The Shine Community Hub helps us to recognise and value individuality within our workforce. It aims to celebrate the strengths and abilities of all disabled people including those with mental health issues and those with 'hidden disabilities'.

This new online hub has been created to share learning from the network and to provide more information to people who are interested in joining the network.

Contact: Shine@cumbria.gov.uk 

Yammer Community Group 



Just after my 50th birthday I was diagnosed as autistic. Finding out something like that, at that age, was confusing and unsettling, as well as being a very lonely place to be to begin with.

Sadly, my experience of diagnosis was very similar to many autistic adults in England, in that I was given the diagnosis without the benefit of any advice about coping mechanisms or strategies that I could use to help manage the struggles in my life.

As far as I know there are no statistics available to tell us how many people of working age are diagnosed as autistic in the UK each year.

Of those who have been fortunate enough to have received a diagnosis, there are approx *433,000 adults (aged 18+) in the UK who officially have an autism spectrum condition (ASC).  But to be honest these figures are just scratching the surface of the true picture.  

A formal diagnosis can be very difficult to achieve for all manner of reasons, especially in later life. As a result, self-diagnosis is generally accepted within the autistic community and is viewed as part of the process of recognising that you might be autistic.  But obviously all those who are self-diagnosed are generally not represented in the collection of statistical data.

My story is more common than you might think, going through life without an autism diagnosis, feeling that somehow I didn't quite fit in. I often felt that everyone else has been given a set of rules that no-one had shared with me. I had learned my own strategies to cope with life, and like many autistic adults diagnosed in later life I was married, with a family and had been able to hold down full-time employment for most of my adult life. But everything always felt like such hard work, and I always felt that if I just tried a little bit harder I would achieve my potential.

Diagnosis for me directly led to improved self-awareness, better understanding of why I struggled with certain aspects of life and, most importantly of all, finding my 'tribe' - other autistic women who understood my story and who helped me on my journey to self-acceptance.

I wanted to share my experiences about autism at work because I think it's important to be honest & open about the fact that my experiences since my diagnosis have not always been positive.

I have worked for the council for nearly 5 years now, and I have faced significant challenges linked to being autistic and working full-time.  These challenges have felt overwhelming at times and have definitely had a negative impact on my emotional wellbeing. Sadly my journey through the reasonable adjustment process here has not been a positive one and was strongly impacted by a lack of understanding from managers at all levels, as well as People Management and trade unions.

But it's not all doom and gloom.  I have recently moved into a new role and I am about to take on new and exciting challenges in the Systems Development Team.  Things are starting to move forward and I have proactively become involved in a variety of different workstreams which have the potential to enable the council l to become an employer of choice not just for autistic or neurodiverse adults, but for all disabled people in Cumbria.

I acknowledge change takes time, particularly in a large and complex organisation like ours, but I am determined to be here for the journey.  I think the best way for things to improve is for people like me to have the confidence to make their voices heard.  We have no reason to hide away or feel ashamed of the things we struggle with. Hearing about the lived experiences of people that we interact with on a daily basis helps to educate all of us, and encourages us to think past the stereotypes that society would have us believe.

Just to finish off I'd like to give you something positive to think about in relation to autism.  All too often we hear about the problems associated with being autistic and about the things we can't do.  Well now I think it's time to start telling people about all the things autistic people (and neurodiverse people generally) can often excel at:

  • Strong sense of social justice and fairness
  • High levels of concentration - hyperfocus (able to become totally absorbed in an activity)
  • Thrive when given clear unambiguous instructions
  • Thrive when given autonomy over their work
  • Good sense of affective or emotional empathy for others
  • Enjoy working independently
  • Innovative / 'outside of the box' thinking - fresh new perspective and opinions
  • Honest, reliable, conscientious and persistent 
  • Very detail orientated
  • Ability to identify errors / patterns
  • Technical ability
  • Detailed factual knowledge on topics of interest
  • Excellent memory (working / short term / long term)

There is a saying that is used by many people in the disability community "Nothing About Us, Without Us".  This is a powerful reminder to you of the crucial importance of having disabled colleagues front and centre of your efforts to advance workplace disability equality. 

If you take one thing away from reading this story let it be this: 

Take the time to ask an autistic person what makes them uncomfortable, and really notice it yourself. Don't try to change them, accept their differences.

Dyslexia is more than what you've been taught to believe - redefining dyslexia 

When you think of dyslexia, what do you think of? I bet poor spelling comes straight to mind? 

Well when I took my dyslexia test aged 33, spelling was actually one of my strengths and they told me that my spelling is above average for a neurotypical not mind someone with dyslexia! Who would have thought it hey… 

Now, please don't get me wrong lots of people with dyslexia do of course struggle with writing and spelling and it is one of the tell tale signs, but dyslexia is a lot more than this - dyslexia is also a superpower!. Everyone has varying cognitive profiles with strengths as well as struggles.

