A Gateshead mum who lives with ADHD and autism is launching a new support service for children and young people going through the same things.
Lella Anthonya Halliwell, 37, has also been nominated for an award at the 2023 National Diversity Awards, sponsored by ITV News, marking out that she is a positive role model. Her new non-profit organisation - called AUThentically Autistic - will she hopes provide a service she would have really valued when she herself was young and struggling.
Lella, who lives in Bensham, lost her dad aged just four, and has struggled with a range of mental health issues. She explained how her own mental health difficulties and childhood trauma had inspired her career.