North West Show
- 2027 Date Coming Soon
- 10am-4pm
- The Edge Conference Centre, Wigan
Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Edge Conference Centre in Wigan and helped make our 2026 National Neurodiversity Show North West such a fantastic success.
We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to The Edge and their incredible team for being such fantastic hosts. The venue proved to be the perfect home for the show, and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome or better support throughout the day.
The response to this year’s event has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted to confirm that we’ll be returning to the North West in 2027.
2027 dates will be announced soon, so keep an eye on our social media channels and website for updates.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible day of learning, connection, inspiration and community.
2027 Date: Coming Soon
Show Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Feel free to arrive at any time during the day — there’s no need to be there right at the start.
The 2027 show will feature an informative exhibition floor occupied with organisations offering advice, support, products, and services tailored to the neurodivergent community. Plus, enjoy a full schedule of insightful seminars running throughout the day across two dedicated seminar rooms.
Features; Quiet Room, Exhibition Café, Breakout Areas, Unlimited Seminars, Device Charging
Parking is onsite and is free for 12 hours. Please input your vehicle registration in our reception for free parking. You can also do this in the on site cafe, but please be aware if you input your registration in the cafe you will only receive 4 hours free.
2027 DATE COMING SOON
Take a look at this year’s North West show guide, by clicking through the guide.
2026 Seminar Sponsor
2026 Medical Partner
North West Seminar Line Up
Seminar Room 1
10:00am
Cathy Wassell;
The Haven by Autistic Girls Network;
Inclusive Education and Support for Neurodivergent Learners
This presentation provides an overview of creating truly inclusive educational environments where neurodivergent learners can flourish. We'll explore key principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice, moving beyond awareness to action.
The session will emphasise the importance of understanding individual strengths, fostering positive learning identities, and building collaborative partnerships between educators, families, and support professionals.
We will also give practical examples of how these principles are applied within The Haven, an online school designed specifically for neurodivergent learners.
10:30am
Stephanie Jones;
Solicitor from HCB Solicitors;
How to secure an IDP;
How To Secure Funding For Your Child With SENs
Join one of the leading legal firms in the UK to hear how to secure funding for your child with special educational needs. Specialists from HCB Solicitors will explain how Educational Health and Care Plans and IDPs work and how this skilled and well practised firm will support your family to obtain the support you need.
This is a practical guide for parents and carers on securing a robust IDP, with step‑by‑step advice, FAQs, and a live Q&A.
*KEYNOTE SPEAKER*
11:00am
Lavinia Dowling;
The M Word CiC;
Professionals talk about good sleep hygiene but what is good and is it healthy for you?
One of the intriguing cycles health professionals talk about is good sleep hygiene assuming that in the 21 st century they have defined what this is for each individual. Yet, historically ‘good’ sleep hygiene was about families sharing a large bed wearing long nightshirts and caps to stay warm and alive due to no central heating and every member needing to work to bring money home in an effort to survive. Many parents with young children who are neurodivergent often struggle to separate themselves from their children due to high levels of anxiety and feel guilty for not being able to establish ‘good sleep hygiene’. Many adults with ADHD struggle to settle to sleep due to being unable to ‘switch off’ and many more who have Autism and ADHD really struggle to sleep due to anxiety about their day and the impending next day of daily life challenges. What is right for you?
11:30am
Rory Matthews;
Booost Education;
No Budget? No Problem! Everyday Tech Tips for Neurodivergent Learners
Who says you need fancy software to study smarter?
From YouTube to ChatGPT, this session explores how everyday (and free!) tech can support focus, memory, and motivation — especially for neurodivergent minds.
Don't miss this informative session from Booost Education on technology for neurodivergent minds.
12:00pm
Sarah Osborne, BA(Hons) mBANT rCNHC;
SO Nutrition;
Building Resilience with Diet and Nutrition for Neurodivergence
This empowering seminar offers valuable insights, tools, and actionable strategies to enhance resilience through balanced eating while respecting your unique needs. Led by a nutritionist and emotional eating practitioner who runs a neurodivergent nutrition clinic, this seminar will present the latest evidence-based approaches for fostering a healthier, more resilient relationship with food.
