Introducing Kernow Minds CIC: Building a Neurodiversity-Friendly Cornwall

 I'm excited to announce the launch of Kernow Minds CIC, a new Community Interest Company dedicated to transforming Cornwall into a truly neurodiversity-friendly community. As part of our commitment to this vision, Kernow Psychiatry will be donating 10% of all profits to support Kernow Minds' vital work.

Why Kernow Minds?

This initiative is both professional and deeply personal for me. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I've experienced first-hand the challenges families face – not just in accessing services, but in navigating a world that often misunderstands neurological differences. I've sat in meetings fighting for appropriate support, worried about my child's future employment prospects, and felt the isolation that comes when community spaces aren't designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Through my work at Kernow Psychiatry, I see these same struggles multiplied across hundreds of families. While clinical assessment and diagnosis play an important role, real change requires something bigger – a shift in how our entire community understands and embraces neurological differences. As both a psychiatrist and a parent, I know that diagnosis is only the beginning of the journey.

With NHS waiting lists exceeding four years for assessments and widespread misconceptions about conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette's, families across Cornwall are struggling to navigate systems that weren't designed with neurodiversity in mind. Our schools need better training, our workplaces need practical guidance, and our communities need to understand that neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation, not something to be fixed or hidden.

Our Mission

Kernow Minds CIC takes a different approach. Rather than duplicating existing services, we're focused on systemic change through:

Education & Awareness

We're developing comprehensive training programmes for Cornwall schools and workplaces, helping them understand and support the full spectrum of neurodevelopmental differences. This isn't about special treatment – it's about creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Environmental Change

We're working with businesses, venues, and community spaces to become more neurodiversity-friendly. Simple adjustments like quiet spaces, clear signage, and staff awareness can transform accessibility for neurodivergent individuals and families.

Community Building

Through awareness events and partnership working, we're bringing together everyone involved in supporting neurodivergent individuals – from education and healthcare professionals to employers and families themselves.

A Sustainable Model for Change

As a Community Interest Company, Kernow Minds operates differently from both charities and private businesses. All assets and profits are locked into the community benefit mission, ensuring that every pound raised or earned goes directly toward creating a more inclusive Cornwall.

The 10% profit share from Kernow Psychiatry provides a sustainable foundation for this work, demonstrating how private practice can directly support community transformation. This isn't charity – it's investment in the kind of Cornwall we want to live in.

Beyond Clinical Support

While Kernow Psychiatry continues to provide specialist assessment and medical treatment, Kernow Minds addresses the bigger picture. Diagnosis is just the beginning – what matters equally is whether that diagnosed individual can thrive in their school, succeed in their workplace, and feel welcomed in their community.

As a parent, I know that what keeps us awake at night isn't just getting the diagnosis – it's wondering whether our children will find understanding teachers, inclusive employers, and genuine friendships. It's hoping they'll be able to access the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers, not because of special treatment, but because society has evolved to embrace different ways of thinking and being.

By separating these missions into distinct organisations, we can maintain clinical excellence while also advocating for systemic change. The CIC structure ensures transparency, accountability, and genuine community benefit.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or simply someone who believes in a more inclusive Cornwall, there are many ways to support Kernow Minds:

• Join our advisory board – we want all voices to be heard

• Share your experiences to help us understand where change is most needed

• Connect us with your school or workplace if they would benefit from neurodiversity training

• Join our mailing list for updates on events and initiatives

• Spread the word about the importance of neurodiversity acceptance

Looking Forward

Cornwall has always been a place that does things differently. We have an opportunity to lead the way in showing what genuine neurodiversity acceptance looks like – not as a distant ideal, but as practical, everyday reality in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

The registration of Kernow Minds CIC marks the beginning of this journey. With the support of Kernow Psychiatry's contribution and, more importantly, the commitment of our community, we can build a Cornwall where neurological differences are understood, valued, and celebrated.

Together, we're not just changing services – we're changing culture.

For more information about Kernow Minds CIC, please email jemmareid@kernowpsychiatry.co.uk

Dr Jemma Reid is a Consultant Psychiatrist and founder of both Kernow Psychiatry and Kernow Minds CIC.