Welcoming Laurence: Why We’re Investing in Inclusive Talent

Gareth and I have always believed that the work we do should create positive change. This month, we’re taking another meaningful step in that direction by welcoming Laurence, our new intern joining us through Liverpool City Council’s SEND Employment Support (Intern to Work) programme within Children’s Services. Laurence brings creativity, determination, and a fresh perspective to our little team, and we’re excited to share why this partnership means so much to us.

Laurence lives with ADHD and fatigue, and like many young people with additional needs, they’ve sometimes faced barriers when trying to access traditional work experience. But to us, Laurence is not defined by their challenges. They’re defined by their potential. And that potential is exactly why we’re investing our time, energy, and resources into helping them grow.

First, this internship allows us to tap into unique strengths that are often underrepresented in everyday working environments. ADHD can bring exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, bursts of hyper-focus on topics of interest, and an ability to spot patterns or solutions others might miss. Living with fatigue has taught Laurence to be thoughtful with their time, organised, and honest about what they can manage, qualities that are incredibly valuable in a close-knit team built on trust and openness. By welcoming Laurence, we’re not just widening opportunities; we’re enriching our way of working with fresh ideas.

Second, this partnership reflects our commitment to adding genuine social value. As a people-focused team, we want the things we do to line up with our values. Supporting accessible pathways into work is part of the responsibility we feel toward our community. By collaborating with programmes like Intern to Work, we’re helping create real opportunities, real confidence, and real experience for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). That impact doesn’t just stay with us; it goes further, reaching families, schools, and local services.

From a practical point of view, investing in Laurence genuinely benefits us too. Welcoming different ways of thinking helps us stay creative, flexible, and grounded. Teams with a mix of perspectives tend to be more imaginative and better at finding solutions. By learning how to support neurodivergent staff more effectively, we’re building kinder, clearer, and more supportive working habits—something that makes life better for everyone involved.

And perhaps most importantly, working with Laurence encourages us to slow down and reflect on how we do things. Supporting someone with fatigue reminds us to prioritise wellbeing. Supporting someone with ADHD inspires us to think more creatively about how we organise tasks and communicate. These aren’t adjustments for one person; they’re improvements that strengthen our whole team.

We’re incredibly grateful to Liverpool City Council’s SEND Employment Support service for helping make this internship possible. We’re excited to see how Laurence grows with us, and just as excited to see how we grow by learning from them.

At afewgoodthings.uk, we believe good things happen when you invest in people. Laurence is already proving us right.