Connex Education Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of our new story resource, Everyone Deserves a Friend, now available on our PSHE Hub in partnership with the children’s charity Barnardo’s.
This story explores neurodiversity, offering insight into how someone with a neurodiverse condition might feel and the challenges they may face. It also shows how we can all make simple, meaningful changes to help everyone—neurodiverse and neurotypical—feel included, valued, and empowered to be their best selves.
Our Director of Citizenship, Jon Bull, shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
“It has been an honour working with Barnardo’s on this resource. Their expertise in supporting children, school staff, and those who care for them—from a trauma-informed perspective, has been invaluable.
The insights from 16 schools they consulted, along with those we engaged with at Connex, have resulted in a truly co-produced piece of work. It not only meets a real need but is also enjoyable and easy to deliver.
We hope this resource will encourage children to talk to each other, whether they are neurodiverse or neurotypical. It’s about understanding each other’s differences, showing empathy, and remembering that everyone needs a little help and kindness from time to time.”
Barnardo’s shared the following:
“Partnering with Connex has been an incredible experience! We’ve been truly inspired by Jon Bull’s passion and creativity. He took the time to listen to our vision, understood the significance of highlighting neurodiversity and friendship, and worked tirelessly to craft a deeply impactful and meaningful story.”
– The Trauma Informed Practice Central Services team at Barnardo’s
“This book, along with the accompanying classroom resources, is incredibly important because it sparks vital conversations about neurodiversity—what it is, how it might feel to be neurodivergent, and the support or tools that characters like Duck may use. The story also reinforces key themes such as friendship, respect, and the unique value of every child.
The conversation around neurodiversity is essential, and these resources offer a powerful way to explore it in greater depth. By integrating this learning into the classroom, they help reduce stigma and foster a more inclusive, understanding environment.”
Quote provided by Vanessa Wilkes, Senior Trauma Informed Practitioner at TIP Central Services:
Discover More
You can explore Everyone Deserves a Friend on our PSHE Hub today click here to view the full story and resources. If you’d like to learn more about our wider PSHE hub or how your school can benefit, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’d love to support you in creating an inclusive, engaging learning environment for all pupils.
If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected] or call 0330 390 4113.
