Southdown’s EDI Leadership Group’s statement on Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-23)

Posted on 17 March 2025

At Southdown, our Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Leadership Group is committed to making neurodiversity a key priority within our EDI strategy. This week is an opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate neurodivergent individuals, and encourage conversations about inclusivity in our workplaces and communities.

To mark the week, our EDI Leadership Group has issued this statement, highlighting why neurodiversity matters and sharing practical ways we can all foster a more inclusive environment:

Broadening our EDI priorities to include neurodiversity has been very important to us and is one of our three key objectives in our Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy.

Many of our team members, clients, students, and tenants identify as neurodivergent, and it is essential that we take the time to raise awareness, celebrate, and deepen our understanding of one another.

Ways to Support Neurodiversity
Some key things you can do to create more inclusive environments include:

Provide regulatory aids, commonly known as fidget toys. These are useful on desks, tables, in meetings—wherever people gather. If your organisation or community space does not already have them, consider ordering low-cost, large variety packs to ensure accessibility.

Encourage peer support. Creating safe spaces where neurodivergent individuals can connect and share experiences fosters understanding and inclusivity. At Southdown, we have – NeuroVoices – a staff-led group dedicated to supporting neurodivergent and neuro-curious colleagues in their work and in raising awareness.

Be aware: This great short video may help you consider different perspectives. Many neurodivergent people may be willing to share their experiences if asked but may not want to “make a fuss” in asking for adaptations. Taking the time to learn more about neurodiversity helps build a more inclusive environment.

We encourage organisations and community groups to make Neurodiversity Celebration Week an agenda item in their discussions this March. Together, we can continue to create environments where neurodiversity is not only recognised but celebrated. Neurodiversity is not just a priority for one week—it should be embedded in our daily culture and actions.

– EDI Leadership Group