We are thrilled to share that Spark’s launch event, held...
Read MoreBe The Spark That Lights Up The Room
Ever felt like you’re on a different wavelength? You’re not alone. In Northern Ireland, many of us with neurodivergent traits feel like we’re on the fringes. It’s hard, but that’s exactly why Spark exists.
We’re Spark, a group of enthusiastic, neurodiverse individuals from all walks of life. And we are all about celebrating the strengths and talents of every neurodivergent person working in Northern Ireland.
There’s more of us than you may think
Did you know? It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people (more than 15% of people in the UK) are neurodivergent, meaning that the brain functions, learns and processes information.
That means there’s a lot of untapped potential and unique perspectives in the workforce that may not get the spotlight they deserve. We’re here to change that. Just think of all those fresh perspectives just waiting to shine.
Neurodiversity is a rainbow. It includes conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, echolalia, Tourette’s syndrome, and synaesthesia.
Who We Are
Need a friend? Support? Some advice? We’ve got your back. From social events to support networks, we provide a space where you can be unapologetically you.
Spark is a fresh and dynamic neurodivergent networking group based in Northern Ireland. It’s all about creating real connections and support for folks with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. The group mixes online and in-person meetups, offering a platform for members to share experiences, access resources, and enjoy a vibrant community. It’s focused on empowering individuals, raising awareness, and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace. Spark aims to build a strong, inclusive community that values and supports the neurodiverse population in Northern Ireland.
How we do it
We meet up monthly for our ‘breakfast mornings’ before heading to work. This is a great chance to meet like-minded people and chat.
Join our Facebook Group, where you can find and share resources, tips, stories, and lots more.
Follow us on WhatsApp, X and LinkedIn, for regular updates
Regular ‘away days’
Hi Employers
Employing neurodivergent individuals offers numerous benefits for the workplace. These individuals often bring unique perspectives and skills, such as innovative problem-solving abilities and distinctive approaches to challenges, which can fuel innovation and growth. Organisations focusing on neurodiversity in their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts often see increased engagement, performance, and profits. This inclusion leads to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture with improved communication and a heightened sense of psychological safety among employees.
Additionally, neurodivergent individuals may excel in roles that require skills like pattern recognition, visualisation, and abstract thinking. Employers also have the opportunity to support neurodiversity through inclusive programme design, accommodating the specific needs of neurodivergent employees, thereby enhancing overall productivity and creating a supportive work environment for all employees.
We are actively looking for corporate partners and people who believe in the power of diversity and its benefits to the workplace. Email neurodiversityspark@gmail.com for more information.
Founders
Cara Marks
Cara has a background in recruitment and, as a neurominority herself, has a keen interest in neurodiversity in the workplace and barriers to entry for neurodivergent individuals. Cara seeks to support and advise organisations on how to create inclusive processes that will create more diverse and competitive workplaces.
Cara was diagnosed later in life and has benefited from her diagnosis in understanding herself and combating some symptoms with newfound knowledge. Cara advocates for services in Northern Ireland and the opportunity for diagnosis to be more readily available.
Cara has a CIPD in HR and a masters in business development and Innovation from Ulster University, where she explored the gaps in the recruitment process compared to the experiences of the neurodivergent.
3 qualities that Cara celebrates as a neurodivergent individual are-
Resilience
Creativity
Drive (even if not sure of the direction!)
Cara Says, “Having a network for support and information is important at any stage of diagnosis, and you don’t always know when you will need that additional support. By coming together, we will have a stronger voice and make a real difference for Neurodivergent people in Northern Ireland.”
Gary Gates
Gary is a part-time PhD Researcher at Ulster University investigating the lived experiences of late-diagnosed ADHD in adults. The research aims to deepen the understanding of the unique challenges and needs faced by this group, contribute to more effective support strategies, and raise awareness about the implications of late diagnosis.
Gary’s background is in marketing, communications, and business management, and has over 10 years of managerial experience. After many years in the private sector, he now works in a Belfast-based ‘arts in health’ charity that uses the transformative power of the arts to help improve health and well-being. He passionately believes in the transformative power of the arts. Gary is also a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and gigs in his free time, particularly with the bagpipe-infused rock/folk cover band ‘The Tartan Riot’.
Gary was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40, and his path to get where he is today, like most late-diagnosed people, was ‘all over the place’.
3 qualities that Gary celebrates as a neurodivergent individual are-
Creativity
Empathy
Passion
Gary Says, “I struggled for years just trying to figure out who I was, why I didn’t fit in, why I felt different, why I was constantly told I was different by people that should really have known better. I dream of living in a world where ‘inclusive’ is no longer a ‘buzzword’ because inclusivity will be the norm. I dream of living in a world where societal structures and attitudes no longer agitate our neurodivergent symptoms. I dream of living in a world where each and every one of us can thrive and be the best version of ourselves.“
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