The pandemic was a tough time for many of us freelancers, but it hit neurodiverse artists even harder. Fortunately, trailblazing companies such as Access All Areas Theatre Company, have refused to allow their associates to fall through the cracks. Three years ago, I worked as a script developer for the company. They were in the process of devising and making seven short films in association with MenCap and the National Autistic Society, with the view to them being rolled out across the NHS as part of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. When restrictions were able to ease a little in May 2021, I was invited to direct the seven short films. What an absolute joy it was to be back in a rehearsal room working on the scripts and sharing the experience with such a fantastic team. The Access All Areas neurodiverse artists worked wonderfully with neurotypical professional actors to create a series of authentic performances, all for such an important cause.

As a result of the success of the films, Health Education England, in partnership with The Oliver McGowan Trust, Skills for Care, National Autistic Society and MenCap, further commissioned Access All Areas to create four more films. I was again invited to write the scripts and direct the subsequent films. These have now been rolled out as part of Tier 2 of the training programme.

This is the accompanying trailer which promotes the training scheme: