New neurodiversity support section launched on NHS Cheshire & Merseyside Website

We’re proud to announce the launch of the new Neurodiversity Support Pathway section on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website. Designed in close collaboration with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and local partners in Cheshire East, the new section provides a clear, accessible and needs-led route to support for families, carers, professionals, and anyone supporting neurodivergent children and young people.

As developers, our role was to translate a forward-thinking support model into a digital space that is user-friendly, inclusive and easy to navigate. The result is a resource that empowers people to find the right support at the right time

Putting families first: A needs-led approach

At the heart of this new section is the principle that support should begin with needs, not labels. The Cheshire East model encourages families and professionals to respond to a child or young person’s unique challenges - whether in behaviour, communication, learning, or emotional wellbeing - without having to wait for a medical diagnosis.

From a development perspective, this meant creating a structure that guides users through a journey of understanding, action, and ongoing support. We implemented a four-stage approach:

• Understanding Needs
• Exploring Support Options
• Implementing Support
• Reviewing Progress and Next Steps

This structure gives users clarity and confidence as they navigate the pathway - making what can be a complex process feel more manageable and proactive.

Designed for real life: Benefits for service users

We focused heavily on ensuring the section is practical, inclusive, and easy to use. Here’s how that translates for the people using it:

Easy to navigate

We built intuitive filtering tools so users can quickly narrow down resources by age, support type, delivery method, and the stage they’re at in their journey. Whether you’re a parent looking for help at home or a teacher searching for classroom strategies, the information is accessible and tailored.

Rich in resources

The section brings together a wide range of local and national support options, from trusted organisations to community-based services. These include specialist autism and ADHD support, mental health services, educational tools, and speech and language resources—all in one place.

Supports everyone

By focusing on needs over diagnosis, the site opens the door to support for many families who might otherwise feel stuck waiting for assessments or referrals. It also gives professionals the tools they need to take action sooner.

Clear Referral Guidance

For those who do need formal assessment, we worked with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside to make sure the referral pathways are clearly laid out, with localised information depending on which area of Cheshire East the family is based in.

Built with collaboration and purpose

As an external team, we were brought in to translate a vision into a usable, accessible digital experience. Our focus was on making the section:

• Clear and jargon-free
• Responsive across all devices
• Easy to maintain and update
• Aligned with NHS accessibility and branding standards

We worked closely with clinical and community partners to ensure accuracy and usability, and we’re grateful for the insights from those with lived experience who helped shape the language, layout and structure.

Looking ahead

This is more than just a web update - it’s part of a wider commitment across Cheshire and Merseyside to improve outcomes for neurodivergent children and young people. As the NHS continues to roll out the "This is Me" neurodevelopmental profiling tool, the site is designed to evolve alongside it - making sure families always have a trusted, up-to-date place to start.

We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in building something that makes a real difference to people’s lives. If it helps one parent feel less overwhelmed, one teacher feel better equipped, or one child get support that little bit sooner - then we’ve done our job.

Explore the new section here:
Neurodiversity Support Pathway – Cheshire East