Andrew B, Northumberland

"At 62 years old, I had a mental health crisis, resulting in my job being at risk. Occupational Health identified me as Neurodiverse, which used up the 6 hours of support they could offer.

Through Access to Work, I was able to access 20 hours with Lorna, one to one, online. Lorna’s positive, supportive and insightful way of working is the main reason I have been able to come to terms with my individuality.

Lorna guided me through the process of exploring, understanding and validating how I experience my world.  I stopped seeing myself as failing, or buying into a workplace culture that says, ‘Things are just difficult for everyone’.

I came to see my ‘failure’ and ‘struggles’ as positive learning experiences. I now accept that, for me, trying to find the one ultimate solution to my challenges is not the answer.  My journey has been one of developing the skills and self awareness needed to problem solve how I respond to different situations and take on new challenges.  This has resulted in the self confidence to continue to experiment and explore, to have a ‘scout mentality’, to incorporate what works and let go of what doesn't, without feeling I have failed.

My understanding of myself and how I interact with the world, inside and outside of work, remains a lifelong journey of discovery, which Lorna has equipped me to face with positivity and hope."