UU's NeuroNetwork

About UU's NeuroNetwork

UU's NeuroNetwork has been established for staff and research students to come together to address issues and further inclusivity around neurodiversity, and to embed a neuroinclusive culture here at Ulster.

Inclusivity is a core value in Ulster University, and we are proud to add this new network to our suite of staff and student networks. The new network aligns with Ulster's diversity networks, offering opportunities to raise awareness, increase understanding, celebrate neurodiversity, boost employment, and engage in impactful, collaborative initiatives.

UU's NeuroNetwork was created on World Autism Day, 4 April 2024, by co-founders, Dr Thérèse Charles and Dr Fodhla McGrane, longstanding lecturers at Ulster University.

Themed Quiet Rooms

To promote inclusivity (as part of Ulster’s corporate values and strategy), three quiet rooms were created on Belfast campus. Welcome week and the first week of teaching can be very daunting and overwhelming for students and at times they just need somewhere quiet to take time out. Available to all staff and students, but designed with neurodivergent staff and students and those who might experience mental health issues such as anxiety in mind, 3 quiet rooms were set up on the Belfast campus for students to use as and when they needed to.

Each room was themed to meet a variety of needs.

Two single use rooms were designed around the themes of ‘Step into the Outside’ and ‘Lavender’. Step into the outside was created for staff and students to get a way from it all and feel they were in a quiet peaceful garden as the Belfast campus is lacking in outdoor green space. Lavender was intended to awaken the senses and give a feeling of serenity and calm in the midst of a busy campus.

The third room, ‘Parallel Play’, was designed for use by up to 6 students at any one time. The room was set up with a variety of activities including games (chess, cards, scrabble etc), mindfulness colouring, pen and paper games (wordsearch, sudoku) and books for silent reading. Students who were overwhelmed and needed time to themselves but don’t want to be on their own could come and enjoy some parallel playtime alongside other students. This could involve either playing a quiet game together or enjoying an activity alone but alongside others in parallel.

Maeve Falconer, Autism Coach, preparing The Lavender Room

Student relaxing in the Step into the Outside room, with a garden view and a selection of dog books to flick through. Created by Dr Fodhla McGrane

Parallel Play Time by Sharron Sturgess

Quiet Room Feedback

Students who used the rooms also had an opportunity to give feedback on their experience. Students described the rooms as peaceful, calm and relaxing, a sanctuary and needed.

Feedback also included:

Step outside was my favourite. I nearly fell asleep. Loved the recliners, No other recliners on campus. They should be there. The view from sitting on recliner of two roof top garden was quite relaxing. These kind of rooms should be a must on campus. Also, there are so many dog magazines, but I want to see a real dog. The room is quite difficult to find. So many signs to follow. Want to find the room easily and not with so much of efforts.

A wee sanctuary.

Peaceful Calm and relaxing Relaxing The roof meadows were so soothing and contemplative! A beautifully curated experience!

A place to chill out and get your head clear. Lie down and just take 5 mins.

A wonderful escape and resource for staff and students!

What the founders say

Dr Fodhla McGrane, Co-founder of UU's NeuroNetwork, described one of the network’s unique features:

Our NeuroNetwork has not only an internal membership (everyone at UU), but also an external membership (e.g. employers, and our UU alumni). To facilitate ongoing relationships with our students post-graduation, we also run a LinkedIn group for the network, and members will be invited to join.

Dr Thérèse Charles, Co-founder of UU's NeuroNetwork, commented:

After years working with neurodivergent staff and students at UU, and with neurodivergent colleagues in business, I am proud that today we can finally offer this vital network to our staff, students, alumni and beyond. We’re excited and ready to go!

Ulster University’s Dean of EDI, Prof Mary Hannon Fletcher said:

Our goal is for everyone working and studying at Ulster University to have an excellent experience which allows them to achieve their goals. I’m delighted to see colleagues setting up our fifth staff network. This NeuroNetwork will be invaluable, providing peer support to those with neurodiversity and their allies.
The network will also be a point of contact for us in EDI, in developing policies and examples of best practice, ensuring that neurodivergent colleagues and students feel they belong and are supported at Ulster University.

Watch our OffshootTV Video

Thanks to OffshootTV Producer, Erin McDaid, and OffshootTV Station Manager, David O’Reilly”