Devon’s Work Hubs have been raising awareness of Neurodiversity Celebration Week this week (16-20 March).
The worldwide initiative challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, with the aim of transforming how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.
In line with this year’s campaign theme of, “making organisational change happen”, The Tribe Coworking at Berry Pomeroy has been highlighting its inclusivity for those who are neurodiverse.
Jemma Pimlott and Rebecca Steele both attend The Tribe Coworking at Berry Pomeroy. The Tribe is one of 24 coworking spaces within the Devon Work Hubs network, all of which are independently run and designed to offer flexible ways of working.
Jemma only received her ADHD diagnosis (combined, both inattentive and hyperactive) two years ago, aged 47, after thinking about it for many years. Having met Stacey Sheppard, Founder of The Tribe, at a coworking event at Newton Abbot Library, Jemma was encouraged by Stacey to successfully apply for a business grant from the Business and IP Centre (BIPC).
She set up her own business, Life Admin Hive, to be able to work more flexibly around her family and to use her skills as a former Children’s Social Worker, Community Nurse and Health Visitor of over 20 years. Life Admin Hive is a membership community for overwhelmed women who want to get on top of their household mental load and life admin.
Jemma said: “One of the difficulties I had faced during my office time in my various professional roles was that I felt I needed to perform ‘sitting properly’. To ensure I wasn’t distracting others, or appearing rude if I was listening to someone whilst tapping my foot or fidgeting with something. The efforts of sitting still in a way that felt acceptable, meant that I had no mental bandwidth to then focus on, and process what was being said to me.
“At the Tribe I can fidget, get up and down when I want to, use fidget toys, crochet whilst listening at a workshop and all without feeling self-conscious. This was HUGE for me.
“I had also worried about RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Disorder) which is a tricky part of ADHD for an estimated 99% of people with ADHD. It can manifest as intense distress in response to perceived criticism, rejection, or failure (even when others wouldn’t notice it). I can only go to The Tribe once a week and worried I would feel on the fringes of an established group. The reality has been the opposite. Stacey has created such a community with the day to day coworking space and the extras like low pressure social events for members and coffee morning style relaxed sessions and the WhatsApp groups.
“I am so grateful I get to be part of such a welcoming and accepting community. It has been so positive for me, and has enabled me to move from thinking about running a business to finally launching it. Magic!”
Rebecca Steele is a registered Nutritional Therapist and Somatic Coach. She runs www.bwellnutrition.co.uk, offering personalised support and coaching to help women reduce stress and anxiety, and feel more in control of their health, emotional wellbeing and life.
Rebecca said: “I am dyslexic and I have ADD (although I have not been formally diagnosed). Growing up, I was the child who lost things, didn’t know where I was meant to be, and often stared out of the window. My school reports would say, ‘If she paid attention, she could do better’.
“As an adult, I can be quite disorganised, especially when I am stressed or managing multiple tasks. If I don’t have the right systems in place, things can quickly feel chaotic. I also find it very difficult to work from home, as there are always distractions and life admin pulling my attention away.
“Being part of The Tribe has been incredibly supportive for me. As a single parent, I really value social connection, and I thrive in an environment where I can be around other women. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, we can chat openly but also focus and get work done.
“I find that working in a busier environment actually helps me focus. When I come into The Tribe, I feel more accountable and far less distracted than I do at home. Beyond that, I’ve learned so much from the other women in the space. Without this space, work would feel much more isolating. The Tribe offers not just a place to work, but a real sense of community, support, and growth.”
The Tribe was opened by Stacey Sheppard in Totnes in January 2020, to create a safe space for women in business to find a community in which to connect and collaborate. The coworking space relocated to Berry Pomeroy in 2024.
Stacey Sheppard, Founder of The Tribe, said: “I created The Tribe to give women a more supportive, less isolating way to work. For neurodivergent members, that can mean gentle structure, accountability, body doubling – working alongside other people to help stay motivated, and a space that helps them focus without feeling boxed in.
“Neurodivergence is not one-size-fits-all, and no two women will experience work, focus, energy, or overwhelm in exactly the same way. As someone currently seeking an ADHD diagnosis myself, I understand how important it is to create environments that acknowledge different ways of thinking and working. When women feel understood, they are far more able to thrive.”
Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said:
“I’m pleased to see that Devon’s Work Hubs are neuroinclusive workplaces and it’s good to see the support that’s being offered neurodivergent people. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a good opportunity to highlight the practical steps being taken to help people that run local businesses.”
Devon County Council is also operating the free supported employment programme Connect to Work, funded by UK Government. Connect to Work supports disabled people, those with physical or mental health conditions and individuals facing barriers to work.
For more information go to our Connect to Work webpage.