Proud day for GMYN as Hannah from our ADHD Youth Voice Group takes to the stage 

We are proud to share that Hannah from our ADHD Youth Voice Group recently took to the stage at the Manchester Children’s Hospital Champions Day to raise awareness of GMYN’s work to support and champion neurodivergent young people and share her own lived experience. 

Hannah along with Chloe, who runs our ADHD Youth Voice Group, presented to a room of NHS professionals, including nurses and medics, for the hospital’s Learning Disability, Neurodiversity, and Mental Health Champion Day.

Their presentation gave details on GMYN’s ADHD Youth Voice Group that was set up to give young people aged 13-25 a space to voice their experiences of ADHD services in Manchester and share their frustrations, including feeling forgotten and left behind.

Hannah spoke about her own reluctancy to get a diagnosis for ADHD due to the stigma surrounding the condition. She went on to say how attending GMYN’s ADHD Youth Voice Group has been empowering and improved her confidence, adding that she has really enjoyed connecting with other young people and hearing their experiences.

Hannah, who is passionate about raising awareness of ADHD, also spoke about the need to introduce an ADHD Act similar the Autism Act – a piece of UK legislation that makes sure the same provisions and guidelines are followed across all NHS health services.

Reflecting on the event, Chloe said: “We wanted to tell this room of professionals what young people had said in our group about improving services. 

“A non-negotiable for young people is more/better holistic support and coping strategies for young people with suspected ADHD whilst they are on long waiting lists. 

“They want to feel heard and listened to by commissioners and they want clearer pathways to a diagnosis, rather than getting constantly passed around between services.”

By speaking at the event Hannah was able to practice public speaking and was grateful to be given the opportunity and a platform to speak out about something she is passionate about with the hope her words will drive change and improve services.

Following the day the event’s host emailed GMYN and said: “Hannah is a clear advocate for children who have a diagnosis of ADHD.

‘’The day was so informative and has made me feel empowered to make changes in practice. The discussions from the young people were brilliant. Really makes you think of how we can improve the service for children who are neurodivergent.’’

GMYN’s ADHD Youth Voice Group sessions are held on the last Wednesday of every month from 5-7pm at the Greenfish Resource Centre, 46-50 on Oldham Street, Manchester.

For more information on the group, contact Chloe at [email protected]