Lifeworks Charity

Lifeworks North Staffordshire is a registered charity providing specialised support for individuals aged 14+ with neurodiverse conditions including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Tourette's syndrome. Now celebrating 20 years, discover how they are continuing to help its members.

This year marks a major milestone for Lifeworks North Staffs. Since opening its doors in September 2006, the charity has grown into a vital source of support for autistic people, those with ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome and related neurodivergent conditions- along with their families, carers and professionals across North Staffordshire.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Lifeworks will be hosting a special event on 9 September at The Bridge Centre in Birches Head, bringing together clients, partners and supporters who have been part of the charity’s journey.

Lifeworks North Staffs was founded by Chief Executive Louise Zandian alongside a group of parents of young adults who recognised a gap in local support. They saw the need for a charity dedicated to helping neurodivergent people without a learning disability build sustainable, fulfilling lives.

What began in a small office in Chesterton has since grown into a well‑established organisation based on Merrial Street, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, supporting more than 1,000 clients across the region.

At its core, Lifeworks exists to help people aged 14 years and over in North Staffordshire who are; autistic, living with ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or Dyscalculia and are experiencing secondary mental ill health symptoms.

Support also extends to carers, families and professionals seeking guidance. The charity’s mission is simple but powerful: to help individuals find a sustainable lifestyle and thrive in their community.

Lifeworks supports people across the whole of North Staffordshire, including Stoke‑on‑Trent, Newcastle‑under‑Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

The charity offers a wide range of services designed to meet the varied needs of neurodivergent people and their families and includes Client Groups, Advocacy, Outreach Support, Carer Groups, Befriending, Life Coaching, One to One Support and practical help/assistance in a non -judgemental  environment, plus training on Neurodiverse Conditions.

Each service is shaped by lived experience, professional training and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by autistic and ADHD individuals and their families.

Lifeworks supports dozens of young people at any one time, with no cap on the number of clients they can work with each year. Anyone aged 14+ meeting the referral criteria can access support.

Referrals are open, flexible and accessible. People can self‑refer or be referred by; family members or loved ones, NHS staff (Crisis Teams, Talking Therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Counsellors, Support Time and Recovery Workers, Social Prescribers), Department of Work and Pensions staff, schools and education professionals.

Referrals can be made via:

www.lifeworksnorthstaffs.org.uk

To access support, individuals must; be aged 14+, have Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or Dyscalculia, not have a learning disability and live in Stoke‑on‑Trent, Newcastle‑under‑Lyme or the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Support is open‑ended. Once someone becomes a client and has a profile, they can access services throughout their life. Families and agencies can re‑refer at any time if additional support is needed.

Lifeworks is currently run by a small team of dedicated staff, supported by volunteers and Trustees who help drive the charity’s mission forward.

One of the newest team members is the charity’s Digital Marketing Officer, Jon Owen, who joined in February 2026:

“It’s an exciting time to be part of Lifeworks, he says, especially as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. I’m looking forward to promoting our message throughout this year and beyond.”

Feedback is central to Lifeworks’ approach, and the charity gathers input from clients, carers and group attendees through emails and forms to continually improve their services and quality. Life coaching clients also complete pre‑ and post‑coaching assessments (or after eight sessions) to help measure progress and impact.

The difference Lifeworks makes is best reflected in the words of the people it supports:

“Without Lifeworks, I don’t know where me or my family would be.”

Comments like this are common- and they drive the team to continue offering compassionate, practical and life‑changing support.

How the Community Can Help

The charity welcomes support from anyone who wants to help make a difference. Donations are vital in enabling Lifeworks to continue its work as it receives no other funding  and is solely a not -for- profit organisation. For ways to volunteer or donate please visit the website at www.lifeworksnorthstaffs.org.uk.

Word of mouth is equally important in order to raise its profile.  So, if you know someone who might benefit from Lifeworks’ services, the team encourages you to reach out and share their details.

Lifeworks hopes to continue growing, expanding its reach and supporting even more people across North Staffordshire. The vision is clear: to keep improving lives and strengthening the community for years to come.

Waiting lists are dependent on the types of services required for its users. There is no current waiting list for social activities, support groups or carers groups, however, there is a 4‑month wait for initial profiling sessions (for those wanting life coaching). Support is available mainly during office hours, however emergency appointments can be offered to anyone in crisis. Emails and voicemails can be left at  any time but will be picked up the next working day and responded to.

If you need any advice regarding Lifeworks or further information on the services it provides or its charitable works, please contact the team on 01782 615222 / 07356076001 or email info@lifeworksnorthstaffs.org.uk or visit the website www.lifeworksnorthstaffs.org.uk.

In 2012 the charity was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Services and is a Disability Confident Organisation which continues to act as a “safe haven “ for its client group and wider community. Its services are confidential and aim to build confidence, help clients manage daily life and overcome mental health challenges, by reducing isolation.