Finalist
Embracing Complexity: Towards New Approaches for Supporting People with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Summary of work
People who think and see the world differently have the potential to bring huge value and diversity of thinking to society, but also face a complex and overlapping set of challenges. Many people often have more than one neurodevelopmental or mental health condition (NDC), yet we still live in a system set up to look at one at a time. This campaign set out to unite stakeholders and create a joined-up system of support to create an inclusive society where people with NDCs can reach their full potential. The campaign built on insights from 500 people living with NDCs and a clear call to action ‘to work together’. The team secured Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health, who himself has dyslexia, to launch the campaign in Parliament. Stakeholders from across parties, councils, the Royal Colleges and charities were in attendance. Inspired by this campaign led by Autistica, in less than a year the ‘Embracing Complexity Coalition’ has grown to over 50 charities, published two reports, initiated over £600,000 in research, engaged senior leaders of the NHS and government has announced a new neurodiversity unit that sits across health, justice and education, a key call to action of the campaign.
Judges’ comments
Embracing Complexity was a great collaboration and will drive positive change for patients. It was Incredibly impressive to pull off an effective coalition in a hugely complex area.
