These people quit their jobs to help neurodivergent adults get the support they need

A company supporting neurodivergent adults a week into employment has its eyes on expansion after a £35,000 investment from Big Issue Invest, the investment arm of the Big Issue.

Created after its two founders saw people with learning difficulties not getting enough help, Nickel Support CIC now works with over 100 trainees a week, helping neurodivergent adults and adults with learning difficulties.

After working for over 20 years combined in the disability sector, Nick Walsh and Elena Nickola quit their jobs and started the company to give respect and opportunities to people who might not get them otherwise.

Based in Carshalton, south London, Nickel Support now employs 30 people. But with the new investment, Nickola and Walsh have their eyes on a new hub in nearby Cheam, which will help them give training and opportunities to more people.

Walsh said: “I am extremely proud of what Nickel Support has become.

“We offer an individualised service and this in turn has meant we have seen massive skills and confidence developments of the trainees over the past few years.

Anabel Feria Dominguez, investment manager at Big Issue Invest, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to support an incredible organisation such as Nickel Support. I am excited to watch them grow from strength to strength!”