ADHD group pushes for greater support with £5k fundraiser

Monday 27 February 2023

A local ADHD support group founded by an islander only diagnosed in her 40s is attempting to raise £5,000 to increase the level of help available for those with the condition, as the waiting list for an assessment with adult mental health services grows.

ADHD Jersey - which hopes to use any funds raised to train facilitators and provide the materials to run courses to directly help those with the condition - is a charitable organisation which was set up by islanders suffering from the disorder who felt that there was a lack of support available in Jersey.

The organisation aims to educate and reduce the stigma that still surrounds ADHD, whilst supporting those with an official diagnosis, from birth into adulthood and those without, including parents, carers, wider family members, educators and employers.

Pictured: The committee members of ADHD Jersey signing their official constitution last year, after growing from a "tiny group" in 2021 to over 300 members.

Through various peer group sessions, ADHD Jersey also aims to the diverse communities of Jersey impacted by ADHD with meet-ups for children, adults, and parents.

ADHD Jersey is also particularly passionate about raising awareness of the benefits of proper assessment and treatment, including improved mental health and well-being, at any age.

The group's most recently fundraising initiative hopes to raise £5,000 which will be used to upskill facilitators and fund the materials needed to run projects which intend to rewrite the negative messages that people with ADHD experience throughout their lives. 

45-year-old Rachel Kelley was diagnosed with ADHD just two years ago, after living her whole life "not knowing what was wrong".

She explained that she had always struggled at school and university, and had "pretty much given up on life by the age of 30".

When she was eventually diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, Rachel felt like she finally had an answer. However, she was shocked by the lack of support in Jersey for those with an ADHD diagnosis.

"It felt like I was prescribed some medication and then just sent out the door," said Rachel. "There was no support anywhere on the island."

This led to Rachel setting up ADHD Jersey, alongside a group of her peers, and now they are determined to expand their offering.

The Steps Programme - which Rachel completed at Brighter Futures - is a course aimed at helping participants develop their confidence and self-esteem. 

"It completely changed my outlook on life," said Rachel.

She was so amazed at how much the programme helped with her ADHD that she is now hoping to fundraise enough money to bring the Steps Programme to more people with ADHD in Jersey.

Pictured: Rachel Kelley, founding member of ADHD Jersey.

"Researchers estimate that by age 10, children with ADHD get 20,000 more negative messages about themselves than other kids their age," explained Rachel. "This often leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy of being told you're not good at things."

"The Steps Programme is the perfect course for adults with ADHD to improve wellbeing, as it helps you to rewrite your life script and self-worth."

Rachel also hopes to bring a similar course for teenagers with ADHD to Jersey in the future.

Director of Adult Mental Health and Adult Social Care, Andy Weir, confirmed that there are currently 396 people waiting for an ADHD assessment with an average wait of 306 days.

"I have recently been leading a piece of work with the services looking at how we can develop an improvement trajectory in this area, which is currently being finalised,” he said.

Click HERE to donate to the fundraiser.