An islander who served a four-year prison sentence before being diagnosed with ADHD was invited to speak in Parliament about the challenges faced by neurodivergent women within the criminal justice system.
Charlie Herd from ADHD Jersey attended the Palace of Westminster as part of a national campaign, ‘A Personal Sentence’, delivered in partnership with Tessa Munt MP.
The session brought together policymakers and advocates to explore how women with ADHD are frequently misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or unsupported – and how these gaps can heighten their vulnerability within legal and custodial settings.
As part of the campaign’s lived‑experience testimony, Charlie delivered an address drawing on her personal experience and training as an educator.
She spoke about the unique and often masked presentation of ADHD in women, the long-term impact of missed or late diagnosis, and why women with ADHD are disproportionately represented in justice pathways.
Charlie told Express: “I was diagnosed with ADHD after serving a four-year prison sentence for drug offences. Understanding my ADHD was a real lightbulb moment it helped me make sense of years of damaging behaviour and finally break the cycle I felt trapped in. For the first time, I could see a different future for myself.
“I now work for ADHD Jersey, using my lived experience to support others with the condition. I’m particularly passionate about supporting people with ADHD who are involved in the criminal justice system.
“When ADHD is properly understood, it can support rehabilitation by addressing underlying causes rather than just the consequences, helping to reduce re-offending and support more fulfilled lives.”
She described funding for ADHD Jersey as “vital”.
“There are many islanders struggling with ADHD who have nowhere else to turn, and for some, this service is their only source of understanding and support,” added Charlie.
“Without it, people are left navigating complex systems alone, often at crisis point.
“By combining understanding, accountability and the right support, I’ve seen how people can rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose just as I have. That’s when lasting change becomes possible.”
We don’t want ADHD to be visible only in crisis we want people to be seen and supported early
rachel boss, adhd jersey founder
Charlie was accompanied to the Palace of Westminster by ADHD Jersey founder Rachel Boss, who said: “Being in Parliament as part of Takeda’s ‘A Personal Sentence’ campaign and watching our Charlie Herd speak with such courage, clarity, and heart was incredibly moving.
“Her voice represents so many women whose experiences have been overlooked for too long. We are incredibly proud of her.”
Rachel added: “ADHD Jersey is the only charitable organisation on the island dedicated solely to supporting people with ADHD, and we are operating with little funding and volunteer skeleton staff.
“We are recognised in Europe and at parliamentary level, yet we are struggling to secure sustainable funding here in Jersey. What we need now is local support for core staffing costs so we can stabilise and extend our services for islanders who are waiting for help.
“We don’t want ADHD to be visible only in crisis we want people to be seen and supported early.”