Deborah Shelton helped facilitate a bipolar peer support group in Munich for five years. This experience opened her eyes to the importance of support networks for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. The group provided a safe space for individuals to connect, share their experiences, and form friendships in an otherwise isolating world. For many, the support group was not only a place to talk, but also a form of early intervention—offering much-needed guidance and advice before Mood Phases could escalate. Deborah’s role in this group helped individuals navigate their challenges with the support of people who truly understood, fostering an environment of shared experience, empathy, and healing. She would like a group like this for all Neurodivergent Individual.

Deborah has been facilitating My Care Who Cares training for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for 13 years. In this role, she focuses on raising awareness of the specific challenges faced by care leavers and the impacts of being in care. Through this program, Deborah advocates for better services to address the gaps in support for care leavers, particularly in the areas of mental health, life skills, and community integration. She also works closely with children’s and family services to improve outcomes for young people transitioning out of care. The program empowers care leavers by equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of life post-care, with an emphasis on early intervention, reducing isolation, and helping them build a stable future.