12:30pm
Ali Mooney; ND Buddy
The Neurodiversity pathway: Practical Supports and Technology to Help Neurodiverse Children Succeed at all stages of their journey
This seminar will explore practical strategies that support neurodiverse children, with and without formal diagnosis, across home, school, and community environments. Discussing tools such as visuals, timers, choice boards and emotional regulation supports, we will examine the growing question: why are families and professionals still dependent on static, paper-based systems in a world where technology can provide accessible, adaptable, personalised and consistent support? Drawing on both evidence-based practice and emerging digital innovation, we explore how technology could reshape the way neurodiverse children are supported — reducing barriers and increasing independence with tools that evolve with the child rather than becoming another abandoned folder on a shelf.
1:00pm
Jamie from Brain in Hand;
Supporting Neurodiversity in Education and the Workplace
In this seminar, we will explore who Brain in Hand is for and why it is a powerful support tool for neurodiverse individuals and those with anxiety-related challenges. We will cover how Brain in Hand helps individuals to reduce anxiety, manage overwhelm, and thrive in education, the workplace, and daily life. Brain in Hand supports with organisation, problem solving, and task initiation, enabling individuals to establish routines, manage stress, and respond confidently when plans change or unexpected situations arise. Attendees will learn about the key features, practical applications, and the positive impact it can have on building independence, improving productivity, and supporting with wellbeing.
2:00pm
Thomas Jackson:
Remtek Workplace
Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Personalised Assistive Technology Training
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, personalised assistive technology training has become a cornerstone for enhancing individual capabilities and fostering inclusive environments.
This seminar will explore the transformative impact of tailored training programmes designed to meet the unique needs of each user.
2:30pm
PEMFiT;
Pause, Reset, Regulate: Exploring PEMF with PEMFiT and Dr Cath Knibbs
Join PEMFiT professional Ashlie Waite and Dr Cath Knibbs, clinical and academic PhD researcher and child psychotherapist, to explore how PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnet Fields) may offer a safe, non-invasive approach to supporting nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing.
Together they’ll unpack how PEMF works, along with practical applications for individuals, carers, and families seeking supportive wellbeing practices.
This seminar invites you to pause, reset, and discover a simple way to take time out for yourself while supporting resilience and cellular health
3:00pm
Julia Roncella;
Fontana Dyslexia Solutions;
The Importance of Workplace Assessments – Enabling Inclusivity
What are Workplace Assessments? The disadvantages of not having Workplace Assessments - for the employer and employee How can they be accessed? Examples of Reasonable Adjustments In-house Workplace Assessor Groups Benefits of Workplace Assessments - for the employer and employee
Seminar Room 2
10:00am
Jacqui Brett - Specialist Occupational Therapist
Axia ASD;
Introducing the Dyspraxia Centre of Excellence: A New Approach to Supporting the Neurodivergent Community
Introducing the Dyspraxia Centre of Excellence (DCOE), a lived-experience-led service dedicated to improving understanding, diagnosis, inclusion, and support for dyspraxic people of all ages. We recognise that many individuals are multiply neurodivergent, so our approach focuses on coordinated, person-centred care rather than isolated support for individual conditions. Our multidisciplinary team brings together psychology, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy to provide a pioneering and evidence-based service. Learn more about workplace and education adjustments, Access to Work support, therapy services, and post-diagnostic coaching for the neurodivergent community. This seminar is ideal for professionals, educators, employers, families, and neurodivergent individuals.
10:30am
Hayley Clark and Joanne Beecham;
Access 2 Learn;
Harrison's Story - a Voice for the Unheard
Using a lived experience to show how early diagnosis, early intervention, and early support can be empowering and enabling in creating a confident and positive learning journey. A brief understanding of how this ties to the company's mission and the services they offer.
*MEDIA PARTNER*
11:00am
SENDcast Podcast;
Dale Pickles;
Listen to Me! - Why use pupil voice if you don't mean it?
Pupil voice has become a familiar phrase in schools, but too often it stops at gathering quotes for a report or ticking a consultation box.
If we ask pupils what they think and then change nothing, we're not listening — we're recording. We need to move from collecting pupil voice to acting on it and why pupil voice without action does more harm than silence ever could.
