour to raise concerns with the Women and ADHD committee.

Concerns will be treated seriously, sensitively and confidentially wherever possible.

General contact:

📧 womenandadhd@outlook.com

As an unincorporated community group, responsibility for implementing this policy sits collectively with the Women and ADHD committee and facilitators.

8. Monitoring and Review

Women and ADHD will review this policy annually, or sooner where necessary due to:

• Changes in legislation or guidance
• Community feedback
• Organisational development
• Identified accessibility or inclusion needs

We are committed to ongoing reflection, learning and improvement to ensure our group remains as inclusive, accessible and supportive as reasonably possible.

References

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018).

UK Government Equality Act 2010.

UK Government Human Rights Act 1998.

UK Government Care Act 2014.

United Nations (2006) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

SAMHSA (2014) SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

 

WOMEN AND ADHD

Terms and Conditions of Participation

Women and ADHD is a community-based, not-for-profit psychoeducational and peer support group.

The group is intended to provide a supportive environment for education, reflection, shared experiences, wellbeing, emotional awareness, and peer connection relating to ADHD, neurodivergence, mental health, and associated life experiences.

The workshops may include:

• psychoeducation
• facilitated discussion
• reflective exercises
• wellbeing activities
• emotional awareness work
• skills-based learning
• creative or experiential activities

The workshops are not intended to provide psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, crisis intervention, legal advice, medical advice, or emergency mental health support.

1. Participation and Personal Responsibility

Participation within workshops is voluntary.

Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace and within their own emotional capacity.

Participants remain responsible for:

• their own wellbeing
• decisions and actions taken following attendance
• seeking additional support where appropriate
• determining how information shared may relate to their own circumstances

Information provided within workshops is intended to support reflection, understanding, psychoeducation, and discussion. Information may be interpreted differently depending on individual circumstances and should not be taken as prescriptive advice or guaranteed outcomes.

Participants are free to decline participation in any discussion, activity, or exercise.

2. Nature and Scope of the Workshops

The workshops are psychoeducational and supportive in nature and do not constitute formal group psychotherapy or an individual therapeutic counselling relationship.

Attendance at a workshop does not establish an ongoing therapist-client relationship with facilitators unless explicitly contracted separately.

Facilitators work within their individual scope of competence, training, and experience.

Participants acknowledge that workshops are intended to support wellbeing, awareness, peer support, and learning, rather than diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions.

3. Emotional Safety and Wellbeing

Workshop discussions may include emotionally sensitive topics, including:

• neurodivergence
• trauma
• masking
• emotional regulation
• relationships
• stress
• anxiety
• shame
• self-esteem
• lived experiences of mental health difficulties

While facilitators aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed environment, participation may evoke emotional discomfort, distress, or personal reflection.

Participants are encouraged to:

• take breaks where needed
• communicate support needs where possible
• access external support if required
• engage only within their personal capacity

Women and ADHD and its facilitators cannot guarantee emotional outcomes from participation.

4. Crisis Support and Safeguarding

The workshops are not crisis services.

Participants experiencing significant mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, or acute crisis are encouraged to seek support from appropriate services including:

• GP services
• NHS mental health services
• crisis teams
• Samaritans
• emergency services

Facilitators maintain safeguarding responsibilities and may take proportionate action where there are concerns relating to:

• serious risk of harm
• safeguarding concerns
• abuse or neglect
• serious criminal activity
• terrorism
• legal obligations

Any action taken will aim to be proportionate, necessary, and in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

5. Confidentiality

Participants are asked to respect the confidentiality and privacy of all attendees.

However, confidentiality within group settings cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

Participants agree not to share identifying or sensitive personal information disclosed by other attendees outside the group setting.

Confidentiality may be breached where facilitators believe there is:

• a serious risk of harm
• a safeguarding concern
• a legal obligation to disclose information

6. Accessibility and Inclusion

Women and ADHD aims to provide an inclusive, respectful, neurodivergent-aware, and trauma-informed environment.

Reasonable adjustments and accessibility needs will be accommodated where reasonably practicable.

Participants are encouraged to communicate accessibility requirements in advance where possible.

7. Facilitator Responsibility and Insurance

Facilitators are responsible for operating within their own professional scope of competence, qualifications, training, supervision arrangements, and insurance requirements.

Each facilitator delivering workshops or activities is individually responsible for ensuring they hold appropriate and valid professional insurance where required for their role and practice.

Women and ADHD does not provide professional indemnity insurance on behalf of independent facilitators, guest speakers, volunteers, or external practitioners unless explicitly stated in writing.

Independent facilitators remain individually accountable for their own professional conduct, advice, practice, insurance arrangements, and legal responsibilities.

8. Limitation of Liability

Workshops are delivered with reasonable care, integrity, and professional awareness.

However, participation is voluntary and participants remain responsible for how they interpret and apply information shared during workshops.

To the fullest extent permitted under UK law, Women and ADHD, its organisers, volunteers, and facilitators shall not be liable for:

• personal decisions made following attendance
• indirect or consequential losses
• emotional responses arising from participation
• outcomes arising from the interpretation or application of workshop content
• circumstances outside reasonable control

Nothing within these terms excludes liability where exclusion would be unlawful under applicable UK legislation.

9. Conduct Within Workshops

Participants are expected to contribute to a respectful and psychologically safe environment.

Women and ADHD reserves the right to remove individuals from workshops where behaviour is deemed:

• abusive
• threatening
• discriminatory
• persistently disruptive
• unsafe for the group environment

10. Agreement to Participate

By attending or participating in Women and ADHD workshops, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.