My struggles are more related to my word recall, memory recall, holding multiple thoughts in my head (working memory), memorising facts etc when under stress this gets worse. Its feels like words are easier to write than to say. Its like there's a glitch somewhere between my brain and my mouth. Often I feel I can type better than I can speak. I recall as a child I didn't learn to read until I was 8, and it was only when I was asked to read in my head rather than read out aloud that I properly learnt to read. I knew the words, I just couldn't translate them into speech as well. Dyslexia influences as many as 1 in 5 people and is a genetic difference in an individual's ability to learn and process information. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills.

I wasn't spotted in school, even at 33 when I took my screening test as part of a university course was on, it had never crossed my mind that I had dyslexia, my sister had it, my brother had it, my dad had it, my aunt had it and I just didn't have the same struggles as they had. However knowing more about the struggles I've got has been empowering for me for example I used to get really embarrassed in meetings when I couldn't speak - I couldn't find the word, it used to send me into a panic. Now I know what it is and am more comfortable with it. I'm less likely to speak with big words, or buzz words, but as a Communications Manager, I found this really useful as I can easily strip back language to make things much more accessible. 

Yes, I was a Communications Manager with dyslexia, I did this for six years and whilst it was challenging - I loved it, people with dyslexia generally have good communication skills and are more often than not highly creative and are more attune to accessibility. 

There are lots of positives for people with dyslexia. Made by Dyslexia argue that Dyslexics have the exact thinking skills needed for the workforce of today such as connecting, exploring, imagining, communicating, reasoning, visualising. Together we are re-defining dyslexia to be seen as a positive, rather than a negative.

Please do read more from #MadeByDyslexia

I was 3 years old when I was first diagnosed with autism, and I had support throughout my education, until I started as an apprentice with the council over 3 years ago.

It wasn't a smooth road to completing my apprenticeship and I worked in a few different areas to start off with.  My autism means that it takes me longer to learn tasks and I felt that there some misunderstanding initially.  But as my manager got to understand more things improved.

I also had support from Access to Work.  They provided me with a tutor who helped me to develop my skills in a number of areas such as communications, organisation, accuracy and prioritising work.  They helped me to building on my strengths and gave me coping strategies for my weaker areas and in managing stress.  I would have liked some of this to be more practical working, for example, at my work desk and dealing with problems as they arose.

I've been in my current role for 2 years now since completing my apprenticeship.  I would say it took me about a year to fully adapt and that there could have been more of a crossover from my apprenticeship to my new post but I enjoy the role and I find it rewarding.  

Some of the adjustments that were made to help me were having flow charts to show different steps to guide me through processes.  Having a colour code for different stages of a process.  Making sure that I am organised with my workload is key for me and I have user guides for tasks that I need to complete so that I can carry them out independently, with a manager available to expand on them if required.

When I'm in the office if I am distracted it helps if I can go into a quite room or quiet area to work.  I miss seeing colleagues in the office but have found working from home to be a big advantage as I can concentrate more.

I hope to progress within the council in the future.

To recognise, value and celebrate the fact that everyone is unique, and to support the aim of a world where disabled people are able to live exactly as they choose to. 

In order to achieve these goals, we aim to promote the awareness, understanding and adoption of the Social Model of Disability throughout Cumbria County Council and beyond into the wider community.

For those who are not yet aware of this model, The Social Model of Disability makes an important distinction between 'impairment' and 'disability'.  "The Social Model has been worked out by disabled people themselves. Our experiences have shown us that in reality most of the problems we face are caused by the way society is organised.  Our impairments or bodies are not the problem. Social barriers are the main cause of our problems.  These barriers include people's attitudes to disability, and physical and organisational barriers."

To celebrate the strengths and abilities of all disabled people including those with mental health issues and those with 'hidden disabilities'.

We believe that improving understanding of disability will give Cumbria County Council staff a unique advantage when working with disabled colleagues, but also with all disabled children, young people and adults across our beautiful county.

Examples of hidden disabilities:

While this list is not a full list, some examples of hidden disabilities include:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Brain injuries
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and language processing disorder
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Visual and auditory disabilities


Members of the group are able to have their say on policies and procedures within Cumbria County Council and influence the way we work as an organisation. Discussions in the group can have a direct impact on decision making.

The group aims to promote the awareness, understanding and adoption of the Social Model of Disability throughout Cumbria County Council and beyond into the wider community.

It aims to celebrate the strengths and abilities of all disabled people including those with mental health issues and those with 'hidden disabilities'.

How often do they meet?

The group currently meet virtually (through Microsoft Teams) once a month

Do I have to have a disability to join the group?

No. Anyone who has an interest in how we support staff and people with disabilities can join the group.

Can I influence the group and topics without joining the network?

Yes. If you have a suggestion of a topic or a question that you would like the group to discuss please send details to shine@cumbria.gov.uk

How do I get the groups' views on a project I'm working on?