11:30am
Anita Davies; Harnessing Your ADHD Brain
Join us for a seminar designed to show you that an ADHD brain is far from broken. We'll discuss how neurotypical thinking often doesn't suit our minds and explore how it feels to experience controlled ADHD. We'll discuss strategies to leverage the unique strengths of ADHD, minimising overwhelm and frustrations. This session offers valuable insights for embracing and optimising your ADHD brain.
12:30pm
Greer Jones;
The Unfinished Idea; 3 Step Reset
When dysregulation hits, a child melts down, your brain blanks, or your body goes into fight, flight, or freeze. This seminar is not about fixing everything. It is about finding your footing. Greer Jones shares a simple 3-step reset you can use in real time to move from overwhelmed to steadier. You will learn how to spot early signs, downshift your nervous system, and choose a next step that protects connection, safety, and dignity. No perfect calm required, just a pathway back. Designed for parents raising neurodivergent children. You will leave with simple phrases to use and a take-home reset prompt you can screenshot.
1:00pm
Joanne Hill; Messy Minds;
The Mask
Using The Mask as a powerful metaphor, this session explores masking, the way many neurodivergent people suppress or edit themselves to fit in and the impact this has over time.
Through lived experience and reflection, Joanne unpacks the difference between hiding, unleashing, and understanding your strengths, and why real progress comes from control rather than suppression.
A thoughtful, human session about ADHD, identity, and what changes when you stop pretending and start working with your brain, not against it
1:30pm
Jamie Denyer;
Avengers - END GAME
After the success of last years talks called “Assembling the avengers” Jamie Captain America Denyer is back with a new seminar called “The Avengers: Infinity war”
Talking about how to use your Avengers superpowers to battle back against all the Thanos’s you face in your life.
This talk gives you the belief & know how that as Neurodiverse superhero’s you really can make a change in this world, even whilst facing up to your insecurities and dealing with them like the villain’s they are.
The most vulnerable and transparent talk to date.
We’ve already assembled, now it’s time to fight the infinity war for change.
2:00pm
Helen Rees; Neuroble; Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals at Work and in Life: Executive Functions in Action
Executive Function (EF) challenges are a key, but often invisible barrier faced by many neurodivergent adults, impacting wellbeing, productivity, and inclusion in workplaces, businesses, and daily life. In this session, Helen Rees, founder of Neuroble, explores how strengths-based support can empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Drawing on both lived experience and professional coaching expertise, Helen will share practical, brain-friendly strategies that individuals, professionals, and organisations can use to better support EF needs - helping to create environments where neurodivergent people can truly flourish.
2:30pm
*WORKSHOP*
Nicola Barlow from Wuji Wellbeing; Grounded Together: Practical Qigong for Everyday Wellbeing
This practical session offers parents of neurodivergent children an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. Through simple Qigong, mindful movement, and grounding practices, participants will learn accessible skills to support emotional regulation and co-regulation within the family. The session will demonstrate how movement can help calm the nervous system, restore balance, and create a sense of peace in challenging times. Participants will have the opportunity to try simple nature-inspired movements guided by Nicky, while exploring the importance of grounding, nature, and restorative pauses in daily life, leaving the session with sustainable practices to support wellbeing, resilience, and self-care.
Seminar Room 3
10:00am
Mark Williams;
Ted X Speaker;
The Hidden Risk: ADHD, Parenthood and Perinatal Mental Health
Mark Williams is a TEDx speaker, published author, and leading advocate in perinatal mental health, with over 16 years’ experience supporting parents. As an Ambassador for Mothers Matter Cymru, he shares research and evidence on maternal mental health, alongside his work on the often-overlooked impact of ADHD on perinatal anxiety and depression—particularly in fathers. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Mark highlights the hidden risks facing parents and champions better support systems to improve outcomes for families and child development.
11:00am
Victoria Ellen;
Triumphs and Challenges: My Educational Journey as an Autistic Student
This seminar goes through Victoria’s early education to their current PhD studies. It explores the challenges they have faced, the milestones they have reached, and the experiences that have shaped their path. Through an honest reflection on both difficulties and triumphs, the session offers a personal insight into navigating education and the support that has played a key role along the way.
