NEST (NEurodivergent peer Support Toolkit)

NEST (NEurodivergent peer Support Toolkit) is a suite of materials to facilitate peer support for neurodivergent young people in mainstream secondary schools. The toolkit has been co-created by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, neurodivergent young people and a neurodiverse group of adults who work with neurodivergent young people.

Join us for the NEST launch!

We are launching the NEST handbook and supporting resources at a free online event on Thursday 13th June 2024. Book your place via eventbrite now!

What is NEST?

During the summer of 2022, the NEST project (then called Neurodiversity Alliance) co-designed materials to facilitate neurodivergent peer support in mainstream schools. This involved working with neurodivergent young people and the people who support them gather their views and input on peer support materials. The co-designed materials have been trialed and evaluated in four Scottish high schools. 

The NEST handbook: 

  1. ​Provides information about neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and peer support. 

  1. ​Explains who NEST groups are for and what the ethos of NEST groups is. 

  1. ​Provides guidance for setting up and running a NEST group, including how to ensure the groups are student led, activity ideas and resources, and safety considerations. 

  1. ​Provides information about some of the policies and legislation that align with NEST-based groups. 

The handbook will help you to decide whether to set up a NEST group in your school, and if so, how to do it. 

A rainbow-coloured circular logo containing the words 'Neurodivergent peer support toolkit'..

About NEST

Four characters sat around a table engaging in different activities including listening to music, playing chess, and talking to one another.

Information about neurodiversity, peer support, and the NEST ethos.

Getting Involved

An illustrated iPad (green).

Information about the NEST launch event on Thursday 13th June 2024 and other ways to get involved.

Meet the Team

Line drawing of three hands together.

Information about the NEST research team and co-design groups.

Funders

Stack of coins.

Thank you to our funders.

Keep in Touch

An illustrated fidget spinner (blue).

Information about who to contact if you need more information about NEST.

Download NEST

An illustrated set of headphones (pink).

Download the NEST handbook and supporting resources for free from Thursday 13th June 2024.

All images: Copyright (c) Minerva Fletcher-Watson

NEST logo: Copyright (c) DesignRoute

This article was published on