South Yorkshire Menopause and Neurodiversity Learning Programme

We would like to share with you this extensive South Yorkshire Menopause and Neurodiversity Learning Programme, which will run from September 2026 to April 2027. The programme is funded through the South Yorkshire Health and Growth Accelerator 2026/27 and is being coordinated by the South Yorkshire Primary Care Training Hub

The full list of sessions can be found on our Bookwhen page – click here to view

You can find out more about the Menopause and Neurodiversity Learning Programme below

 

Neurodiversity Learning Pathway

The Neurodiversity Learning Pathway consists of four progressive modules. Delegates are encouraged to attend all four modules within their chosen cohort, as each session builds on the learning from the previous module.


Module 1 – Understanding Neurodiversity

This introductory session explores the meaning of neurodiversity and provides an overview of neurological differences including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions.

The session also considers the strengths and benefits associated with neurodiversity, including creativity, communication, innovation and problem-solving.


Module 2 – Creating an Inclusive Environment

This session explores how organisations can create environments where neurodivergent colleagues are supported to thrive.

It covers the role of leadership, inclusive communication approaches and practical ways of adapting the physical and working environment.


Module 3 – Awareness and Sensitivity Training

This module focuses on building awareness, challenging stereotypes and developing greater understanding of the experiences of neurodivergent colleagues.

It also explores how employees can become effective allies and advocates for neuro-inclusion within the workplace.


Module 4 – The Role of the Line Manager and Organisation

The final module examines the responsibilities of line managers and organisations.

It covers the legal framework, ethical considerations, recruitment and retention, reasonable adjustments, privacy, inclusive management and the practical steps required to create lasting organisational change.

Neurodiversity Masterclasses

The following sessions can be attended as standalone workshops.

Neurodiversity and the Menopause

This session explores the intersection between neurodiversity and menopause and how hormonal changes may affect neurodivergent individuals differently.

It considers the impact on wellbeing and working life, alongside practical strategies for managers and organisations.


Empowering Parents: Supporting Neurodiversity and Work-Life Balance

This workshop explores the additional pressures that may be experienced by parents and carers of neurodivergent children.

It considers flexibility, inclusion, workplace support and practical approaches to helping employees balance work and family responsibilities.


Understanding Autism – Awareness, Inclusion and Support

This session provides an accessible introduction to autism.

It explores how autism may present, common misconceptions and the practical steps individuals, teams and organisations can take to create more inclusive and supportive environments.


Understanding ADHD – Awareness, Inclusion and Support

This session explores what ADHD is and how it may present in different individuals.

It challenges common misconceptions and provides practical strategies to support inclusion, communication, wellbeing and performance.


Neurodiversity, Food and Hydration

This specialist session explores the relationship between neurodiversity, sensory processing, food, hydration and wellbeing.

It considers common challenges and preferences, the impact of nutrition and hydration, and practical ways to create more inclusive mealtime and workplace environments.


Understanding Autism, ADHD, and OCD

This workshop provides an overview of autism, ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It explores strengths, challenges, misconceptions and practical strategies for everyday support and inclusion.

Menopause Learning Programme

The following sessions can be attended as standalone workshops.

Understanding Menopause

This introductory session explores what menopause is, the stages of menopause, common symptoms, and the reasons these changes occur.

It also considers stigma, supportive conversations, and practical approaches to managing the impact of menopause.


Menopause for Leaders and Line Managers

This session is designed for people with management or leadership responsibilities.

It explores the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of menopause, workplace impact, legal and organisational responsibilities, supportive conversations, and practical adjustments.


Understanding Male Menopause: Andropause, Myths and Management

This workshop explores male hormonal health and the term commonly referred to as andropause or male menopause.

It considers testosterone deficiency, common signs and symptoms, biological and psychological effects, myths, treatment and management options, and sensitive workplace support.

The session also includes transgender and non-binary considerations.


Understanding Menopause in People with Learning Disabilities

This session explores how menopause may present differently in people with learning disabilities.

It considers barriers to recognition, communication needs, cultural considerations, changes in behaviour, access to care and practical strategies for improving support.

Menopause Champions Programme

Duration: 4 hours

This extended virtual programme equips delegates with the knowledge and confidence to act as Menopause Champions within their organisation.

The programme covers menopause awareness, symptoms, stigma, treatment options, workplace impact, discrimination and supportive conversations.

