This year marks the 25th anniversary of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity that has transformed the lives of more than 30,000 neurodivergent children, young people, and their families since its founding in 2000.
The milestone comes as the charity’s latest impact report reveals a 294% increase in demand for its services over the past five years, highlighting a critical and growing need for accessible support.
Co-founded by Robin and Sophie Dow and inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a rare chromosome deletion, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was built on a foundation of lived experience.
For a quarter of a century, the charity has delivered vital programs, advocacy, and support — from aiding families in crisis to training leaders to build more inclusive workplaces.
“Mindroom was founded on lived experience, and 25 years later, its mission is more urgent than ever,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
“Neurodivergent children are today’s young people and tomorrow’s workforce. The work we do is all about shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.”
The charity’s 2024 impact report, available for download on their website, also reveals the growing pressures on families and the support system:
- Families face waiting lists of up to 24 months for assessments.
- The number of families seeking mental health support grew by 62% from 2023 to 2024.
- Neurodivergent young people are more likely to experience bullying, anxiety, and exclusion than their peers.
“Behind every statistic is a real person and a system under pressure,” Thornburrow added.
“Since I joined in 2022, we’ve worked to scale our impact and think of our mission as a revolution. We want to continue transforming lives for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Beyond its direct services, the charity has also trained more than 7,500 leaders in business, education, and public services, and has played a significant role in advancing neurodiversity as a national priority in Scotland and beyond.
As Mindroom marks 25 years of impact, the message is clear: the need has never been greater, nor has the opportunity. Every child supported, every family empowered, and every leader trained moves us closer to a society where neurodivergent people can thrive. Lasting change is only possible when we stand together.
To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report
