A police community support officer who has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, a chromosome disorder, and traits of OCD, is using his diagnosis to support others.
PCSO Pete Nichol, alongside Shirley Murphy, of the Allerdale and Copeland Autism Support Group, has been engaging with pupils from local schools diagnosed with neurodiverse traits.
The partnership of Cumbria police, Aspatria’s Beacon Hill School and the support group bring together their knowledge to help young people through any difficulties that they may be having and work together to provide support.
PCSO Pete Nichol said “It is great to be able to help and support others through their diagnosis. As a PCSO I spend a lot of time within the community supporting people and was happy to give further support to people in the neurodiverse community.
“This partnership provides young people with wrap around support from all three partners and we also look to support their families.”
Shirley said: “Myself and Pete have been working together for over a year now, working with people with various neuro disabilities and to be able to come into Beacon Hill school and carry on that work with the school is fantastic.
“Pete and I are looking to raise awareness around women and girls who may have undiagnosed neuro disabilities and to be able to come into the school helps to raise that awareness.”
Teacher Finn Schafer, who has a diagnosis of ADHD and supports pupils with his own lived experience, said: “It is great that we have this partnership work that we do to support neuro diverse pupils and it brings that all in house within the school, so the pupils feel more comfortable”
