ADHD Assessment and Support While Waiting in Belfast

Many people are currently waiting a long time for ADHD assessment or follow-up support. If you are struggling with concentration, organisation, impulsivity, emotional regulation, time management, overwhelm or burnout, you are not alone.

Kensington Medical Centre understands that waiting for ADHD assessment can be frustrating and difficult. While your GP can refer you to the appropriate NHS service when clinically suitable, there are also support options available while you wait.

ADHD support while you wait

A Safe Space to Be Me offers a free ADHD Well While Waiting programme for adults in Northern Ireland who are on an ADHD waiting list, awaiting follow-up, or trying to access support. The programme is funded through the Department of Health Support While Waiting Fund.  

This is not an ADHD diagnostic or assessment service. It is a practical, non-clinical support programme designed to help adults manage day-to-day difficulties while waiting for formal assessment or follow-up.  

Who can apply?

The programme may be suitable if you are:

• Aged 18 or over
• Living in Northern Ireland
• On an ADHD waiting list, awaiting follow-up, or trying to access ADHD-related support
• Struggling with daily functioning, overwhelm, emotional regulation, time management or executive function
• You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to apply.  

What support is included?

The ADHD Well While Waiting programme may include:

• A pre-programme assessment to check suitability and needs
• A structured two-day ADHD-friendly workshop
• Practical take-home tools and resources
• Support to understand ADHD traits and how they affect daily life
• Strategies to reduce overwhelm, improve routines and manage emotional regulation

The programme is designed to be ADHD-friendly, with breaks, small groups, no pressure to speak, and different ways to take part.  

How to apply

Patients can self-refer directly through A Safe Space to Be Me.

Visit:

https://www.asafespacetobeme.co.uk/wellwhilewaiting

You may be asked to provide evidence that you are waiting for ADHD assessment or follow-up. This may include appointment information, HSC confirmation where available, self-declaration through triage, or a GP letter template provided by the service.  

What your GP can and cannot do

Your GP can discuss your symptoms and consider whether referral to NHS mental health or ADHD assessment services is appropriate.

Your GP cannot diagnose ADHD in a routine GP appointment.

Your GP cannot usually start ADHD medication. ADHD medication is normally started and stabilised by a specialist service before any shared care prescribing is considered.

If you are already under a private ADHD provider, please check with the provider what follow-up, monitoring and prescribing arrangements are included.

If you are struggling urgently

If you are feeling unsafe, at risk of harming yourself, or in mental health crisis, please seek urgent help.

Contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000, call 999 in an emergency, or attend your nearest Emergency Department if immediate help is needed.

Useful link

ADHD Well While Waiting – A Safe Space to Be Me
https://www.asafespacetobeme.co.uk/wellwhilewaiting