CALLS have been made to bring the strengths and talents of neurodiverse people into sports, business and much more.

Bradford Council launched its appeal ahead of a special event on neurodiversity at Bradford City FC this Thursday. 

It will help people discover how to harness the benefits of neurodiversity in the workforce and show how differences in thinking and behaviour can create change.

A state-of-the-art £1.5million, 10-bay all-weather cricket dome has been hailed as one way to change lives. 

The facility – the first of its kind – is funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in partnership with Bradford Council, and is set to provide cricket sessions for 10,000 people from the community each year.

Young people with learning disabilities are among those being given opportunities within the popular sport.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Councillor Sue Duffy, Portfolio Holder for Children’s and Young People’s Neurodiversity, pictured Councillor Sue Duffy, Portfolio Holder for Children’s and Young People’s Neurodiversity, pictured (Image: Newsquest)

Mo Hussain, equality, diversity and inclusion manager, for The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), who is featuring as part of an insightful panel at the event, added: “There is a concerted effort within YCCC to have closer links within the Bradford community and explore ways on how our Bradford Park Avenue facilities can be used as a hub to support initiatives in the workplace that enhances the experience of neurodiverse workforce. 

“We look forward to working with the Council and local businesses to achieve these aims and goals.”

YCCC is one of the businesses supporting the event.

Speakers will explain how neurodivergent people bring many positive benefits to the workplace - whether it’s thinking creativity or business growth - as well as how to increase understanding and opportunities for neurodiverse employees and customers.

Businesses can hear how neurodiversity impacts people’s lives, gain valuable insights from people with lived experience, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the cause. 

Throughout the event, interactive experiences are hoped to bring about thought-provoking discussions. 

Councillor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for children’s and young people, said:  “This event has been organised to allow the business community to understand and learn more about neurodiversity, to build their business profile of becoming a neurodiverse inclusive workplace and offer employment opportunities to those who can add real value and boost business opportunities. 

“The event aims to celebrate the unique strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals and work towards creating a supportive environment that embraces and values their differences.

“We would like to say a special thanks to Mylahore and Regal Foods who have sponsored this event.”

The free event will take place between 9am and 2pm on Thursday, November 9.

For more information, visit the Eventbrite page at https://bit.ly/neurodiversebusinesses