Posted on: 19 February 2026
A new coaching programme in Leeds is helping neurodivergent health and care staff stay in work, reduce burnout and access support earlier.
The Leeds Health and Care Academy has commissioned an integrated coaching service delivered by Inspire North, combining work coaching, health coaching and social prescribing. The service was developed after insight from Thrive@Work showed that many referrals for anxiety, depression and burnout were linked to unmet neurodivergent needs and a lack of workplace adjustments.
Michelle (Shell) Stanley, Head of Leeds One Workforce at Leeds Health and Care Academy, said:
“As the programme developed, we saw the need for a more tailored offer for neurodivergent colleagues. Many people weren’t unwell because of work itself, but because their needs weren’t understood or supported in the workplace.”
In response, the Academy introduced the six-week C.R.E.A.T.E Group Programme, developed by Steph Nelson, founder of NeuroCreators Training and Development. The non-clinical programme supports adults who are diagnosed later in life or who recognise traits associated with ADHD, autism or dyslexia.
“We were seeing people reach crisis point before getting the right kind of support,” said Shell. “NeuroCreators helps people earlier, so they can stay in work and stay well. It’s a practical, coaching-led group programme that helps neurodivergent people understand how their brains work and build healthier ways of working.”
Steph added:
“People can’t put their careers on hold while they wait for assessment. This programme gives people support now, helping them make changes that protect their health and keep them in work.”
Participants reported increased confidence, reduced stigma and practical improvements in how they manage work.
One said:
“I started the programme with the aim of learning more about neurodivergence and maximising adjustments in the workplace, but I ended up learning about my own brain and what helps me to work well - and stay well.”
Following the success of the 2025 cohort, the next programme will begin at the end of February 2026.
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, focused on helping people stay healthy, well and in work. See the Healthy Working Life website pages for more information and stories.