18/7/2025
Cardiff Council is calling on residents, families, professionals, and community groups to take part in a city-wide public consultation on the draft Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy 2025-2030.
Launched today (18 July 2025)at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, the eight-week consultation is a key step in shaping astrategy that aims to make Cardiff a more inclusive and supportive city for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Around 1-in-7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning they experience the world more uniquely than others. People with neurodivergent traits and conditions face a range of challenges across our society, including finding employment, increased likelihood of mental health diagnoses, and trouble accessing public services.
However, neurodivergence brings many strengths and patterns of unique thinking that benefit our communities and workplaces.
The draft strategy has been developed by Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff which was established following a motion passed by Full Council in September 2023 to work towards becoming a more neurodivergent-friendly city.
The Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff network is co-ordinated by Cardiff Council and includes public service partners such as Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB), South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, and third sector members as well as other organisations including businesses, shops, entertainment venues, community groups and neurodivergent people themselves aiming to create a more inclusive and neuro-affirming city.
The Council is seeking feedback on six key aims of the draft strategy:
- Being included and part of your community
- Reaching your goals in education and employment
- Accessing information you can trust
- Supporting the health and wellbeing of neurodivergent people and families
- Being understood and celebrating difference
- Improving environments for neurodivergent people
Cllr Thomson said: "This consultation is an opportunity for the people of Cardiff to help shape a strategy that reflects the real needs and aspirations of our neurodivergent community. We want to hear from as many voices as possible—whether you're neurodivergent yourself, a parent, carer, educator, employer, or simply someone who wants to see Cardiff become a more inclusive city."
The consultation, which will run until September 30, will consist of targeted engagement with stakeholders and organisations, as well as separate digital and in-person focus groups for adults and children. Dates will be advertised shortly.
An online survey is available herehttps://www.cardiff.gov.uk/neurodivergentcardiffconsultation
with a version tailored for children and young people aged eight to 15. This will also be shared with schools for distribution to families.
An easy-read version of the survey will be available, as well as an easy-read version of the draft strategy.
Paper copies of the consultation survey will be available in hubs and libraries across the city.
Feedback from the consultation will be used to refine the draft strategy before it is presented to Cabinet for final approval later this year.