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Access to Work Coaching for Neurodivergent Professionals

Access to Work is a UK government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It helps disabled people and those with long-term health conditions — including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence — stay in work or start a new job. The support is practical and personal. It can cover things like specialist equipment, travel costs, support workers, and coaching. If work has been feeling harder than it should, Access to Work exists to make it more manageable — without you having to push through alone.

Can I use Access to Work for coaching?

Yes. Coaching with an ICF-accredited coach can be included as part of an individual Access to Work award. Thrive Coaching London is an independent coaching provider. Merrigan is not affiliated with the DWP, and she cannot guarantee that you will receive an award. What she can do is provide coaching where it has already been approved through your own individual Access to Work award — or help you understand how coaching might fit if you are in the process of applying. Access to Work-funded clients are warmly welcome.

How does it work?

The process is more straightforward than it often sounds. Here is what it typically looks like:
  1. Apply for Access to Work via gov.uk. You can apply online, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to start. The application asks about the challenges you face at work and the support that would help.
  2. Receive your award decision. If coaching is approved as part of your award, you will receive details of what has been agreed and how much support is available.
  3. Get in touch with Merrigan. Share a little about your role, what you are finding difficult, and what your award covers. There is no pressure — this is a conversation, not a commitment.
  4. Receive a quote for coaching sessions. Merrigan will provide a clear quote that you can share with Access to Work or your employer, depending on how your award is set up.
  5. Sessions are arranged and invoiced through your award. Once everything is confirmed, coaching begins. Invoicing is handled in line with your Access to Work arrangements so the admin stays as simple as possible.
If you are unsure where you are in the process, that is completely fine. Reach out anyway — Merrigan is happy to talk it through.

What we cover in sessions

Access to Work coaching with Merrigan focuses on practical workplace strategies built around how your brain actually works. Sessions are tailored to you, and often explore:

  • Executive function — managing inboxes, deadlines, planning and follow-through without the constant scramble
  • Time management — working with time blindness, procrastination and last-minute stress so the day feels steadie
  • Communication and self-advocacy — expressing what you need clearly, setting boundaries, and stopping the over-explaining
  • Overwhelm and sensory load — grounding strategies for when work feels too loud, too fast, or too much
  • Goal-setting that fits — moving away from productivity pressure toward goals that are realistic and meaningful for you
  • Working with your strengths — building systems around what already works, rather than forcing yourself into someone else's mould

FAQ

Can I use Access to Work funding for coaching?
Yes. If your individual Access to Work award includes coaching, you can use that funding to work with an independent ICF-accredited coach such as Merrigan. Thrive Coaching London welcomes Access to Work-funded clients. Merrigan is not affiliated with the DWP and cannot guarantee an award — she provides coaching where it has been approved through your own award.
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for Access to Work. What matters is how your condition or neurodivergence affects you at work, and what support would help you stay in or get into employment. Many neurodivergent people apply successfully without a diagnostic report.
You can apply online through the official GOV.UK Access to Work page. The form asks about your job (or the job you are about to start), the difficulties you face, and the support you think would help. You can apply whether you are employed, self-employed, or about to begin a new role. If you would like a plain-English overview before you start, Merrigan is happy to point you in the right direction during a free consultation.
Access to Work can fund a range of support depending on your needs. This may include specialist equipment and software, support workers or job coaches, travel to work, workplace adaptations, and coaching or training. Exactly what is covered is decided on an individual basis as part of your award.
Once coaching is approved as part of your award, Merrigan will provide a clear quote and agree how invoicing should work for your situation. In some cases invoices go to you and you reclaim the cost; in others they go directly to Access to Work or your employer. She will work with whatever arrangement your award sets out, so you are not left guessing about the admin.

Why work with Merrigan?

Merrigan Archdale is an ICF-accredited coach (ACC) specialising in neurodivergent workplace strategy and coaching for neurodivergent mothers. She brings both professional training and a lived understanding of neurodivergent experience — including her own diagnosis of dyspraxia. As an independent provider, she has experience supporting clients whose coaching is funded through an individual Access to Work award. Sessions are practical, compassionate and free of judgment. The aim is simple: work that feels more manageable, and a way of working that finally fits your brain.

Ready to talk it through?

If you already have an Access to Work award that includes coaching — or you are considering applying and want to understand how coaching could fit — you are welcome to get in touch. Merrigan offers a free 30-minute consultation with no pressure and no jargon. Together you can explore what you need, how coaching works alongside an Access to Work award, and whether it feels like the right next step.

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Access to Work Coaching for Neurodivergent Professionals

Access to Work can make working life more manageable for neurodivergent professionals. This personalised coaching support helps you navigate workplace challenges, build practical strategies, and work in a way that better suits your strengths, needs, and energy — without having to figure it all out alone.

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