Short, trusted signposts for local and national help. For workplace changes now, DiverseMind delivers a 5-day report after assessment, plus a post-report check-in and impact tracking.

Last updated: 17 September 2025 • Information only (not medical/legal advice). Services change—please check links.

If you need urgent help

• Emergency: Call 999 if someone is at immediate risk.

• NHS 111: Get urgent health advice 24/7 — dial 111.

• Samaritans: Free, confidential support 24/7 — 116 123 or search “Samaritans”.

• Shout Textline: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support.

National charities (quick picks)

• National Autistic Society — info, helpline, community: autism.org.uk

• Ambitious about Autism — education, employment & family support: ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

• Autistica — UK autism research & practical tools: autistica.org.uk

• ADHD UK — information, advocacy, resources: adhduk.co.uk

• British Dyslexia Association (BDA) — advice lines, resources, training: bdadyslexia.org.uk

• Tourettes Action — support, groups, webinars: tourettes-action.org.uk

• Scope — pan-disability advice & support: scope.org.uk

• Mind — mental-health information and support: mind.org.uk

• Citizens Advice — free guidance on rights, benefits & work: citizensadvice.org.uk

• The Brain Charity — UK-wide practical help across 600+ neurological conditions: thebraincharity.org.uk

At work (what we do)

Workplace Needs Assessment — practical adjustments, assistive tech, workflow, and manager actions.
Why us: 5-day turnaround • implementation check-in • outcomes data • BDA-trained assessor.

Local resources — St Helens & Merseyside

• Live Well Directory (Liverpool City Region) – adult social care & community groups (covers St Helens/Knowsley/Liverpool):
  About (St Helens Council)

• Adult Autism (18+) – Mersey Care ASC Service (Whiston); GP referral:
  Service info

• Adult ADHD (St Helens) – Haydock Medical Centre specialist service; GP referral:
  Haydock Adult ADHD Service

• The Brain Charity (Liverpool) – practical support, counselling, activities:
  thebraincharity.org.uk

• St Helens Carers Centre – advice & groups for adult/young carers:
  sthelenscarers.info

• Healthwatch St Helens – independent signposting & feedback on local health/care:
  healthwatchsthelens.co.uk

Access to Work (DWP): what it is & how it fits with DiverseMind

What it is
Access to Work (ATW) is a UK government grant that can help fund practical support so disabled people can start or stay in work (e.g., support workers, specialist equipment, travel, communication support). It complements—and does not replace—an employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments. Find out more here.

Who applies
The employee applies (self-employed can apply too). DWP may ask for quotes/specs and a workplace contact. Apply online here.

What ATW will / won’t fund
ATW can help with additional support needs. It doesn’t pay for reasonable adjustments that employers should provide under the Equality Act.

Grant limits
ATW grants are capped and reviewed annually (check the latest figure on the GOV.UK staff guide).

Timing tip
We advise encouraging employees to apply before incurring costs—funding usually runs from the application date onward. Due to waiting times, the sooner to apply the better !

How this integrates with a Workplace Needs Assessment

1. We assess the role and environment, then deliver a clear report in 5 working days with prioritised recommendations, procurement-ready specs, and indicative costs.

2. Employee applies to ATW using our report to describe barriers and proposed solutions.

3. You act now on low/no-cost reasonable adjustments (your legal duty) while ATW is processed.

4. After any award, you purchase ATW-funded items and claim via DWP’s process.

5. We check in (4–6 weeks) to embed changes and capture simple impact metrics.

FAQ for employers (ATW)

Should we wait for ATW before making changes?
No. Implement reasonable adjustments now; use ATW for additional support where appropriate.

Does ATW replace a workplace assessment?
No. ATW may fund support, but your Workplace Needs Assessment gives a job-specific, procurement-ready plan your teams can act on immediately.

Who pays what?
Employers fund reasonable adjustments. ATW may contribute to extra support; some elements can involve employer cost-sharing—details are in the GOV.UK employer factsheet here.