On April 23rd, Let’s Talk Better CIC proudly hosted our latest 7th community event, Inclusive Minds—Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Neurodiversity and LGBTQ+. This powerful and inspiring gathering brought together young people, professionals, community members, and allies on a shared mission to break down stigma, amplify unheard voices, and build spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Why did we choose this topic?
More than ever, these two topics are becoming more prominent in the public eye and especially within workplace environments. Although things have been changing and moving forward, there is still so much to be done – including understanding more about how we as a society can help to support and adapt better for neurodivergent individuals. Personally, through my encounters of working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+, and from speaking with others, there is still a huge gap, with so much still to be addressed. In a world that too often overlooks or misunderstands those who are neurodivergent or LGBTQ+, this event stood as a bold declaration that inclusion is not optional — it’s essential.
A Day of Empowerment, Expression, and Education
Held once again in a vibrant, welcoming community-focused space, Community House Bromley, which caters for many community events, as well as the home base for many charities. The theme “Breaking Barriers” was a direct call to challenge the societal, cultural, and systemic blocks that continue to marginalise these communities. More than just a conversation, this event was a movement in action that provided a platform for those to share their lived experiences; how they made their special differences inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams; to express how stigmas and taboos can hold people’s potential back. In addition, it opened up conversations about the pros and cons of what support systems are in or not in place. Of course, this day shone a light on celebrating the uniqueness and greatness of All Neurodivergent and the LGBTQ+.
On this day, we featured a rich programme of keynote speakers sharing powerful lived experiences of navigating the world as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+ individuals:
Chris Woodley, Writer and Actor, right here from the heart of Bromley, spoke about how he knew from a very early age that he was gay and later on being diagnosed neurodivergent. He was blessed with a supportive family, which made a huge difference for him growing up. He shared his struggles and how he used acting to become the incredible screenwriter he is today, giving him the power to shine!
Chris Woodley said, “As a dyslexic writer, returning to Bromley, where I was born and raised, to speak about the importance of LGBTQ+ voices and neurodivergent creatives was incredibly meaningful. Sharing my experiences growing up under Section 28 and talking with locals about my play, Next Lesson, felt especially powerful. It’s a play rooted in Bromley, yet it’s never been performed here, despite being staged at the Houses of Parliament, in the U.S., and Australia. That contrast struck a chord and reminded me how vital it is, now more than ever, that we listen to and support one another within our community. I’m incredibly grateful to Let’s Talk Better for getting the chance to share my story.”
Mercedes Yearly, Director of Quest Soul Theatre, runs numerous community initiatives in Bromley, from Wellbeing Through Drama to Creative Cafes. She spoke openly about her journey being ADHD, being diagnosed bi-polar at 44 and the impact of not knowing what was truly going on- finally made sense. Mercedes also shared how ‘Talking Therapy’ didn’t work for her, as she is someone who loves to talk and doesn’t stop, and this was not what she needed. However, she finally found ‘Art Therapy,’ her creative instrument that is helping her manage her emotional roller coaster and is now qualified as an Art Therapist. It was beautiful to see first-hand some of the intimate artwork she had created in her art therapy sessions! Hear this and through the work, Zeenat Noorani- The Clarity Coach does, she knows that the key to helping her clients is about finding the intervention and modality specific to the clients’ needs.
Mercedes commented, “Let’s Talk Better is really important”
Pleased to welcome, The Deputy Mayor of Bromley (2024-2025), Cllr Johnathan Andrew, and Chair of the Bromley All-Age Autism Board, shared some of his personal experiences, and with great support for LTB, “…is a particularly important initiative”
During the event, we all took part and immersed ourselves in deep, inspiring conversations through:
- Interactive activities exploring inclusive practices in schools, workplaces, and support settings — from communication strategies and sensory inclusion to allyship and mental health.
- Creative expression, with spoken word, an open floor that gave space for authentic voices to be heard.
- Networking opportunities to connect, learn, and take action beyond the day.
Each session was designed not only to inform but to inspire change, equipping attendees with practical tools and deeper understanding to take back into their communities.
