Alfred Robbins Lodge

Nearly 100 neurodivergent young people aged 18 to 25 from across the capital will get tailored, home-based mental health and wellbeing support thanks to a grant from London Freemasons to the Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (CDARS).

The £59,000 grant is funding a programme aimed at those young people who experience a range of mental health conditions and often refuse to leave their homes. Around half of CDARS’ Young People Programme clients present symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD. When neurodivergent young people seek support, they often prefer online engagement to avoid face-to-face contact. While this offers an important entry point, it limits opportunities for skill-building, social connection, and access to wider community resources.

The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people by addressing their needs through tailored, specialist support that understands neurodiversity, motivates gradual re-engagement, and reduces isolation. By meeting young people where they are, emotionally and practically, the project will empower them to build confidence, access appropriate services, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Employing two part-time Outreach Neurodiversity Support Coaches with a background in Psychology or social work and trained for working with neurodivergent individuals, the project will work with hard-to-reach neurodivergent clients, providing person-centred support from the clients’ homes.

Neurodivergent young people frequently experience more acute mental health challenges than their neurotypical peers. These include schizophrenia, severe anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and significantly higher suicide rates – up to 12 times greater, according to national data. Their neurodiversity also contributes to difficulties in engaging in group sessions, resulting in high dropout rates and social withdrawal.

Their families often experience social isolation, according to the National Autistic Society (Too Much Information, 2016), which found that 79 per cent of autistic people and 70 per cent of family members feel socially isolated, while 50 per cent avoid going out due to fear of negative reactions from others.

The grant from the London Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

CDARS’ Grants and Bids Manager, Alexandra Thomas, said: “We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant. Neurodivergent young people are at risk of not accessing the right support for their mental health and the challenges linked to their neurodiversity. Offering professional support from their homes can help bridge a gap and build their self-confidence and social skills so they can gradually engage in community services.”

Will Clayton from London Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help CDARS with their hugely important project helping neurodivergent young people. The challenges facing them is significant and this wonderful charity has an excellent programme of support that can literally mean the difference between life and death, given the prevalence of suicidal feelings among this group.”