A pioneering suite of resources designed to support neurodivergent individuals across the criminal justice system has officially been launched today (Friday, 19th September).
The new toolkit features more than 60 bespoke, accessible documents, ranging from easy-read guides, worksheets and guides for a wide range of people who come into contact with the justice system, including victims, witnesses and defendants, their families and carers.
It also includes tailored tools for frontline professionals including the police, probation service, custody, courts and victims’ services.
Commissioned by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership and a host of community safety partners, the suite also signposts to more than 200 additional materials, making it one of the most comprehensive neurodiversity toolkits available in the criminal justice landscape.
Curated from a wide variety of sources, these resources have been further developed by Sinclair Strong Consultants, their senior forensic psychologist and clinical team. This has been done in collaboration with national social care charity, Making Space, who have led in-depth consultation with professionals and neurodivergent people who have experience within the criminal justice system, as well as focus groups with practitioners and individuals drawn from the probation service and regional prisons.
Evidence shows that neurodivergent individuals continue to be disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system – as victims, witnesses and offenders – often due to unmet needs and lack of appropriate support.
This toolkit has been created to address that critical gap; by providing the right tools and resources to help professionals support neurodivergent individuals so they can navigate the system more effectively and access adequate support during times of needs, improving outcomes and preventing reoffending.
Launching the toolkit at the Cotton Suite in Liverpool City Centre, Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Jeanie Bell, said: “Neurodivergence is not a flaw to be fixed, it’s a valuable part of human diversity.
“I hope by launching this toolkit today and showcasing the suite of bespoke resources to professionals working across the criminal justice sector will mark a turning point in how neurodiversity is understood and responded to in our region.
“By adapting our systems to meet people’s needs, we can ensure better outcomes for the individual involved and their family, while also easing the pressure on the police and our criminal justice partners and building safer, more inclusive communities.”
Director of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, Supt Georgie Garvey added: “At the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, we are committed to tackling the root causes of crime and supporting those most at risk. Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges that can increase their vulnerability within the criminal justice system.
“By funding and supporting this toolkit, we are helping to ensure that professionals have the right resources to recognise and respond to those needs early – preventing harm, reducing reoffending, and ultimately building safer, more inclusive communities.”
Making Space’s CEO, Rachel Peacock said: “At Making Space we are proud to be part of this pioneering partnership, working alongside Sinclair Strong Consultants, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership. By putting the voices of neurodivergent people with lived experience at the heart of the project, we have co-created a toolkit that is both practical and meaningful. This work demonstrates the impact of true collaboration and the difference it can make in building a more inclusive criminal justice system where everyone is recognised, supported and given the chance of better outcomes.”
Making Spaces Wellbeing Services Manager, Daryhl Lewis said “Leading this project on behalf of Making Space has been a privilege. From the beginning, our focus has been on hearing the voice of neurodivergent people and their families and working closely with professionals across the system to understand the challenges they face.
“The result is a toolkit shaped by lived experience and professional insight, giving practitioners the resources they need to offer effective support, while ensuring individuals and communities feel understood, respected and empowered.”
Michelle Snook, Director of Operations from Sinclair Strong Consultants said: “On behalf of Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd, I am incredibly proud to speak about the remarkable journey and achievement represented by the Merseyside Neurodiversity Toolkit Project – a truly collaborative endeavour that reflects the dedication, expertise, and compassion of so many individuals and organisations. It’s an opportunity to celebrate partnerships, innovation and impact.
“This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when lived experience is placed at the centre and when organisations work together towards a common goal. By equipping practitioners with the right tools and knowledge, we are helping to address systemic gaps, reduce disparities, and ultimately improve outcomes for neurodivergent people—whether they are victims, witnesses, or those accused of offences.
“As we look ahead, SSC is excited to continue this journey, supporting the implementation and ongoing development of the toolkit, and ensuring that neurodiversity is recognised as a vital aspect of human diversity that enriches our communities.”
The project is set to continue until March 2026, with the launch of lived experience focus groups set to guide the development of future resources, the trialling of a Neurodivergent passport, and a focus on embedding the use of the resources across the criminal justice system.
The project is also being evaluated by the Public Health Institute at Liverpool John Moore’s University to assess its impact.
Please contact Daryhl.Lewis@makingspace.co.uk to access the resources.