As well as the groups listed below, there is a directory of local services for ADHD and autism.
Practical Wisdom can help neurodivergent adults thrive, providing strategies and skills to cope with everyday challenges.
NHS Kent and Medway is currently offering Practical Wisdom coaching and workshops to people on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment. We are planning to have this type of support available to more people in the coming months.
Helen Davies, founder and lead facilitator at Practical Wisdom, said: “Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can be daunting at times. As well as providing a safe environment where people can share their experiences, we focus on strategies that can genuinely help with daily life.
“People tend to choose the strategies that resonate with them. For example, you could try gamifying everyday tasks such as tidying up. If you listen to three songs, how many things can you put away before the playlist finishes?
“We also touch on decluttering. We know there’s a huge amount of shame involved in having a messy home but people are very relieved when they find out it’s down to ADHD and that they’re not alone.
“How you address tasks can also make a real difference. If you think ‘I may as well do that’ rather than ‘I must do that’, it can seem a lot less daunting. Our inner critic can be very loud sometimes but we learn how to be kind to ourselves.
“We teach people how to explain what they’re feeling and their boundaries. People with ADHD tend to be very sensitive to rejection so giving them the tools to articulate their struggles has a real impact on their lives.”
Lydia Bentley, aged 27 and from Whitstable, has completed a Practical Wisdom course. She said: “I didn't think I could have autism and ADHD before doing the Practical Wisdom course. Now everything makes more sense.
“The tips I’ve picked up have been really useful. I think my sleep patterns and habits have improved and that's been particularly helpful for my daily schedule. Having colder showers has also helped to ease depression and made me feel more refreshed.
“I've now come out to most of my clients at work and I haven't had a bad response yet.”
East Kent Autism & ADHD social is a social group in East Kent for adults who are Autistic and/or have ADHD.
Mixmatched is a creative arts organisation that mainly operates in Canterbury and Margate. It runs a range of events such as monthly performance nights and creative workshops. As well as being neurodivergent+ led, MixMatched aims to be neurodivergent accessible regarding ethos, space and performers.
ND Harbour runs peer support groups in Canterbury. There are three groups per week: one for autistic adults, one for adults with ADHD (you can attend either or both) and one for parents of neurodivergent children.
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet is a community group helping local neurodivergent adults meet their peers in safe spaces.
Neurodiverse Dads and their Kids is a group for dads to talk about their own or their children's conditions and to seek support in a safe environment free from judgement. They have a Facebook page and meet in Tunbridge Wells.
Square Pegs Arts offers accessible opportunities to take part, perform, learn, enjoy and work in theatre, music and the arts. They empower learning disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people of all ages across Kent and Medway to shine in their own way.
Kent Autistic Trust supports people who have significant developmental and communication needs within various community settings including registered homes, specialist and intensive supported living, community day resource centres, family support service and support groups.
Canterbury Adult ADHD support meetup provides an opportunity for ADHD adults to support each other in a relaxed environment.
ADHD Sheppey provides a hub for understanding, support and celebration.
The Hop, run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, is for adults with a learning disability, or anyone who is caring for an adult with a learning disability.
Kent County Council offers support for people with learning disabilities, including the Kent Enablement Service (KES).
Mencap has local groups across Kent that can provide advice, support or just be a place to make friends.
Click on the names below for more information.
Folkestone Hythe and District Mencap
Invicta (Maidstone) Gateway Club