Celebrating Uniqueness Through Me + My Normal
At Northorpe Hall, we’ve been supporting children, young people, and families for more than 60 years. Over that time, we’ve seen how difficult it can be for families to find the right help after a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Too often, the journey begins with uncertainty — and very little support.
That’s why we developed Me + My Normal, a youth‑centred, neuro‑affirming programme for young people aged 11–17. The programme creates a safe and welcoming space where participants can explore their diagnosis, connect with others who understand, and develop a stronger sense of self. Our families have told us this support has been a lifeline.
A Different Kind of Support
Unlike traditional services that focus on trying to ‘fix’ young people so they fit societal norms, Me + My Normal celebrates individuality.
Sessions support young people to:
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Understand and embrace their neurodivergence
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Build confidence and self‑esteem
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Form meaningful friendships with peers who understand them
We believe that Me + My Normal is exactly the kind of early intervention that makes a lasting difference. What's more, attendance and engagement levels during the pilot were at 90%, which proves this approach works.
For families who’ve struggled to access support, this programme brings reassurance, guidance, and a place to feel understood. Parents have also been able to connect with other families, reducing the isolation they are feeling.
By filling a major gap in support services for neurodivergent young people, Me + My Normal shows what’s possible when we focus on understanding, confidence, and connection — rather than crisis management.
If you'd like to know more, we’ve released a summary of the evaluation report, which highlight the positive outcomes and lasting impact of the programme. You can download that here:
Me + My Normal in Action
A Journey of Understanding, Connection and Embracing Uniqueness
Rosa Forrest, our Parent Support and Neurodevelopmental Lead, shares the story behind Me + My Normal — how it was created with parents and young people, what it’s achieved so far, and why embracing our own version of “normal” matters more than ever.
Programme Update
Please note: Me + My Normal is not currently running, but we are working behind the scenes to secure funding so we can offer future sessions.
Families are very welcome to register their interest using the form below, this helps us understand demand and keep families updated as soon as we’re able to share next steps. Join our mailing list for regular news from Northorpe, and select 'Me + My Normal' to be the first to hear updates on the programme.
Looking Ahead: Funding + Partnerships
Feedback from the Me + My Normal pilot demonstrated a clear and ongoing need for this type of support, with families continuing to contact us weekly seeking opportunities for support with their neurodivergent young people.
We are keen to deliver the programme again and build on the positive outcomes already seen through high engagement, strong attendance, and meaningful feedback from both young people and parents. To make this possible, we are currently exploring funding and partnership opportunities.
If your organisation may be interested in supporting the continuation of this programme, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further. Please contact us at support@northorpe.com to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Me + My Normal?
Me + My Normal was a group-based support programme for young people aged 11–17 who had, or were awaiting, a neurodevelopmental diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, or a dual diagnosis. The pilot ran between November 2024 and September 2025.
How did the programme work?
The programme ran over 10 weeks, with weekly sessions for small groups of three to six young people. Sessions lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes and focused on topics such as self-esteem, confidence, and sensory awareness. Sessions included discussion, activities, a mood check-in, and time for feedback. Young people set a personal goal at the start and reviewed progress at the end of the programme.
Who was the programme for?
Young people aged 11–17 who are neurodivergent, or awaiting a diagnosis, and who may
experience loneliness or social isolation.
Why is this type of support needed?
There is a lack of neuro-affirming, strengths-based support for neurodivergent young people. Where support does exist, it often focuses on changing young people rather than helping them understand and embrace who they are.
What did Me + My Normal achieve?
Many young people formed friendships, felt able to be themselves without masking, and developed greater confidence and understanding of their neurodivergence. Parents also reported reduced isolation and valued connecting with other families.
Are you planning to run the programme again?
We had wonderful feedback from the pilot and would love to run Me + My Normal again. To do this, we are currently exploring funding and partnership opportunities. We are also considering a paid-for model where families contribute towards their place and would welcome conversations about interest in this approach.
How much funding is needed?
The exact amount depends on the format and scale of delivery, but funding typically covers delivery, materials, staff time, room use, and programme management.
And how much would that be?
For a full 10-week run of Me + My Normal, we would need to secure just under £5,000. As this is a significant commitment for the charity, funding would need to be secured upfront before delivery can begin.