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Headstuff-ADHD-Therapist-David

DAVID

DIAGNOSED COMBINED ADHD

TROUBLED TEENS SPECIALIST
YOUTH OFFENDING LIVED-EXPERIENCE
ADULT OFFENDING HMPS EXPERIENCED
REFORMED MOTIVATIONAL MENTOR FOR TEENS


David offers Online Therapy

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PROFILE

David spent a large part of his life trapped in the criminal justice system. His first time in custody was at just 15 years old and over the years he served several prison sentences. He became stuck in what’s often referred to as ‘the revolving door of crisis and crime’, not because he was bad or broken, but because he was misunderstood, unsupported and left to navigate life on his own.

It took him decades to understand that. Now, David uses that insight to help others, especially young people, avoid the same path.

David was the youngest of six children and didn’t receive much parenting. Without structure or guidance, he was left to his own devices, often running wild and getting into trouble. Looking back, he sees that he wasn’t a bad kid, just bored, confused, and crying out for boundaries, attention and understanding.

Authority was always a struggle for David, not just the police or prison officers, but long before that. Teachers, youth leaders, football coaches, any adult who tried to tell him what to do. Trust was a big issue, and no one seemed to know how to reach him, so he pushed back.

At school, David was the class clown, distracted, disruptive and always joking around. He couldn’t concentrate, struggled to sit still and couldn’t see the point of any of it. He was permanently excluded from school at 14 and written off long before that. Today, he knows he wasn’t a troublemaker, he had undiagnosed ADHD. Like so many others, he was punished for the symptoms of something he didn’t even know he had.

David’s turning point came through pain and persistence. During several prison sentences, he took on mentoring roles, supporting others who felt just as lost and broken as he once had. Whether he was helping someone learn to read, working as a Samaritan Listener or just being there for someone who felt invisible, David realised he was good at supporting others.

That sense of purpose led him to education. He began studying while inside, continued after release, and is now studying for a master’s degree in Applied Forensic Psychology. He discovered that he CAN learn and that he enjoys it. He just needed someone to unlock that part of him. No one ever did growing up.

On 3rd July 2025, David received the Freedom of the City of London, an honour he never imagined, especially with his background. But it’s proof that people can change, grow and contribute meaningfully. 

David is passionate about helping young people today, especially those with ADHD. He wants to reach the ones who are struggling in school, the ones labelled ‘naughty’ when they’re actually overwhelmed.   And the ones who are closest to falling through the cracks. He’s been there. He’s lived it. And now, he’s using everything he’s learned to make sure others don’t have to.

 

Qualifications & Achievements

 

Education

  • PMSc Applied Forensic Psychology (Ongoing) – Buckinghamshire New University
  • BSc Criminology and Psychological Studies – The Open University

Accolades

  • St Martins Challenge Award – Awarded November 2023
  • Freedom of the City of London – Awarded July 2025

Speaking Engagements & Events

  • Keynote Speaker, ‘School to Prison Pipeline’ – Buckinghamshire New University  2024
  • Guest Speaker, University of Westminster – Neurodiversity and Criminal Justice  2024
  • HMP Wandsworth – ‘Understanding Neurodiversity: A Lived Experience Perspective’  2025
  • HMP Lewes – Invited by Neurodiversity Support Manager 2025
  • HMP Warren Hill – Speaker at Neurodiversity Celebration Event 2025
  • Guest Lecturer, Edinburgh Napier University – Applied Psychology (ongoing)

Ambassador Roles & Projects

  • Ambassador – ADHD Liberty
  • Ambassador – 5asideCHESS
  • Ambassador – National Suicide Prevention Alliance
  • Lived Experience Member – Revolving Doors
  • Lived Experience Member – Samaritans
  • Non-Executive Director – Starting Step
  • Non-Executive Director – New Beginnings North

Designer

  • Online training series on neurodiversity in policing and justice

Writer

  • Pen and Corrections poetry project (Published by HMP Hydebank Wood)

Policy & System Change Adviser

  • Contributor – ‘Neurodiversity Support Role Framework for UK Prisons’  2024–25

Collaborator

  • Ministry of Justice project on ‘Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System’  2021-24