Delegates will also work through case studies and explore the role of Champions in raising awareness, providing informed support, signposting and promoting a more menopause-inclusive workplace.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book onto a session?

You can find the full list of sessions on our Bookwhen page – click here to view

Click here to view a guide on how to use Bookwhen

If you have any issues with booking onto a session, please contact: pcdltd.training-hub@nhs.net

Who can attend these sessions?

These sessions are open to everyone. You do not have to be based in South Yorkshire or work for the NHS to access these sessions, they are open to everyone.

The programme is suitable for:

  • Employees at all levels
  • Line managers and people leaders
  • Human Resources and People teams
  • Occupational Health and wellbeing professionals
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion leads
  • Learning and development teams
  • Staff network members
  • Menopause and wellbeing champions
  • Health and care professionals
  • Anyone wishing to develop their understanding of neurodiversity, menopause, and workplace inclusion

Are these sessions free?

Yes, all of these sessions are free to all attendees.

The programme is funded through the South Yorkshire Health and Growth Accelerator 2026/27.

Are these sessions online?

Yes, all of the sessions take place on Microsoft Teams

Do I have to attend all of the sessions?

The Neurodiversity Masterclass and Menopause Learning Programme webinars are designed to be standalone webinars so you can attend these without any prior knowledge and in any order.
The Menopause Champion course is also a standalone session where you aren’t expected to have any specific prior knowledge or have attended any other sessions in order to attend
The Neurodiversity Pathway Modules 1-4 are designed to be completed as a full course where you attend each module as each session builds on the learning from the previous module. But don’t worry if you miss a session or attend in the wrong order, we aren’t strict about attendance

Why are some sessions listed more than once?

Some of the sessions are repeated numerous times on different dates to maximise the number of people who can attend these sessions.

Any sessions with the same title will cover the same content.

Will the sessions be recorded?

No, the sessions will not be recorded.

All of the sessions are repeated more than once so if you have missed a session, you may be able to book on a later session.

Slide decks used during the sessions will be uploaded to our website after the session and will be shared with everyone who books to attend the session.

Who is delivering these sessions? How have the sessions been developed?

The workshops are led and primarily delivered by Amanda Smith, who brings together expertise from four complementary roles across healthcare, lived experience engagement and consultancy. Where appropriate, delivery is supported by a small number of experienced associate facilitators who have previously delivered these programmes. All facilitators hold relevant teaching qualifications, alongside subject-specific qualifications, and professional experience, and deliver to the same evidence-informed approach and quality standards.

 

Amanda is Trust Lead for Trauma-Informed Care within a large North West-based mental health NHS trust, an Associate Hospital Manager for another large North West-based mental health NHS trust, Chair of Healthwatch Manchester, and Managing Director of AKS Wellbeing, where she delivers evidence-based training and consultancy across the NHS, public, private and voluntary sectors.

 

With almost 30 years’ experience in workplace health and wellbeing, Amanda has held senior NHS leadership roles and was previously Clinical Director of a large psychological services organisation supporting over 2.5 million NHS and private sector employees. She is trained in neurodiversity assessment, including ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Throughout her career, co-production has been central to service improvement, organisational development and the design of education and training.

 

In her current NHS role, Amanda leads Trauma-Informed Care, where the voices and lived experiences of people using services are integral to quality improvement, workforce development, and service design. She also contributes to the national Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Inpatient Quality Transformation Programme. Alongside this, her role as Chair of Healthwatch Manchester provides continual insight into the experiences of people accessing health and social care services, ensuring that public voice and lived experience remain central to her work.

 

The workshops have been developed using current research evidence, national guidance, clinical expertise and published lived experience research relating to neurodivergent people. Amanda’s wider professional roles, which involve listening to and learning from people accessing health and social care services, also inform her approach to inclusive, person-centred practice. The workshops are continually refined through Quality Improvement (QI) methodology, using iterative delegate feedback from previous programmes to review, adapt and strengthen content over time, ensuring they remain evidence-informed, responsive, and reflective of emerging best practice.

What should I do if I am booked onto a session but now can't attend?

If you would like to cancel or amend your booking, please contact: pcdltd.training-hub@nhs.net

I have a question or issue, who should I contact?

Please contact the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub team: pcdltd.training-hub@nhs.net