For half a year now, business owners from across Dorset with ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodiversity have been meeting up to connect and share experiences.

The group gathers on the second Wednesday of every month at Barchester’s Parley Place care home.

With October being ADHD Awareness Month, their latest meeting centred around the challenges of running a business while balancing personal responsibilities.

Topics included the journey to diagnosis, the validity of self-diagnosis and advice on the Access to Work scheme – a government programme which helps disabled individuals in the workplace.

Founder Rachel Clayton, an ADHD practitioner and business mentor at Fruition for Business, created the group after recognising a gap in existing networking opportunities.

“I’d started backing away from traditional networking because it felt overwhelming, and like I had to wear a mask to fit in,” she said.

“I wanted community, but I wanted to be around people who truly got it.

“That’s why I created this space – to allow neurodivergent business owners to be themselves, be heard and be supported.

“It’s been incredible seeing the group grow and watching people really open up.”

The meetings have already attracted a number of regular attendees, with new faces joining each month and plenty more planned for 2025.

Michelle Venn, home services advisor at Barchester, added: “It’s wonderful to see a group like this thrive in our space.

“We believe in creating environments where people feel safe and supported, and this group really embodies that ethos.”

Those interested are invited to join the Dorset Neurodivergent Business Owners Community Support Group on Facebook.

• Get tickets for future events at fruitionforbusiness.co.uk/events