26/05/2026
We are proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership between Olliers Solicitors and Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) aimed at reducing the criminalisation of neurodivergent young people.
Our new three-year programme, Seen, Heard, Diverted, has been created in response to a deeply concerning reality: research suggests that around 80% of children in the youth justice system are neurodivergent or have special educational needs.
At Olliers, we see first-hand how autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent behaviours are too often misunderstood as aggression, defiance or non-compliance — with devastating consequences for young people and their families.
This initiative will bring together:
🔹 Legal expertise from Olliers Solicitors
🔹 Youth-led co-production from GMYN
🔹 Specialist support from Respect for All and the GM Neurodiverse VCSE Collective
Together, we will deliver:
✅ Rights-awareness and prevention programmes for young people
✅ Support and practical guidance for parents and carers
✅ Training tools for police, solicitors and magistrates to improve understanding of neurodivergence
“If 80% of children in the justice system are neurodivergent then we are not dealing with a crime wave — we are dealing with a systemic failure of understanding,” said Olliers Business Development Director Ruth Peters.
This partnership is about early intervention, education and creating safer outcomes for vulnerable young people across Greater Manchester.
We hope this work can become a model for change nationwide.
If any businesses or individuals want to help us in this campaign please get in touch or donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/olliers-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched