Citywide support
ND:Well - Barnados and Tailor Ed Foundation
Sometimes it can be difficult to be neurodivergent especially if you have poorer mental health. It can help to talk to an adult who is not in your family and who understands and will listen to your thoughts and feelings in an accessible, safe and supportive place. The Tailor Ed Foundation can match you with a one-to-one support worker who you can talk to about your feelings and what is going on in your life. This can help you to make sense of your feelings and support your wellbeing.
ND: Well’s Understanding Autism group is for autistic individuals aged 5-16 and their parents/carers to better understand what diagnosis really means to each person attending. The group covers what autism is and how life experiences can be different for autistic individuals.
Our Wellbeing group is for autistic individuals aged 5-16 and their parents/carers. We look at emotional and mental wellbeing from an autistic perspective. We explore people’s motivations, values, and the importance of special interests. We covers how to meet physical, sensory, and emotional needs; as well as why it can be so difficult to get these needs met. The group learns some tools that can help build healthy well-being habits.
If your family also need help to understand what you are going through Barnardo’s can help them to meet other people and give them support.
Find out more about ND Well on our website ND: well - Tailor Ed Foundation or e-mail at NDwell@barnardos.org.uk.
Barnardos Sibling Group
A fun supportive group for children and young people aged 7 to 12 years old who have a brother or sister who is neurodivergent. Neurodivergent includes autism and ADHD.
You can learn about neurodivergence, meet others with similar experiences, play fun games and have an amazing snack. The group runs monthly on Saturdays from 10 am to 11.30 am at
Barnardos, 111 Oxgangs Road North, EH14 1ED
If you are interested in going to the group ask an adult to help you get in touch by e-mail NDwell@barnardos.org.uk
Mindroom
Mindroom supports neurodivergent children, young people and their families. This includes if you have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, Dyslexia or other neurodevelopmental conditions although no diagnosis is required to access the services.
The Children and Young People Service supports children and young people aged up to 25.
You can access 1:1 support to help you with any issues you are experiencing in a way that works for you. You will be matched with a worker who will spend time getting to know you, before making a plan together for what you would like help with. They will help you to have a say in decisions affecting your life and support you to improve confidence and well-being.
A Transitions Service is also delivered in some schools and provides 1:1 or small group support. It uses the Future Me resource to help you to identify goals, wishes and needs for the future.
Family Advice Specialists can also provide advice, information and emotional support to your parents or carers over the phone or by email. This can include information about neurodevelopmental conditions, rights and entitlements and signposting to relevant services and supports.
For more information on Mindroom’s supports visit Mindroom’s Facebook page and Mindroom’s Twitter (X) page
You can contact them at directhelp@mindroom.org. or 0131 370 6730
Edinburgh Positive Wellbeing Service
If someone in your family has gone to prison it can be very hard to deal with all your thoughts and feelings. It can help to talk to adult who is not in your family who can listen to you and help you to understand what has happened and how you feel. You will have the choice of how you spend time together and what would be most helpful for you.
Edinburgh Positive Wellbeing Service can also offer supports to your family.
Find out more about support on the website Edinburgh Positive Wellbeing Service | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk) or contact edinburghpositivewellbeingservice@barnardos.org.uk.
Sunflower Gardens
Sunflower Gardens supports children aged five to 18 years who are affected by drug and/ or alcohol use within their family.
Sunflower Gardens is a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and learn positive coping strategies. The service can offer you counselling (including art and play therapy), 1-1 support and group activites.
You will need an adult to help you to request their support.
For more information ask an adult to help you look at their website or to email sunflowergardenproject@crossreach.org.uk
Richmond’s Hope
When someone close to us dies it is a really hard time and we will often need support to help us manage. Richmond's Hope offers children and young people aged 4 to 18 support when someone dies, support can be one to one or in groups. They can also give telephone support and advice to the adults who are supporting you at home and school.
If you think you would like support from Richmond Hope ask an adult at school or home to help you get in touch with them.
0131 661 6818
4Corners Project- Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
The 4Corners Project offers support to children and young people aged 8 to 14 years (mainly BAME). You might be finding things difficult because of changes or challenges in your life like moving country, learning a new language, missing people or the place and culture you grew up in, racism or trying meet new people your age.
The 4Corners project can offer individual or group support. They will support you to build confidence, meet others and do fun activities. They can also offer support to the adults you live with.
For more information visit the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) Facebook page, Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) website or you can contact 0131 467 7052
Big Hearts Kinship Family Group
Kinship families are when you are not living with your parents but live with and are cared for by another adult in your family like an Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent, Sister or family friend. If you are aged 4 - 12yrs you and your carers can meet and get to know other families in a similar situation. Our team are also there to give you and your carers advice and support.
Day/Time: Every Tuesday, during term time, 4.30pm – 6.30pm.
Location: The Shed, Tynecastle Park (EH11 2NZ).
To attend, please contact connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk – 07990 799 889.
Big Hearts Neurostars
Neuro Stars is a weekly support group for children and young people aged 5-16, who have a neurodivergent diagnosis or are in the process of diagnosis, and their parents or carers. You will take part in a range of engaging activities, including messy play, sensory room, arts and crafts and indoor and outdoor sports. These are led by our skilled team of youth workers.
Your parents and carers have the opportunity to take some time for themselves in our adult group while you are having fun. Our experienced family support staff will help them to connect with others and offer tailored advice and information on a range of issues relevant to the group.
Find out more at Neuro Stars | Big Hearts