Pride of Guernsey: Emily Slann

Emily’s child has ADHD, and despite being described as ‘an absolutely fantastic mum’ by her nominator, mother-in-law Vanda Slann, she doubted her parenting skills.

‘She tried researching ADHD online but was unsure whether what she was reading was researched or just someone’s opinion,’ Vanda said.

‘Locally you cannot access vital ADHD information unless you have a firm diagnosis, and by the time a diagnosis is obtained your child is usually a year or so into their journey.

‘She felt very excluded and thought that there must be other parents who were feeling as lost and alone as she was.

‘So, in October 2022, she founded “ADHD & me (Guernsey)”, a local parental support network for parents of children who are suspected of having ADHD or have a firm diagnosis.

‘She has worked very hard at obtaining sponsorship and arranging for experts to come across from the UK to educate families, friends and the wider community on ADHD in order to enable them to give their children the best possible support in their journey and for these children to be accepted and included by all.’

One event Emily arranged was for the Mallard Cinema to have a showing solely for children with ADHD.

‘They can’t always sit still, and parents feel scared to take the children out. It’s so that they can be together as a group, to be relaxed without fear,’ Vanda said.

ADHD & me now has 120 members, all parents of children with ADHD.