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Breaking Barriers: Exploring Mental Health, Hidden Illness and Neurodiversity in the Workplace

5 Aug 2025

Breaking Barriers: Creating Conversations That Matter

On Tuesday 23rd July, the Youth Justice team at Leicestershire Cares hosted Breaking Barriers a powerful, therapeutic event designed to spark honest conversations around mental health, hidden illnesses, and neurodiversity in the workplace. Young people and professionals came together in a space filled with empathy, openness, and insight.

From lived experience talks to creative workshops, the day offered participants the chance to be heard, to connect, and to explore how we can all play a role in shaping more inclusive and supportive environments.

I loved the session really meaningful and will bring back some of the learning with me in the workplace at the the beer Hall

Tom Flynn - Everard’s Brewery

The event began with a powerful talk from Aliyana Reshamwalla from VEDA Women's Club who shared her personal experience as a young carer for her mother, Aliyana opened up about the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a parent while trying to manage school, friendships, and work.

She spoke about how therapy helped her make sense of her experiences and offered meaningful advice to anyone going through something similar: speak up, find support, and work with employers who make it safe to share your needs.

Young people in the room connected deeply with her honesty, and professionals appreciated her bravery and clarity. Her words helped set the tone for a day grounded in real stories and real change.

Absolutely wonderful event, definitely needed, the talk on adjusting the workplace to be accommodating everyone resonated with me

Aliyana Reshamwalla - VEDA Women's Club

Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Neurodiversity and Belonging

Next, Ashlin McDonnell from Everard’s Brewery delivered an insightful session on neurodiversity in the workplace. She broke down what neurodiversity really means and why inclusive environments are important for thriving teams. Ashlin spoke about the ways employers can better support neurodivergent individuals from adjusting recruitment processes to creating sensory-friendly environments and flexible communication styles.

She shared practical strategies from her experience in the hospitality sector, where creating a sense of belonging is at the heart of everything. Ashlin reminded us that up to 1 in 7 people may be neurodivergent, and that feeling safe enough to disclose can make all the difference Ashlin also introduced tools to help leaders listen more effectively and create environments where everyone feels valued.

Her interactive session concluded with a powerful “stand up if...” activity, which encouraged reflection and engagement. Participants were invited to stand if they had ever felt different, preferred written instructions, helped someone feel welcome, felt out of place at work, or believed that workplaces should reflect all kinds of minds. The room responded with energy and openness, making the session especially empowering for those who have often felt different, overlooked, or underestimated.

I’m just so grateful to have been part of Breaking Barriers what an incredible event Everyone brought such great energy and openness, it made it easy (and fun!) to share I still feel like I’m learning as I go, so hearing that it got people thinking and talking in a positive way means a lot.

Ashlin McDonnell - Everard’s Brewery

Panel Reflections: Honesty, Openness and Real Change

As the talks concluded, we had the opportunity to hear from our business members, who formed a panel to share their insights and experiences. The discussion explored:

  • Common mental health challenges in employment
  • Disclosing hidden illnesses and what meaningful support looks like
  • Strategies for navigating work-related stress and emotional wellbeing
  • What needs to change in how we talk about mental health

The conversation was open, warm, and filled with moments of shared understanding. Topics such as imposter syndrome, emotional regulation, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone were explored with honesty and reflection.

A standout topic was Imposter Syndrome the internal fear of not being "good enough" even when you are succeeding. Panelists shared personal stories of self-doubt and described how imposter feelings can follow you even as you grow. They spoke about the importance of challenging these thoughts, recognizing your value, and finding supportive teams where you can be yourself without apology. Young people in the room many of whom have faced barriers due to trauma, exclusion, or criminalization, connected deeply with this message.

The Talk on imposter syndrome spoke to me as I struggle with this and my confidence a lot it reminded me of how to stay confident and strong and I can do anything if I put my mind to it

Participant

Creative Expression with Pedestrian

The final session of the day was a hands-on art workshop led by Pedestrian Canvas Painting. Through a creative process, participants were invited to: Paint their “barriers” using color, shapes, or words and share their reflections with the group. The session provided space for self-expression and healing. It was especially meaningful for young people, who used art as a tool to reflect on their journey and imagine a more hopeful future.

The young people were so engaged and excited by the activity , positive experience

Pedestrian

I know I am not a blank Canvas

Participant

A massive thank you Breaking Barriers wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing businesses who brought their time, honesty, and energy to space.

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers Ashlin McDonnell from Everard’s Brewery & Aliyana Elizabeth Reshamwalla from VEDA Women's Club for opening up such meaningful conversations around neurodiversity, mental health, and hidden illness in the workplace. Your insight and openness created space for real reflection and growth.

To our amazing business members, who formed our panel, Danielle Young ( Nelsons Law) Diana Humphries ( Leicester City Council ) Jenny Hailes and Tom Flynn, ( Everard’s )

Thank you for sharing your experiences so honestly. You helped bring the theme of the day to life, showing young people what inclusion, resilience, and support can really look like in the world of work.

Special thanks to Pedestrian Ameerah Dawood & Michelle for delivering a creative and powerful canvas painting session. Watching the young people express their emotions, break their barriers, and paint their breakthroughs truly moving.

Thank you to everyone who made this day what it was. Your voices, your presence, and your support helped us break barriers, together.

Written by

Jennifer Rodall

Youth Justice Development officer

If you’re a business and would like to support our Youth Justice participants by offering mock interviews or other work-related experiences, please get in touch by using the email below. Your time could make a lasting impact.

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Youth Justice Project Development Manager

Chikodi Lori

chikodi@leicestershirecares.co.uk

To read about our Power to Change approach, click on the link below:

https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/our-approach/power-to-change/#:~:text=We%20believe%20our%20power%20to,city%20and%20county%20for%20all.

For more information and insight into our Youth Justice Projects click the links below:

Time Products Youth Justice Work Tour | Leicestershire Cares

YOUTH JUSTICE MOCK INTERVIEW SESSION | Leicestershire Cares

All Things Youth Justice Podcast: Mindset, Making Mistakes & Moving Forward | Leicestershire Cares

Man Cave Participants Dive into Finance and Business Strategy | Leicestershire Cares

All Things Youth Justice Podcast - Clearing the Record: Life Beyond Crime with Dr. Nicola Collett | Leicestershire Cares

Man Cave Session: Business Ideas, Marketing, and Branding | Leicestershire Cares

Youth Justice Man Cave Enterprise Session Launches with Pathway and Cocoa Amore | Leicestershire Cares