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Our Purpose

Our Vision 

A Dumfries and Galloway where neurodivergent adults are understood, included and valued. 

Our Mission

We support Autistic adults, adults with ADHD, and other neurodivergent adults across Dumfries and Galloway to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. 

We do this by: 

  • improving understanding of neurodivergence 

  • offering community-based, peer-led information, activities and support 

  • building skills, confidence and leadership opportunities 

  • supporting neurodivergent adults to influence services and systems

WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR

In our first year, our volunteer Management Committee focused on setting Think Differently Dumfries and Galloway up as an organisation. 

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This work has sometimes been physically and mentally demanding for members of our team. Even so, we have achieved a lot. 

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So far, we have: 

  • developed a constitution and opened a bank account 

  • secured a small amount of start-up funding 

  • put core policies and financial processes in place 

  • submitted a formal request to work with NHS Dumfries and Galloway on diagnostic pathways 

  • built partnerships with organisations such as Paragon and Sleeping Giants 

  • stayed connected with the community through online spaces 

  • supported individuals with workplace issues and access to diagnosis and support 

  • recruited a small freelance team to help deliver activities and strengthen our foundations 

WHAT WE AIM TO DO (2026-2029)

Over the next three years, we want to grow carefully and sustainably. Our aim is to develop Think Differently DG into a regional hub for community, connection and care, led by and for neurodivergent adults. ​

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What we will do: 

Peer support and activities 

  • Monthly in-person meet-ups across Dumfries and Galloway 

  • Monthly online groups 

  • Gentle activities, creative sessions and facilitated discussions 

  • Regional gatherings and awareness events

 

As confidence grows, we will support people to lead their own groups, such as: 

  • ADHD or autism-focused groups 

  • social outings 

  • interest-based activities 

THE DIFFERENCE WE WANT TO MAKE

For Neurodivergent Adults 

  • Better self-understanding, self-acceptance and self-management 

  • Improved mental health and wellbeing 

  • Reduced isolation and a stronger sense of belonging 

  • Greater skills, confidence and leadership opportunities

For Services and Communities 

  • Stronger voice and influence for neurodivergent adults 

  • Better understanding of neurodivergence 

  • More inclusive and responsive services 

  • Reduced stigma and discrimination

​​Long-term impact 

We want to help build more connected and resilient communities across Dumfries and Galloway, where neurodivergent adults are supported early, not left to reach crisis.

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How we learn and improve 

We care about understanding the difference our work makes. Our evaluation will be co-designed with neurodivergent people, using accessible and neuro-affirming approaches. 

 

What we learn will shape how we work, now and in the future. 

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