Kerry Pace - Diverse Learners

Today is , and I think it's important to remember that self-care looks different for everyone.

For some people, it's exercise, reading a book or spending time with friends.

For others, particularly those who are neurodivergent, it might be cancelling plans because they're overwhelmed, taking time away from noise, wearing headphones, asking for support or simply giving themselves permission to rest.

Too often, people feel guilty for meeting their own needs.

But self-care isn't selfish.

It's recognising what helps you function, regulate your emotions and protect your wellbeing.

It's understanding your own needs instead of forcing yourself to fit someone else's expectations.

When we understand our own needs and respect them, we're better able to learn, work, care for others and be the best version of ourselves.

So today, I'd encourage you to ask yourself one simple question:

What do I need today, not what does everyone else need from me?



Image description: Photo of Kerry strolling along a countryside path leading towards the coastline beneath clear blue skies. The peaceful natural surroundings evoke a sense of balance, mindfulness and self-care, highlighting the value of stepping away from busy environments to reconnect with yourself.

This post was shared on one of my professional forums and thought I'd share it here.

6 month FT role for a research associate in disability law, based at Metropolitan University:

Senior Research Associate (Disability Law) - (9327) | Manchester Metropolitan University Careers All about Manchester Metropolitan - an exciting, modern university in the heart of one of the UK's great student cities.

How is it that feet are still cold even though it's 28 degrees?

Anyone else or is it just me?

This month we celebrate .

A time to recognise the strength, diversity, achievements and contributions of disabled people, while continuing to challenge the barriers and inequalities that still exist.

Disability Pride is about celebrating identity, promoting inclusion, and recognising that disabled people should be able to live with dignity, choice, independence and equal opportunities.

At the heart of this month is the Disability Pride Flag, designed to reflect the wide range of lived experiences within the community.

Each colour carries meaning:

❤️ Red represents physical disabilities
💛 Gold represents neurodiversity
🤍 White represents non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
💙 Blue represents mental health disabilities
💚 Green represents sensory disabilities
🖤 The faded black background represents mourning for disabled people who have experienced ableism, violence and injustice throughout history, while the diagonal bands symbolise breaking down the barriers that divide disabled people

But this month isn’t just about celebration.

It’s about visibility, solidarity and action. And it’s about listening to disabled voices, valuing lived experience, to make sure those voices help shape the decisions, services and spaces that affect their lives.

Because creating truly inclusive communities isn’t a one-month job.

It’s ongoing work.



Image description: A graphic celebrating Disability Pride Month 2026. Against a dark blue background, the words "Celebrating Disability Pride Month" surround an illustration of the Disability Pride Flag waving inside an arch-shaped frame decorated with the flag's colours. White stars are scattered around the design, and a yellow label reads "July 2026." The Diverse Learners logo appears in yellow in the bottom right corner.

Our family LOVE The Deep and this is just one of many reasons why.

Don't forget, our Tranquil Tuesday events are an ideal opportunity for visitors to enjoy the aquarium in a more relaxed and calming environment, particularly for anyone who would like a more sensory-friendly experience. 🪼

Running every Tuesday term-time from 3pm onwards. hope to 'sea' you there! 👋

A few weeks ago, I found out I'd been nominated for the National Diversity Awards.

By mistake I thought the email was spam, so I was up against people who'd had months to gather support while I had just a couple of weeks.

The shortlist is announced next week on the 24th June and whether I'm shortlisted as a finalist or not, my biggest takeaway isn't the outcome.

It's the 215 people who took the time to vote.

215 people who stopped what they were doing, filled in a form, and shared (in great detail) why they felt I deserved their support.

Reading those comments has genuinely filled me with so much pride, gratitude and joy.

The feedback has been incredible. Not because it was about me, but because it reminded me why I do what I do.

What has touched me most is hearing from people from different chapters of my life. Former students. Past clients. People I've worked with years ago who still remembered something I'd said, done or helped them with.

Even in the final hour before voting closed, six members of staff from Abertay University took the time to vote after I recently delivered training there. Thank you to Caroline Hodgson, Beth Reid, Karen and everyone else who supported me.

And seeing messages from people like Kevin King, whose post I recently shared, has been incredibly special too.

Whatever happens next, no one can take away the fact that 215 people chose to support me.

That's something I'll never take for granted.

Thank you.



Image description: A purple and gold National Diversity Awards graphic titled "Nominees in the News." The main image shows Kerry Pace standing in front of a display screen and noticeboard while delivering a presentation. Below the image, large white text reads: "Newquay Woman Nominated for National Diversity Award!"

Our blogs are back.

Now we have updated the website we have some of your favourite blogs back for you to access. These include:

Shoes or No Shoes

Five Fav apps as a young Neurodivergent person

Lived experiences from Dann, Kirsty, Jim Keane, Tracy, a Newly Qualified Nurse, Rosie and Phoebe,

Tips on creating a more dyslexia-friendly teaching approach from Janice St.John Matthews

Maths and dyslexic nurses by Specialist Study Skills tutor and midwife (retired) Michelle

And some other blogs too.

Please have a read of the blogs and let us know which ones you particularly like or resonate for you.

Blog | Diverse Learners

Blog | Diverse Learners

I'm still a little bit overwhelmed seeing this in print if I'm honest.

A huge thank you to The Voice Newspaper for sharing the story of my recent nomination for the National Diversity Awards.

When I started this work, I never imagined I'd one day be nominated in the Positive Role Model for Gender category. Like many neurodivergent people, there have been times in my life when I've felt misunderstood, overlooked and like I didn't quite fit the mould.

That's why the work I do through Diverse Learners means so much to me.

Every workshop, coaching session, conversation and challenge to the status quo comes from a genuine desire to make things better for neurodivergent and disabled people. Not just in education, but in healthcare, workplaces and everyday life.

It's why I created the Buy Neurodivergent Nurse a Specialist Support Session campaign because there is not enough support out there for our neurodivergent nurses to access the support they need to do their job.

This nomination isn't something I've achieved alone. It's thanks to the incredible people I've met along the way who have trusted me with their stories, shared their experiences and allowed me to be part of their journey too.

To everyone who has supported me, encouraged me and cheered me on – thank you. You know who you are.

And thank you again to The Voice Newspaper for taking the time to tell my story and shine a spotlight on the importance of neurodiversity, inclusion and accessibility.

You can read the article here:
https://www.voicenewspapers.co.uk/news/specialist-neurodiversity-coach-nominated-for-national-award-906278

There's only 4 days left to get your pledges in! (Though we hope to extend the timeframe).

Here at Diverse Learners we’re currently raising funds to give neurodivergent nurses and healthcare workers access to 1:1 specialist support.

We’ve already raised £770 (which is incredible) but we’re not done yet.

Nobody should ever feel like they have to just “push through” on hard mode, especially in a role where they’re already giving so much to others.

We'd love you to support our campaign, please visit this link before the 7th June to make a contribution:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/buy-a-neurodivergent-nurse-some-specialist-support

Or help us by simply sharing this post.

Thank you.



Image description: Milestone update graphic from Diverse Learners announcing that the "Buy a Neurodivergent Nurse a Specialist Support Session" Crowdfunder has reached £770 in donations. The graphic explains this will fund 7.5 hours of specialist support and encourages people to share the post or donate. The design includes a healthcare worker wearing blue gloves forming a heart shape with their hands.