Our Ethos
ND Harbour began as a lifeline. First for its founder, and then for hundreds of others like her.
After completing a PhD in autism research and working in clinical and academic psychology, she saw first-hand the limitations of existing systems. So much focus was placed on assessment and diagnosis, yet little was offered afterwards. No ongoing therapy, community, or meaningful support. Families and adults were being left to navigate life after diagnosis alone.
At the same time, she was navigating her own reality as a neurodivergent single mum to a young child with the same diagnoses. She was exhausted, burnt out, and fighting a system that often failed to understand or include them. She knew from painful experience what it meant to be isolated, misunderstood, and dismissed -both as a professional and as a person.
Out of that mix of compassion, frustration, and determination, ND Harbour was born: a safe harbour for neurodivergent people in Kent. A space that exists not to diagnose or fix, but to include, connect, and support.
ND Harbour combines three strands that rarely come together:
• Lived experience: understanding from the inside what it means to be autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent.
• Scientific evidence: a foundation in research and best practice from psychology and mental health.
• Clinical experience: knowledge of how systems work, and how to make them work better for neurodivergent people.
From its first small peer group to the regular adult, parent, and children’s sessions running today, ND Harbour has grown into a genuine community: a place where people can belong without masking, share without fear, and breathe without judgement.
The charity’s aims are simple but vital:
• To improve the mental health of neurodivergent people in Kent.
• To promote social inclusion for neurodivergent people in Kent.
The long-term dream is to create a permanent community hub - open every day, with quiet sensory rooms, creative spaces, and neurodivergent-led activities. A physical harbour for those who have never truly felt they had one.
ND Harbour stands for care over profit, authenticity over image, and community over conformity. It exists because no one should ever have to face burnout, isolation, or misunderstanding alone.
Because everyone deserves a safe harbour.
Our Vision
Our vision is that fewer neurodivergent people experience severe mental health difficulties.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring neurodivergent people together, to feel better.
Our Core Values
At The ND Harbour, our core values shape our decision-making and define the culture we foster—for both our employees/volunteers and the people who use our services. These values guide our actions and interactions, ensuring we create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment.
Our core values are:
Unconditional Positive Regard: We embrace every individual who interacts with The ND Harbour—whether they are using our services, volunteering, or working with us. We respect all communication styles and approach every person with an assumption of good intentions, valuing their perspectives and contributions.
Autonomy: We believe that every service user, volunteer, and team member has the capacity to achieve their goals, given the right conditions. We aim to provide the freedom and support necessary for individuals to make their own decisions and navigate their journey in a way that aligns with their values and aspirations.
Healthy Boundaries: Understanding and respecting boundaries is fundamental to maintaining safety—both physically and mentally. We encourage service users, volunteers, and staff to be mindful of their personal boundaries, and we commit to being clear about our own, fostering an environment of mutual respect and safety.
Inclusivity: We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone who uses our services, or works and volunteers with us, feels truly included. This commitment extends to continuous evaluation of our accessibility—across physical spaces, communication methods, and service offerings—ensuring that people of all demographics and neurotypes are represented and welcome.
Curiosity (Always Learning): We recognize that our understanding of neurodiversity is constantly evolving. We remain open to new information, acknowledging that societal views and scientific knowledge may change over time. We approach every opportunity for learning with humility, embracing new perspectives—even when they challenge our previous beliefs.
Community: We believe in the power of connection. At The ND Harbour, we create a supportive, safe space where neurodivergent individuals can find their community, share experiences, and offer mutual support. We help one another thrive by fostering a culture of belonging and solidarity.
The ND Harbour is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales (registered charity no. 1208867).
