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Emily's Story

Through the Charity’s relationship with Autism and ADHD, we’ve been able to help Emily in her time of need.
Emily's Story

Since the age of 7 Emily has had support for her mental health issues. A big part of the problem was not finding the right type of support.   

Throughout my whole life, I’ve had different types of diagnoses, therapies, support. None of it really worked for me. It became a pattern where I’d have treatment, things would get slightly better and then I’d revert back again.

Emily noticed people talking about neurodiversity on her social media and identified with their stories. That was the first life-changing moment in her story. 

They were talking about what it’s like to have autism and ADHD and I thought – that’s me. It’s around the same time I started working for the Department of Education; I think the Civil Service is really good at supporting neurodiversity… and I chose to work within special educational needs and disabilities because I want to make the world better for kids like me.

Wellbeing Support

Emily noticed a post about the Charity for Civil Servants on her intranet and decided to reach out. Following a long chat with a member of our help team, they came up with a plan together.

The person on the phone made me feel so secure and understood. She came up with a plan and suggested different options to go with, one of which was perfect. That was through their work with Autism and ADHD.

Through our partnership with Autism and ADHD, we were able to pay towards sessions with a coach who specialises in supporting neurodiverse adults. For Emily, this is exactly what she was looking for on her journey of self-discovery.

The support was amazing. I was able to get an official diagnosis and the coach helped me see how it was nothing to be scared of. How it was just a way to understand myself. The coping mechanisms the coach has taught me have been lifechanging. It helps me calm down in a crisis and my relationships with people are infinitely better.

Giving back to the community

One of the things Emily explored with her coach was purpose. Focusing on the incredible value Emily already adds to the world and what she would like to do.  

One thing I wanted to do was help people – and because I’ve always been into sports, I combined the two. I volunteer for The Big Sister project which encourages young girls to get into sports through mentoring and I absolutely love it.

Emily is so into sports, in fact, that she’s competing in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships this year! And her passion for helping people in need is what led her to share her story – hoping to remind other civil servants that they don’t have to face anything alone.

I just want to say a huge thank you to the Charity for Civil Servants for being there for me. I contacted them at an extremely low point in my life when I was feeling pretty hopeless, but their support made me feel heard… like I wasn’t alone.

When you’re neurodiverse, the social side can be quite overwhelming and the support I had through the Charity helped me navigate that. The coping mechanisms I’ve learnt mean I can have fun and continue to feel close to people without feeling burnt out. I know it sounds cliché, but my experience with them has genuinely changed my life for the better and I’m infinitely grateful.

Get involved

If you’re a civil servant facing a tough time – find out how we can help you.

Support people like Emily by making a single or regular donation, leaving a gift in your Will or by fundraising for us. With you alongside us, we can do even more to support civil servants.