New support group for people with ADHD in Inverness
A new support group is launching in the Highlands to help people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Dopamine Dolls has its first event tonight to support women and non-binary people who have diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD.
Taking place at Charleston Community Complex, Inverness at 6pm, the event has been created by like-minded individuals Ashley Hope and Isla Urquhart who both saw the need for a support group in the region.
The aim of the group is to create an opportunity for conversations to take place about tackling life with a neurodivergent mind, and a chance for individuals to share their stories, strategies and learning.
Isla (39) explained how the idea to start a group came about: "I had been reading an article where someone had dismissed ADHD, and it really bothered me. I had posted something about it and Ashley got in touch.
"We had a conversation about our struggles in getting a diagnoses, and the humorous things that happen in our life. We both got so much from it that we decided we should create an opportunity for a support group."
Ashley (31) added: "There is a lack of support up here, so we just really wanted to create a safe place for others to have the space to have conversations where they feel less alone and to take the shame out of things that happen in our daily life."
So far the event has 23 people signed up, and it will take a very relaxed and informal approach. Dopamine Dolls will take place fortnightly from 6pm – 7.30pm.
"We want people to come along and see what they need", said Ashley.
"We have so many ideas but this first event is really about seeing what people want and how they would like to be supported.
"People have also missed out on connection over the last few years – we hope people will make friendships and get a chance to get to know others who deal with similar issues."