If you would like the group's views or feedback on a project, document or policy please send details to shine@cumbra.gov.uk and it will be added to the agenda on the next Session.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining please email shine@cumbria.gov.uk

Disabilities explained

To provide CCC staff with an insight into the challenges faced by people with disabilities, members of the Staff Disability Network are sharing their experiences. The aim of this is to try and increase awareness of different disabilities which will not only help individuals in work but also their personal lives.

Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Can you imagine being told you will be in pain 24 hours a day 365 days of the year

Now imagine there is no cure 

Still smiling? Didn't think so 

That just about sums up the feeling of have a chronic illness, below are some of the issues that many people struggle with on a daily/hourly basis

Cognitive issues - Many chronic pain conditions are accompanied by cognitive issues.  These can include problems with memory, difficulty speaking clearly, struggles with depth perceptions, issues with focus, difficulties with attention span and many more.  No, I don't have dementia but sometimes it does feel like it.  The difficulties are that these symptoms can literally vary from day to day, some days things will go in my brain some days they won't.  This is very difficult for other people around you to understand.

Personally, if my pain reaches a certain threshold then all my brain is processing is pain, it has no room to remember things that I may be being told, or it will not process things I wish to say because all of its focus is on the immediate issue of pain 

Allogynia - defined as "pain dur to stimulus that does not normally provoke pain".  This means things as simple as a light touch can evoke extreme pain, in my case if someone was to give me a light poke with a finger it feels like I have just been stabbed - very weird but a real issue if you accidentally bang yourself on a desk

Sensory overload - in my case means I can be overwhelmed by noises, sounds, lights, smells and other environmental factors.  If I am in a flare up with severe pain the brain has a difficult time processing any other sensory information when its in extremes for example in a busy open plan office where the noise can be elevated.  

Temperature regulation - some people struggle to regulate their temperature and can be sensitive to heat and cold

Balance issues - in my case I have no problem at all falling flat on my face and manage to do so a couple of times a week

Skin rashes and sensitivity - no honestly I do not have fleas, but I do find that my skin can become more sensitive and easily irritated, which in my case can vary from slightly irritated to full blow want to scratch my skin off, oddly can also manifest in total numbness of an area

Medication issues - many of us take a raft of medication, I have to say my list is very impressive these will affect people in different ways 

Sleep issues (what is sleep) personally there are nights when this eludes me all together which can make the following day difficult - everyone needs sleep so be mindful when someone has a chronic disability that this is something, they may struggle with 

Unpredictability - you never know how you will feel in the morning, every day is an adventure with a chronic pain condition, you never know how much pain you will be in or how it will change during the day 

People do not understand - Managers, family, colleagues tell people with chronic pain conditions things like "hope you feel better soon".  Depending on my day this can be met with varying responses but the reality is the pain does not stop. 

The other comments again is well meant because people generally want to help, but "have you tried" sometimes that little phrase can send me right over the edge, having lived with chronic pain for over 20 years yes I can assure you I have tried everything imaginable , hypnotherapy, acupuncture, herbal, all sorts of weird and wonderful things so if some snaps at you in response to a very well-meaning question, its not personal its just frustration, and yes I have even tried "Alexa, turn off my pain" ( well it was worth a try) 

The other thing I get asked is "are you in pain today"  the answer is yes the pain does not stop, yes we have taken our medication and no it does not work in terms of making us pain free, it takes the edge off (sometimes)

Definition of a response to "Hi, how are you?"

I'm fine

The spoken anthem of the chronically ill, disabled, or those with mental health issues, to move a conversation along without actually answering the typical, and quite frankly irritating question of "hi, how are you?"

Energy levels - pain changes everything - working from home at the moment has been a godsend personally , I can go around in oversized t shits and eating cereal for all my meals and no one is any the wiser, I can work from home effectively but the fluff of getting dressed, doing hair and makeup I do not have to cope with, I have to say I am more productive working from home, I expend less energy and the energy I have can go into my work 

Mental health - when someone is suffering from pain 24/7 it can serious affect their mood, I personally have had to apologise more than once for growling at people as its not fun being in pain everyday sometimes my patience has reached its limits - it is something to watch out for as mood is a good early indicator if something is going on above the ordinary .  Depression, anxiety, and irritability are all part of having chronic pain.

In my 20 years of living with chronic pain I have come across may funny but true quotes 

If I wanted to fake an illness, I'd choose something people would believe

  • Today's forecast Grumpy with a 100% chance of killing someone 
  • Inside every chronically sick person is a healthy person wondering what the hell happened 
  • Can I order a replacement body please, this one is constantly malfunctioning? 
  • I am not an early bird or night owl, I'm a permanently exhausted pigeon
  • Some days I amaze myself, some days I put the keys in the fridge (totally relate to this )
  • Pardon my brain fog, memory loading, please wait
  • "You don't look disabled" "well you don't look stupid but here we are" (frequently thought but never said )
  • Everything hurts and I'm dying, I'll see you tomorrow
  • The glass isn't half full…… I don't remember where I put the glass