Neurodiversity Celebration Week – Durham firefighter on diagnosis

Lindsay Blake, a watch manager with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, began her career in 2009, driven by a passion for helping others.

After 15 years as a firefighter, she transitioned into a role with the brigade’s Business Fire Safety Team.

County Durham firefighter Lindsay Blake has shared how her career in the fire service led to a life-changing neurodiversity diagnosis after joining in 2009. (Image: CDDFRS)

However, she soon found the work—which involves concentrating on legal documents for long periods of time—particularly challenging.

Ms Blake said: “Business Fire Safety is built around legislation, so attention to detail is key.

“The qualifications that you need to carry out the role were challenging and it was after I completed these that I realised I may be neurodiverse.

“That’s why I decided to go and get tested for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia.”

The diagnosis has since helped her better understand herself and the support available to help her manage her workload.

Ms Blake said: “Understanding my ADHD it has given me the skillset I needed to be able to manage at work and organise myself better.

“Just because I am neurodiverse doesn’t mean I can’t do different roles in the Service, it just means I need to find different ways to manage myself.”

She hopes that sharing her story during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 16 to 20) will encourage others to seek support at work if they need it.

Ms Blake said: “Everyone is different and has different skillsets.

“Just because someone doesn’t think and act like you, it doesn’t mean they can’t do the job.

“I would encourage everyone to be understanding and embrace our differences.

“I’d also urge anyone who is neurodivergent, or think they might be, to be open about the things that you struggle with at work so your line manager support you and look at other ways tailored to you to achieve the same objectives.”