ADHD Rural Connect is the first rural education programme for young people with ADHD in Scotland.
This award winning project aims to help isolated and vulnerable neurodivergent young people by providing them with “hands on” opportunities in the rural environment to engage with a diverse range of rural careers. Through this approach, particiapnts develop soft skills, employability skills and rural skills to support transition into further and higher education, training and work.
This project is a partnership with Perth and Kinross ADHD Support, along with support from Perth Autism Support, local schools, rural businesses and relevant agencies. It is currently supported by funding from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, The Robertson Trust, The Forteviot Charitable Trust and personal donations.
“Neuro Goes Rural”
Proposed by local farmer Hugo Meynell, the initiative works with neurodiverse young people from schools in Perthshire. During the programme, young people are supported through different stages of employability including looking at their individual needs, skills and interests. The project removes barriers by promoting speech therapy, occupational therapy, soft skills development, vocational skills and work focused training. By engaging with and supporting local employers, we aim to help young people move into work placements and work opportunities.
For young people, we improve their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, decision making, reflection and appreciation of time as well as how to naviagate ADHD challenges in employment settings.
For employers,we support their work with neurodiverse young people, allowing them to welcome new potential employees into their workplace and workforce. This brings value to workplaces by bringing different thinking and unique perspectives and ideas.
Current Work
A dedicated co-ordinator was appointed in Autumn 2024 to lead on the programme with Perthshire schools. We have a current cohort of 15 young neurodiverse people. They are working on a programme of various rural skills and developing their own soft skills while working with a range of rural employers around the Perthshire area. From individuals developing interests, the young people will be offered training and work placement opportunities to continue their journey into rural related work.
Keep updated with our latest ADHD Rural Connect work here.