Centring Youth Voices
At the heart of the event were the young people and how we as a society need to do more to catch the diagnosis earlier on, have the right intervention implemented and understand that not one size fits all. Like Mercedes’ story, imagine if she had been able to get this reading earlier in life, and the impact this would have made for her. Heartbreaking, and only a greater emphasis on educating the wider society, through honest dialogue, brave storytelling, and raw creativity, to lead the way in showing what true inclusion can look like. From a young autistic speaker advocating for more sensory-friendly learning environments to a trans teen passionately sharing why visibility and correct pronoun use matter, the message was loud and clear: young people are not just the future, they are the now.
A few words from our attendees:
Emma Mehuex- supporter from day one and a past speaker, “Lovely to see you today, and the event was excellent. It really got me thinking about a few things to do with neurodiversity. I am so looking forward to watching LTB grow now that it’s a CIC. “
Neil Peter, a regular attendee and past speaker of the LTB – “Working in suicide prevention and mental health, we know that neurodivergent people are at greater risk, so it’s great that community awareness is growing about the challenges they face and how we can support them better. Let Talk Better always explore these important topics, and it was inspiring to hear the personal stories of hope and recovery, particularly how those sharing their lived experience found the right pathways to support that were specific to them as individuals.”
Jacqui Weale, a proactive attendee and advocate for LTB – “All I can say is the speakers, Chris and Mercedes, it was for the audience a deeply personal story they both told of their journeys with being neurodiverse and part of the LGBTQ+ community. It spoke of pain and learning, but also of the richness of their lives because of it. It was a deeply personal, emotional, positive, insightful event for all who attended and for some, a better understanding of these communities. “
Sarah Marsh-Collings, a huge advocate and a past speaker of LTB, ”Once again, an enjoyable and worthwhile time spent at the LTB event. The first guest speaker, Chris Woodley, was entertaining and enlightening, and I made the most of his offer of a free copy of his first play, Lessons Learnt, to give to a friend’s teenage daughter – she was delighted. Unfortunately, I had to leave early, so I missed Mercedes Yearley’s talk, but feedback from other members was that it was insightful and enjoyable. Well done, Zeenat, on yet another successful event!”
Helen Marsh, Head of Communication and Engagement for South East London Care Systems and One Bromley – LTB, is “really valuable” as a safe space. Have a listen to the episode of the BromleyBuzz for context: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpP4wiGGHv8r9uXHYEf4t
LTB would like to thank Radfield Home Care, Directors Simi Ghuman and Chanice Baugh, for their ongoing support in the work we do and our mission to bring better understanding and change for the unspoken topics and barriers – Simi Ghuman, Director of Radfield ‘‘It was a great event!’’
What’s Next For LTB?
Inclusive Minds – Breaking Barriers was not a one-off moment. It was part of a broader movement driven by Let’s Talk Better CIC to ensure that every person, regardless of identity, neurotype, experience or background, can show up fully, without fear or shame.
We’re committed to continuing these conversations, growing our network, and delivering more spaces for healing, learning, and collective action.
To everyone who attended, participated, supported, and shared — thank you. Your presence and voice made this event the beautiful, bold, and brave space it became.
Together, we are breaking barriers, opening up delicate conversations, and building better futures.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s Talk Better.
Words That Fuel Us
We were moved by the overwhelming positivity from attendees. A few quotes from past events:
“This was the first time I’ve felt truly safe and heard in a public event.”
“I learned more in one afternoon than years of reading – hearing real stories makes all the difference.”
“My child walked away feeling proud of who they are. That’s priceless.” ’‘LTB has given me the courage to step out of my fear and share my story, not just here but through my poetry and on social media, thank you.’’
These responses reaffirm what we believe: inclusive spaces change lives.
Special Acknowledgements:
Rotary Bromley Game-Changers, where we have had the pleasure of working alongside and the support of the Team Volunteers for all our events. Special thanks to Nolene Harris.
Community House Bromley, for providing such a wonderful location to hold our events – special thanks to Kerry Godwin, Business Support Officer, who has been instrumental in helping with bookings and setting up our events.
TESCOS Orpington and Bromley – Community Champions Jessica and Michael, who have been generous with their donations of refreshments, cakes, biscuits and snacks to keep our attendees energised with goodies!
Author: Zeenat Noorani – The Clarity Coach, Co-founder & Director of Let’s Talk Better CIC
Let's Talk Better C.I.C 