Edinburgh-based neurodiversity charity announces recruitment drive to support expansion
Leading neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom) is embarking on a major expansion, almost doubling its workforce and creating employment opportunities across Scotland.
The recruitment drive will help more families navigate education, health, wellbeing and financial pressures by providing practical advice, emotional support and guidance.
Mindroom’s latest Impact Report reveals that the charity supported 2,172 children, young people and families in 2025, a 309% increase in demand since 2020. It also received 1,801 new enquiries during the year.
The expansion follows the Scottish Government’s announcement that Mindroom is one of 10 organisations sharing up to £20 million through the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund for 2026–27. * The funding aims to help families access practical, financial and emotional support in their communities, with Mindroom extending services into seven new areas of Scotland.
Early results highlight the need for this expansion: 85 families in newly serviced areas received support in September alone. The funding will help over 700 families directly with coaching and advocacy support. A further 640 will benefit from peer support groups, training and volunteering opportunities.
The Impact Report also shows the difference specialist support can make. Of the children and young people supported, 94% said they felt happier, 92% felt more confident and 90% achieved goals agreed with their adviser. Among parents and carers, 92% reported feeling more informed and confident.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, said: “Behind every enquiry is a child, young person or family who needs to be heard, understood and supported. Finding the right help can feel overwhelming when families are already navigating complex systems and pressures at home.
“This expansion gives us an opportunity to reach more families while working alongside the dedicated professionals and organisations already supporting them at the heart of their communities. We want to strengthen existing provision, help address gaps and build a more connected network so families can access the right help where and when they need it.
“To achieve this, we need people with the skills, experience and commitment to make a meaningful difference. These roles offer the chance to shape local services and help neurodivergent children and young people build confidence, understand their rights, participate in decisions and have their voices heard.”
Mindroom is recruiting a number of new Family Advisers. Available vacancies also include: a Team Leader, Money Adviser and a Group Facilitator. Opportunities span Glasgow, Dundee, the Highlands & Islands, East Lothian, West Lothian, Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway, alongside national and regional leadership positions. The charity also provides training for schools, public services and businesses to promote greater understanding of neurodiversity and inclusion.
The expansion comes amid significant pressures across the charity sector in Scotland and the wider UK. SCVO’s Spring 2026 tracker ** found that 97% of surveyed organisations faced challenges, including fundraising difficulties, rising costs, volunteer shortages and financial constraints.
Similarly, the Charity Commission’s Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2025 *** highlighted growing financial pressures on charities in England and Wales, driven by rising costs, increasing demand and difficulties securing sustainable funding. The gap between sector income and expenditure has narrowed by almost three-quarters over two years, leaving charities with less capacity to invest in the future.
Thornburrow added: “We are expanding at a time when charities face significant challenges, but the need for our work has never been more apparent. By bringing more skilled, committed people into Mindroom and working in partnership with others, we can help make support more immediate and accessible for families across Scotland.”
People interested in joining Mindroom can find a full list of vacancies on the dedicated Careers page.
Parents, carers and employers/employees seeking information or support can visit Mindroom’s official website to learn more and get in touch.
To read the charity’s Impact Report 2025, please visit: Mindroom, Our Impact