Publish date: 21 March 2025
Jacob Kelly, Mental Health Worker at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) has turned his ADHD experience into a powerhouse for inclusion as the UK’s first neurodiversity rugby coach, tackling barriers supporting neurodivergent players with tailored strategies and mental health tools.
Jacob, who was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, is one example of someone who has benefitted from our services and gone on to make a meaningful difference.
Jacob has used his lived experience of ADHD and dyslexia, alongside the support he received from AWP, to create positive change within professional sports. This year, he collaborated with Saracens Women’s Rugby Club to establish a new role dedicated to supporting neurodivergent players. The initiative builds on Jacob’s pioneering work as the UK’s first neurodiversity rugby coach at Dings Crusaders, where he fostered inclusive environments for athletes with neurodivergent conditions.
In his role at Saracens, Jacob uses his passion, lived experience and expertise to provide one-to-one support to players. This includes offering tailored strategies for managing challenges such as dyslexia within rugby, mental health techniques and tools to support everyday life. His collaboration with the club’s Sports Psychology Lead, Tiggy Teare, ensures that neurodivergent players receive comprehensive and inclusive support.
One of the club’s players shared: “Working with Jacob has been great – he has helped me to better understand myself and develop the tools I need to manage my mental health alongside rugby. I’m incredibly grateful for his support”.
Jacob Kelly shared: “Having ADHD is incredibly difficult at times but through lots of psychological education, peer support and a willingness from my family and employer to learn about how my brain works, I’ve been able to thrive. Over time, I’ve been able to learn to love and appreciate the way my brain works differently to others”.
Jacob’s achievements highlight the importance of tailored mental health and neurodiversity services, like those offered by AWP. Through our ADHD service, individuals like Jacob are empowered to understand and embrace their neurodivergence, enabling them to create inclusive opportunities for others.
