‘Embracing Diverse Minds –Neurodiversity and Mental Health’ event

Mental health is crucial for the well-being of individuals, both in the workplace and in educational settings. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding psychological issues often prevents many people from receiving the help and support they need. During the ‘Embracing Diverse Minds- Neurodiversity and Mental Health’ event on Thursday 24 October 2024, we aim to break down these barriers and foster an open dialogue about mental health and neurodiversity. We will explore how to create an inclusive environment where people feel safe to share their challenges and seek support. Together, we can work towards a culture where mental health and neurodiversity are taken seriously, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

There is no such thing as a standard brain. We are all unique individuals with our own ways of perceiving the world, thinking, feeling, and communicating. This diversity of minds, often referred to as neurodiversity, includes natural variations in the human brain, such as differences in learning styles, information processing, and interpersonal interactions. Neurodiversity encompasses conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences that shape how individuals experience and engage with their surroundings.

Unfortunately, not all talent reaches its full potential because standard approaches to education, collaboration, and leadership in organizations do not fit everyone equally. To unlock the full potential of every brain, including yours, we need to create environments that celebrate and accommodate these differences. This means fostering a brain-friendly workplace where diverse talents can thrive, allowing us to benefit from the wide array of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge that each individual brings.

For whom

All employees at NWO-I (all nine NWO Institutes and the NWO-I office) are welcome to participate in this event.

Location

The plenary sessions takes place at:
WCW Colloquiumzalen
(Z011 Turingzaal)
Science Park 125  
1098XG  Amsterdam

Route description: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xrjWcZdGHwHKrKzX8
Parking: more information.

The workshops all take place at Science Park, but at the different NWO Institutes: AMOLF, ARCNL CWI and Nikhef. You will receive the exact location of your workshop a week before.

Organisation

October is Diversity month at NWO-I. This event is organized by Andrei Nesterov, a PhD student at CWI, who conceived the idea of focusing on mental health. He reached out to Judith Kreukels, Advisor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NWO-I, and Thecla van Wageningen, Strategic Advisor at NWO-I, both of whom were already planning events on neurodiversity and for PhD students. By combining their efforts, they have created this event, which is the third in a series dedicated to the topic of neurodiversity. NWO-I also has an employee network (ERG) focused on neurodiversity. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please visit the NWO-I website.

Date, time and specifics

The event takes place on Thursday 24 October from 12.30-17.30 hours.

The registration and an optional lunch start at12:00 hours. The first part of the event starting at 12:30 will focus on neurodiversity. The introduction of the program and the session with Saskia Schepers  will be recorded and will be available online for further distribution on the website.

The afternoon segment, which shifts focus to mental health, includes interactive workshops that will not be offered online. If you wish to attend only the morning or afternoon program, that is possible. For the afternoon program, please arrive by 3:00 PM for the start of the afternoon sessions.

The lecture hall will turn into a decompression room during the breaks to provide a calming environment where people can take a break and re-center themselves. We will also provide fidget toys at the registration for you. At any point of the event you are allowed to exit, should you need or wish to. In the registration form you can let us know if you have specific needs we should take into consideration.

Programme

12.30-12.45       A word of welcome by Arfan Ikram (Board member by NWO-I)

12.45- 13.00      Introduction of the day - Judith Kreukels (Advisor Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Thecla van Wageningen (Project leader Recognition & Rewards)

13.00-14.30       When All Minds Thrive by Saskia Schepers:  Practical tools for creating neuro-inclusive workplaces

14.30-15.00       Break (decompression room available)

15.00- 15.30       “Out of the Shadow” Movie about mental health and breaking the stigma surrounding psychological issues

15.30-15.45       Walking to the different institutes at Science Park

15.45-16.45       Workshops at CWI, NIKHEF, ARCNL and AMOLF Institutes

• Essential Dutch mental health regulations: what international employees need to know
• Being yourself: mental health experiences of LGBTIQA+ individuals
• Leading with empathy, an open conversation about inclusive leadership
• Using storytelling to share mental health journeys

17.00-17.30       Recap and closure at CWI, Turing Zaal

17.30-18.00       Drinks and snacks (decompression room available) at CWI

Workshop topics

This event features a range of insightful workshops designed to address critical aspects of mental health and inclusivity. The exact room numbers of the workshops at the different institutes and the exact content of each session - including what is expected from you - will be announced a week before. You can choose to follow one of the following workshops:

1. Essential Dutch Mental Health Regulations: What International Employees Need to Know – This workshop provides international employees with a comprehensive overview of Dutch mental health regulations, helping them navigate the local support systems and legal framework to ensure their well-being and compliance at work and outside of work.
2. Being yourself: mental health experiences of LGBTIQA+ individuals– Focused on the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ people. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face higher levels of mental health challenges compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. This session explores the impact of identity on mental health and offers strategies for creating supportive and affirming environments.
3. Leading with Empathy: An Open Conversation About Inclusive Leadership – This workshop delves into the principles of empathetic leadership. Together with five leaders from NWO-I we discuss in an interactive session how inclusive practices can enhance team dynamics and foster a more supportive workplace culture. There will be a moderator and you have the possibility to ask the speakers questions.
4. Using Storytelling to Share Mental Health Journeys – This workshop is designed for those seeking to share and find support for their mental health experiences. Participants will learn how to use storytelling as a powerful tool to express their journeys, connect with others, build empathy and foster greater understanding and empathy among colleagues.

Speakers

Saskia Schepers is an expert in the field of neurodiversity. She is a creative mind who, with her extensive HR experience and background in Organizational Sciences, gives lectures, workshops, and masterclasses on neurodiversity in education and the workplace. She is also the bestseller author of Als alle breinen werken (When All Minds Thrive), and her new book on neurodiversity in education will be released in the spring.

The workshop speakers will be announced on a later level.

Registration