Frequently Asked Questions?
About Us
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What is The Neurodivergent Leisure Group CIC?
We’re a community-interest company designing and building inclusive, sensory-considerate leisure spaces for everyone, created through the lens of neurodivergent experience to make swimming and leisure accessible, calm, and welcoming for all.
Are you a charity?
No — we’re a CIC (Community Interest Company), not a charity.
Like charities, we can receive donations and fundraise for our cause, but instead of shareholders, all profits are reinvested directly into our community projects and facilities.
Who runs the organisation?
We’re led by lived experience - meet our team here.
Where are you based?
We’re based in Hertfordshire, with plans to expand across the UK.
When will the new facilities open?
We’re currently in the design and fundraising stages. Follow our socials to stay up to date. ​​​​
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Why focus on swimming?
We started as a neurodivergent friendly swim school. Neurodivergent children are statistically at higher risk of drowning, yet most can’t access mainstream lessons due to sensory, communication, or environmental barriers. Our programmes and designs are open to everyone, creating spaces that work for all abilities and comfort levels.
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What makes your pools different?
We design for calm and regulation, creating our spaces with little changes that make huge differences to our neurodivergent children. Giving them a safe space to learn and have fun.
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What is the “ALWAYS #CheckWaterFirst” campaign?
It’s our water-safety awareness campaign reminding the public to always check nearby water first when a child goes missing, every second counts.
Learn more on our about our campaign here and more Facts & Figures.
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What is your #FollowExcitement Fundraising Campaign?
Our #FollowExcitement campaign inspires people to chase what lights them up and use that energy to create change. Get sponsored to do something that excites you, whether it’s swimming, baking, running, or skydiving. Every fundraiser and sponsor helps us build inclusive, sensory-considerate leisure spaces for everyone. However you choose to raise money, do it your way and follow excitement while you do.​
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What is The 30 Second Challenge?
The 30-Second Challenge is our viral awareness campaign a simple but powerful way to show how fast danger can happen around water. Participants film themselves doing the standing mountain climber (or any inclusive alternative) while holding their breath for 30 seconds, the same amount of time a child often has on the surface before going under. After completing the challenge, post to social media, tag us, donate to support our work and nominate others to take part. Thirty seconds could save a life!
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Access & Inclusion
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Do you only work with autistic children?
No - we support all neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and sensory processing differences and we’re open to everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals. Our spaces are designed for inclusion, not exclusion.
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Are your lessons or facilities only for children?
No - our future centers will welcome all ages, including adults who prefer calmer, sensory-considerate environments. If you are looking for lessons now please see our swim schools website for more details. The Swim Academy
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Can siblings or friends join sessions?
Yes, inclusion means family too. We often run mixed sessions designed for comfort and understanding.
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Do you offer one-to-one lessons?
Yes, but only when necessary due to individual needs.
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Funding & Support
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How are you funded?
Through community fundraising, sponsorships, grants, and reinvested revenue from our inclusive programmes.
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Can I donate or sponsor a project?
Absolutely - Once we launch our fundraising campaign! Every penny helps us build accessible leisure spaces.
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Can families apply for support?
No - we don’t offer direct funding to families, but we guide them to our Projects Page for support opportunities and community initiatives.
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Partnerships & Training
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Do you offer work experience or internships?
We currently offer work experience to our swimmers. When our new facilities are built, opportunities will open to everyone.
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Do you work with schools or councils?
Yes - we collaborate with schools, local authorities, and community groups to improve access to swimming and inclusion training.
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Can professionals book training or workshops?
Yes - we provide neurodiversity and inclusive practice training for teachers, coaches, and leisure staff.
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Are your staff trained in neurodiversity and safeguarding?
All staff and volunteers are trained to our very high standards, built on over a decade of real-world experience running a neurodivergent swim school. When our facilities are built, every team member will also complete formal safeguarding and inclusion training to national standards.
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Get Involved
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How can I help?
Start a fundraising campaign, take part in our 30-second viral challenge, or simply spread the word! Every share, conversation, and donation helps us rewrite the rules of inclusion.
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How can I stay updated?
Follow us on all of our socials updates, and opportunities to get involved.
