Celebrating 30 years:
The ADD-vance journey so far...
From a handful of people in a cold church hall to supporting thousands of families every year, ADD-vance has been on quite a journey over the past three decades.
Read below to learn how the charity started as an idea by a Mum who needed to know she wasn’t the only one out there, to where it is today – a vital source of support to the Hertfordshire community and beyond.
We officially begin supporting families with Autism and Asperger’s as well as ADHD. To keep up with the growth, we move into our first "real" office in Sandridge.
The office relocates to its current home on Fiddlebridge Lane in Hatfield. Research by Cathy May (validated by Sheffield Hallam University) statistically proves the efficacy and positive impact of the ADD-vance coaching model.
To celebrate ADD-vance turning 20, a Charity Ball was held at Hatfield House with guests including Kacey Ainsworth and Jake Wood.
The evening was a big success raising £10,000 for ADD-vance!
Anne receives The British Empire Medal for her 'services to families of young people'. A fantastic recognition for over two decades of support to countless number of families across Hertfordshire.
We launch the QbCheck service and start working directly with schools to make sure children are supported in the classroom as well as at home.
As our founder Anne Ross passes the baton to Debbie Wood, the pandemic hits. We move our entire community online, finding that even in a lockdown, our connection remains stronger than ever.
In 2023, seeing a need for help for neurodivergent individuals to access support in the workplace, ADD-vance developed a range of training packages for employers. These have gradually expanded to include bespoke courses that meet the needs of individual employers.
We say a fond farewell to Buddy, and introduce our updated logo and branding. We receive nearly 2,000 calls to our helpline and support over 5,000 parents through our workshop programme.
ADD-vance features in a number of awards ceremonies, including National Diversity Awards (2025 finalist), Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2025 (Highly Commended) and Hertfordshire Business Awards (Silver winner).
Nominations for the awards covered over 30 pages!!
This year marks 30 incredible years of ADD-vance! For three decades, we’ve been passionate about understanding, embracing and celebrating neurodiversity.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re launching a year of stories, celebrations and opportunities to get involved — and we’d love you to join us 💙🩵
Thank you for 30 years of support!!
Below are just some of the parents, carers, staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters over the years that have made ADD-vance what it is. We have helped support thousands of families through our helpline, workshops, courses, coaching and training and we couldn’t do it without your support.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last three decades 💙🩵