12:00pm
Krystal-Bella Shaw;
Understanding Dyspraxia: A Practical Guide for Educators, Employers, and Parents
This talk provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and supporting dyspraxic individuals, designed for educators, employers, parents, and caregivers. Learn practical strategies to foster inclusivity at school, work, and home, alongside insights into the lived experiences of dyspraxic individuals. Explore how accurate representation and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.
1:00pm
Henry Muller;
The Internal ADHD Experience - What does it feel like to have ADHD in your school years and what helped me.
Henry Muller – featured in the BBC documentary Inside Our ADHD Minds, will speak about what ADHD really feels like from the inside and how small changes in adult responses can make a meaningful difference. He explores the disconnect between what people see on the outside of an ADHD child vs what that young person is experiencing on the inside. Through vivid explanation and lived experience, he helps audiences understand how that misunderstanding can lead to shame, isolation and underperformance and how we can bridge that gap with new mindsets and strategies.
2:00pm
Jordan Spires;
Neurodiversity as Strength: Turning Difference into Impact.
This seminar explores the lived experience of neurodiversity both personally and within healthcare, highlighting how cognitive differences can be harnessed as strengths rather than barriers. Through a personal journey from student nurse to helping to lead a national programme and award-winning practitioner, the session challenges common misconceptions and demonstrates how embracing neurodiversity can drive innovation, leadership, and compassionate care. Attendees will gain insight into advocacy, self-understanding, and practical ways to create more inclusive professional environments.
2:30pm
*WORKSHOP*
Lavinia Dowling; The M Word CiC; Emotional Problem Solving;
Journalling Your Way To Better Mental Health
Journaling can take many forms — writing, postcards, photos, poetry, or songs. Sarah Wilson explored her mental health and anxiety through journaling in her book First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, later earning an honorary Doctorate and continuing to explore her neurodivergence. Lavinia has been journaling for over 40 years, using it to better understand her mental health and neurodivergent profile, boosting her confidence and self-awareness. As a qualified Mental Health Nurse, she has also supported others to do the same and used journaling in her doctoral research to uncover patterns, moods, and insights. If you’re looking to explore your mental health and neurodivergence in a relaxed and engaging way, this workshop may be for you.
*Details and descriptions of seminars are provided by each presenter and are subject to change.
Exhibitor Line Up
Getting here
Getting There – Options
1. By Car
The Edge has on-site parking available—ample spaces for convenient access.
It’s approximately a 10-minute drive from the M6:
Junction 25 (northbound)
Junction 26 (southbound)
So if you’re driving, navigation should be straightforward. Just head for Riveredge, where the venue lies just off the motorway.
2. On Foot
If you’re nearby, walking is quite feasible. The Edge is labeled as just a short walk from central Wigan areas.
For instance, from Wigan North Western or Wigan Wallgate stations, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
3. By Train
The Edge is well-connected by rail via several lines:
Train operators:
Avanti West Coast
Northern
TransPennine Express
Nearest stations:
Wigan North Western (~0.4 miles, ~10 min walk)
Wigan Wallgate (similar distance/time)
Once you arrive at either station, set off toward Riveredge—it’s a comfortable short walk.
4. By Bus
Several bus lines stop near The Edge:
Main routes include: 352, 602, 604, 610, 640 among others.
Closest stops (walking distance):
Riveredge – ~3 minutes’ walk (~178 m)
Pottery Road – ~5 minutes’ walk (~294 m)
Clayton Street – ~7 minutes’ walk (~450 m)
Service Notes (via Moovit):
First bus (e.g., route 610) starts around 05:20, while the last (e.g., 604) goes as late as 01:07.
Additionally, most buses from the Wigan Bus Station (on Hallgate) also serve these lines and areas.
Summary Table
| Mode | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Car | On-site parking; 10 min from M6 J25/J26 |
| Walk | 10-minute walk from central stations or nearby neighbourhoods |
| Train | Served by major operators; walk from Wigan North Western or Wallgate |
| Bus | Multiple routes; stops at Riveredge (3 min walk), Pottery Road, Clayton St |
The venue is; The Edge Conference Centre
Riveredge
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN3 5AB
United Kingdom
We’ve included a Google Pin below for you to see exactly where it is;