Removing the Financial Barrier to Neuro-Inclusive Performance
Whether you are an employee, self-employed, or a business owner in the North East, you don’t have to face the challenges of neurodiversity, anxiety, or workplace stress alone—or out of your own pocket.
The UK Access to Work (AtW) scheme is a government-funded grant designed to ensure that talent isn’t sidelined by disability or mental health conditions. As a Solution Focused Performance Architect, I am a registered provider of the specialist coaching and support that this grant covers.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a “discretionary grant” that pays for practical support to help you get into work or stay in your job. Unlike a loan, it does not have to be paid back.
For most small and medium-sized businesses, the scheme covers 100% of the cost of my clinical 1-to-1 sessions.
How it Supports Employees & Self-Employed
If your neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia) or mental health (Anxiety, Depression) creates barriers at work, Access to Work can fund Specialist Workplace Strategy Coaching.
Working with me 1-to-1, we use Solution Focused techniques to:
- Manage Executive Functioning: Build subconscious routines for time management, focus, and organisation.
- The “Soft Reset”: Learn clinical tools to move from “overwhelm” to “performance” in seconds.
- Confidence & Communication: Prioritise the “7 Ps” of preparation so you can navigate meetings and interviews without the “freeze” response.
The Benefit for Employers
If you’re a North East employer, Access to Work is your best tool for Retention and Social Value. * Zero Cost for Support: In many cases, the grant covers the full cost of my clinical intervention for your staff.
- Reduce Absenteeism: By providing “Psychological PPE” for your neurodiverse staff, you prevent the burnout and “piss poor performance” that leads to long-term sick leave.
- Unlock Potential: You’ve invested in their training; I invest in their state of mind to ensure they can actually deliver.
How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Eligibility: You must be in (or about to start) paid work and have a condition that lasts at least 12 months. Neurodivergence counts.
- Apply Online: Go to gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. You’ll need your NI number and workplace details.
- The Assessment: A DWP assessor will contact you to discuss what support you need.
- Nominate Me: When they ask for your preferred coach or support provider, you can nominate Darren Finley (Solution Focused Therapy).
- Get the Green Light: Once approved, we begin our 1-to-1 clinical sessions, funded by the grant.
Top Tip: The application queue can be long. Prior Planning and Preparation means getting your application in now before the “pressure moment” hits.
Ready to Bridge the Gap?
Don’t let the paperwork stop you from performing. If you need help phrasing your application or understanding what support you can ask for, let’s have a 10-minute briefing.