A Brilliant Morning at the Mend + Tend Event at Manchester Museum

This morning I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful event hosted by Kerry Tottingham, Faye Bertram, and Tessa Basson from A Brilliant Thing CIC at Manchester Museum.

The event was part of the Mend + Tend programme, which brings together people who are passionate about wellbeing, community, creativity, and positive change.

It was the first event of this kind I’ve been part of, and I’m genuinely so pleased to have been invited along.

Connecting with Incredible Humans

One of the best parts of the morning was the people.

I spoke to so many thoughtful, passionate individuals doing meaningful work in their communities. Conversations ranged from mental health support and community projects to coaching, neurodiversity awareness, and workplace inclusion.

These kinds of events remind me how many people are quietly doing powerful work to make the world a little kinder and more supportive.

I learnt a lot, laughed a lot, and smiled so much my cheeks actually hurt by the end.

Sharing the Work I Care Deeply About

During the event I had the opportunity to talk about the work I do as a coach supporting neurodivergent individuals, including adults with ADHD and people navigating executive functioning challenges in their work and home lives.

I also shared information about the practical tools and strategies I use in coaching, including:

Executive functioning strategies for focus and organisation

Emotional regulation tools for navigating overwhelm

Strength-based approaches for neurodivergent professionals

Workplace strategies that help ADHDers thrive rather than struggle

These are the kinds of tools that can make a real difference, especially for people who may have spent years feeling like they just need to “try harder”.

ADHD, Workplaces, and Access to Work Support

A lot of the conversations I had today were also about ADHD in the workplace and the practical support that can help neurodivergent employees perform at their best.

Many people are still unaware that in the UK, government funding through the Access to Work scheme can provide practical support such as:

ADHD coaching

workplace strategy sessions

practical business support

systems to help manage workload and priorities

For many people, the right support can transform how work feels.

It can mean the difference between constant overwhelm and having systems that actually work with your brain.

A Live Podcast, Headshots, and a Lot of Inspiration

The morning was full of lovely surprises too.

I took part in a live podcast interview, had some new headshots taken, and spent time sharing ideas with people who are passionate about creating change.

There was such a warm, supportive energy in the room. Events like this remind me why community spaces matter so much.

Ending the Day the ADHD Way

And now, like many neurodivergent humans after a stimulating day full of conversation and connection, I’m doing the most important thing.

I’m sitting on the couch with a cup of tea, decompressing, and trying to remember all the brilliant people I met.

If we spoke today, please do say hello again. I’d love to stay connected.

FAQs

1) What is the Mend + Tend event?

Mend + Tend is a community wellbeing event organised by A Brilliant Thing CIC that brings together people working in mental health, coaching, community support, and wellbeing to share tools, resources and ideas.

2) What support is available for ADHD in the workplace in the UK?

Support for ADHD in the workplace may include coaching, practical business support, executive functioning strategies and workplace adjustments. In many cases this support can be funded through the UK government’s Access to Work scheme.

3) What does an ADHD coach do?

An ADHD coach helps individuals develop practical strategies to manage executive functioning challenges such as organisation, focus, prioritisation, emotional regulation and motivation.

If any of this resonates and you'd like to learn more book a free intro call here.

People Behind the Mend + Tend Event

The Mend + Tend event at Manchester Museum was organised by the team at A Brilliant Thing CIC, including:

• Kerry Tottingham

• Faye Bertram

• Tessa Basson

A Brilliant Thing CIC brings together community events, conversations and initiatives that support wellbeing, connection and positive social change.

Events like Mend + Tend create space for people working in coaching, mental health, community projects and neurodiversity support to share ideas and practical tools that can help people thrive.