We are marking Trustees Week 2025 by celebrating the incredible people who help guide and shape The Donaldson Trust β our Board of Trustees. π
Today, we were delighted to host our Trustees Day on campus, bringing together our Trustees, leadership team, and colleagues to connect, share learning, and reflect on the impact of their collective work.
Our Trustees play a vital role in supporting The Donaldson Trustβs mission and direction. Their experience and insight help us continue to grow and develop as the National Body for Neurodiversity.
We are incredibly grateful for their contributions and the powerful impact they have in driving our mission forward. β
#TrusteesWeek
Itβs #TalkMoneyWeek! π¬πΈ
This week is all about encouraging open conversations about money β because talking about money isnβt always easy.
For many neurodivergent people, managing money can feel overwhelming. Complex forms, financial jargon and complicated systems can make it harder to stay on top of things. Yet, feeling confident about money is key to building independence and resilience. π
Thatβs why this yearβs theme, Start the Conversation, is so important. Whether itβs chatting with a friend about budgeting, asking a colleague for advice, or seeking support from a financial professional β starting the conversation can make a real difference.
By building money conversations into our everyday lives, we can help everyone feel more empowered and supported when it comes to their finances. π
This Talk Money Week, letβs make sure everyone feels able to #StartTheConversation.
π For tips, tools, and free guidance to help you or someone you support manage money more confidently, visit: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
Today weβre celebrating Louise, our Head of Connect, for 5 incredible years at The Donaldson Trust! π₯°
Louise first joined the Trust as our Safeguarding and Practice Lead, where she played a key role in strengthening our approach to creating safe, supportive environments for everyone across our services. Her work helped shape the foundations of the inclusive culture weβre so proud of today.
Now, as Head of Connect, Louise leads our neurodiversity training, consultancy and advice service β supporting organisations to build their understanding of neurodiversity and create spaces where everyone can thrive. π
Under her leadership, Connect has grown into a trusted source of insight and expertise, helping others take meaningful steps towards neuro-inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Thank you, Louise, for everything youβve brought to the Trust over the past five years. Your drive to make a difference continues to inspire us all. π₯³
As Bonfire Night approaches, many of us look forward to the sparkle of fireworks, the glow of bonfires, and the sense of togetherness that comes with community celebrations. But for some neurodivergent people, this time of year can be far from enjoyable.
The loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpredictability of fireworks can be distressing and overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Many neurodivergent adults β and parents of neurodivergent children β choose not to celebrate at all because the experience can trigger stress, anxiety, and discomfort.
At The Donaldson Trust, we believe that celebration should never come at the expense of someone elseβs wellbeing. Thatβs why weβre proud to join the Fireworks Safety Campaign by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, encouraging everyone to be mindful, kind, and considerate during Bonfire Night.
By choosing quieter fireworks, attending organised displays, or letting neighbours know before setting any off, we can help make the night a little brighter β and safer β for everyone.
Find more fireworks safety advice here π bit.ly/FireworkSafety2025
#BonfireNight #FireworksSafety
Halloween may be over, but weβre still celebrating the fun and creativity that took place across our services last week. π
It was a week full of pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, themed arts and crafts, and some spook-tacular costumes! π»
We know that Halloween can feel overwhelming for many neurodivergent people. Thatβs why we made sure all our activities were accessible and adaptable β so everyone could join in at their own pace.
Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make this Halloween fang-tastic!
P.S. Make sure you swipe to the end and turn your sound up β you wonβt want to miss this costume! ππ¦
The Donaldson Trust presentsβ¦ The Pumpkin Carving Competition 2025! π
After last yearβs spooktacular success, we brought back our Pumpkin Carving Competition for 2025 β and invited colleagues and the people we support to get creative once again. The response was incredible!
From minions to The Singing Kettle, painted pumpkins to carved masterpieces, and even a Henry Hoover β the creativity on display was truly amazing. π€©
Our judges had a terrifyingly tough time choosing the winners β every entry was fantastic!
Do you agree with their final decision? π
Starting to think about what`s next for your neurodivergent child after school? π€
Or, maybe they finished school in June and are still looking for the right path? You`re not alone in asking:
π What happens now?
π Where can they find the right support?
π How can they keep growing and feeling confident?
At Gate, we`re here to help you find the answers.
We are a safe and supportive next step where your young adult can build confidence, find their place, and create a future that truly fits them. We offer year-round intake to help neurodivergent young adults (16+) move towards a positive, independent future.
Come along to our Open Evening to find out more:
See first-hand how Gate can help your family confidently navigate the next steps in adulthood. At our Open Evening, you`ll get to:
π Walk through our calm, neuro-inclusive spaces.
π Meet our friendly, expert team.
π Learn exactly how we build essential skills and lasting confidence.
The right time to start planning is now. Let us show you how.
π
Thursday 20th November
β° 5 – 7pm
π GATE, The Donaldson Trust, Preston Road, Linlithgow EH49 6HZ
Click the link in our bio to find out more. π
#LifeAfterSchool #AdultServices #SchoolTransitions #NeurodiversitySupport
Before the October break, we had a very special visitor to our Sensational Learning Centre. We were joined by Iain Hill and his 8-month-old yellow Labrador puppy, Bob, from @guidedogsscot! πΆ
The pupils were fully engaged, asking questions, sharing ideas, and listening carefully as Iain explained the important role guide dogs play in supporting people with visual impairments. For many, their visit brought extra curiosity and excitement, making the learning experience even more memorable.
Visits like these are a fantastic opportunity to boost communication, encourage participation, and build awareness and understanding β although meeting a cute puppy was certainly a standout highlight! π₯°
A huge thank you to Iain β and Bob, of course β for visiting us!
