Neurodivergent Licensed Minister Gathering

Community & Diversity

Thursday 25 June 2026

As part of building up our wellbeing offer in the Diocese, Su Parker (Enabling All Coordinator, Diocese of Lichfield) is starting a new group for Neurodivergent Licensend Ministers. The aim of this group is to provide a supportive and encouraging space for licensed ministers in our diocese who identify as neurodivergent - whether you are formally diagnosed or not. Neurodivergent diagnoses can including Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia and Tourettes Syndrome.

Our hope is that this becomes a safe and affirming place to share experiences, explore strengths, and to support one another in our ministries. We hope to run it three times a year, regularly meeting in each episcopal area. To help create that safe space, there will be no formal sign-up.

The first meeting will include:

• Introductions and stories: A gentle opportunity to share as much or as little as you'd like about your neurodivergent journey and your ministry context.
• What support looks like to you: A conversation about what helps you thrive in ministry and what you do to transfer that thriving into more challenging areas.
• Strengths-based reflection: Exploring how neurodivergence enriches ministry - creativity, deep focus, empathy, unique problem-solving, etc. 
• Group hopes and boundaries: Co-creating expectations, confidentiality principles, and a meeting rhythm that feels sustainable and nourishing. 
• Ideas for future gatherings: Themes you'd like to explore (e.g. managing overwhelm in your ministry, executive function strategies, burnout prevention, or peer mentoring). 

What you can expect:

• A calm, welcoming space.
• Flexibility around participation - feel free to sit where you like or take breaks when needed.
• A group shaped by the people who attend.

If you have specific sensory, processing, environmental needs, transport or access needs, please feel free to email Su Parker to let her know in advance - but there is no obligation to do so.

Who is it for: Licensed ministers in our diocese who identify as neurodivergent - whether you are formally diagnosed or not.

Course Hosts: Su Parker (Enabling All Coordinator, Diocese of Lichfield)

Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Venue: St Thomas's Church, Cresswell Crescent, Mossley, WS3 2UW (there is on-street parking available, and please allow the spaces outside of the church to be used as disabled parking. There is an accessible toilet at the church and step-free access). 

Cost: Free

Booking: There is no need to book.