Many of my clients across the UK are currently using the Access To Work funding to cover the costs of their ADHD coaching which has been a lifeline for them in terms of support. Support can extend up to weekly sessions for over half a year and are tailored to the individual. My current clients using this scheme are in a range of occupations and backgrounds. Employers need to ensure neurodivergent staff are aware of this great resource. Access to Work is a UK government programme that provides support for people with a physical or mental health condition or disability to take up or stay at work. If you have ADHD, you could qualify for this support which could cover the costs of your coaching. To apply for Access To Work support, you will need to fill in an application and if accepted, go through an assessment process where the support you receive is tailored to you. You should be offered assistance to develop a support plan for your workplace – as any costs are initially paid for by your employer and then refunded from the government therefore, you will need to speak to your employer about your ADHD. What do you need to qualify for Access To Work? Access to Work does not require a diagnosis of ADHD for you to get assistance; however, having a diagnosis significantly helps as claims can be refused without. ADHD is listed as a mental health disability in the Mental Health Act (1990). To qualify for AccessTo Work support, you must fulfil the following five criteria:  Have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means you need support to do your job or get to and from work,  Be 16 or over  Be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks), even when working from home.  Be employed or self-employed.  Live and work (or be about to start or return to work) in England, Scotland or Wales. You cannot get Access to Work if you live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. There’s also a different system in Northern Ireland.

Understanding ADHD in the workplace.