The second in our Volunteering Highlight series highlighting our ADHD Aware volunteers.
Volunteering is a gift that keeps on giving—both to the recipients and to the volunteers themselves. One dedicated volunteer at ADHD Aware, Leila Baker, has shown how lending a helping hand can transform lives, including her own.
In 2021, Leila first encountered ADHD Aware as a participant. Her husband was awaiting an ADHD assessment, and she began attending group meetings to find support and information. “I always came out of the meetings feeling a lot more positive than when I went in,” she shared. Her appreciation for the groups naturally led her to become involved as a volunteer. Starting in the ‘Parents of Children with ADHD’ group, Leila began shadowing a facilitator and eventually stepped into a co-facilitator role herself. Soon after, she expanded her contributions to co-facilitate the ‘Partners of Adults with ADHD’ group as well. “I know how much I benefited from being a member of those groups, and it feels wonderful to pay it forward,” she explained.
Leila’s lived experience in a “neuro-spicy household”—her own words—has been an invaluable resource. Having educated herself to better understand her family’s neurodivergent needs, she now helps others on similar journeys by signposting resources and sharing insights. “I’m not an expert, but I’ve walked this path, and that knowledge helps me support others who are just beginning their journey.”
Her volunteering journey was not without challenges. Sometimes she feels the pressure of being the sole facilitator available for some meetings. This responsibility can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling family, work, and personal commitments. However, Leila’s passion for supporting others drives her to rise above these obstacles. Even distance and time zones don’t deter her dedication. Earlier this year, while visiting Australia, Leila made the extraordinary effort to facilitate a group meeting at 6 a.m. local time. “I wouldn’t want to miss it,” she explained. “I know how much these groups are needed.” Her determination is rooted in the understanding that for many participants, the support provided by ADHD Aware fills a vital gap. “A lot of people don’t have access to paid therapy or counselling, and sometimes their friends or family don’t fully understand what it’s like to have a child or partner with ADHD—or to have ADHD themselves,” she shared. “In these groups, it’s so lovely to be in a room where everybody gets it.”
To anyone considering volunteering, Leila’s advice is simple: start small. “You don’t have to dive into facilitating. You could manage Zoom entries, monitor the chat, or offer occasional help. Every bit counts,” she says. Volunteering, she stresses, is flexible and forgiving. If it doesn’t suit you, there’s no obligation to continue. “But give it a try. It’s worth it.”
Leila’s time with ADHD Aware has deepened her understanding of ADHD and its diverse manifestations. She hopes more people will learn that while ADHD traits differ widely from person to person, they often stem from shared root causes. She also encourages others to explore the resources ADHD Aware offers. “Last year, there was a couples course that was marriage-changing,” she recalled. Most importantly, she wants people to know that support is available at ADHD Aware.