Hey everyone, I’m Kieran!

I’m 25 years old and live in the beautiful Peak District, surrounded by amazing walks, caves, forests, and places to swim. When I’m not gaming, you’ll often find me out exploring nature, climbing, camping, boxing, or spending time with animals.

I am neurodivergent myself and was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 19 years old. Receiving my diagnosis gave me a lot of answers and helped me understand myself much better. Growing up, I found school difficult at times. I struggled with organisation, emotional regulation, sitting still, and learning in environments that didn’t always understand or support the way my brain worked. For a long time, I felt like I was trying to fit into systems that weren’t designed for me.
Gaming was always my escape and safe space.

Ever since I could hold a controller, gaming has been one of my favourite things to do. Whether I was exploring the galaxy as Luke Skywalker in Lego Star Wars, saving humanity as Master Chief in Halo, building in Minecraft, or getting lost in the worlds of Skyrim and Fallout, games gave me a place where I could relax, recharge, and just be myself.

Gaming wasn’t just something I did for fun. It was a safe space. A place where there were fewer demands, less pressure, and more opportunities to be creative, solve problems, connect with others, and enjoy the things I loved.

Since receiving my ADHD diagnosis, I have spent a lot of time learning about and better understanding neurodivergence – both my own and that of others. I have a particular interest in learning about Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, OCD, sensory processing differences, emotional regulation, and the many different ways people experience and navigate the world. The more I have learned, the more I have realised that there is no “normal” way to think, learn, communicate, or be successful. Understanding my own brain has helped me become more accepting of myself, and I hope to help others develop that same understanding and confidence.

One of the reasons I’m so excited to be a MindJam mentor is because I get the opportunity to be the kind of person I think I would have really benefited from having when I was younger. Someone to game with, talk to about shared interests, laugh with, and spend time with in a space free from judgement and unnecessary pressure.

My aim is to create a relaxed, low-demand environment where young people can feel comfortable being themselves. Whether we’re gaming, chatting about special interests, sharing achievements, or simply hanging out, I want MindJam sessions to be a place where people feel safe, accepted, and understood.

I also have a huge love for animals and spend some of my time volunteering at a local animal sanctuary. Animals have always helped me feel calm and grounded. There’s something special about being around animals – they don’t expect anything from you, and sometimes being with them can help quiet a busy mind.

I have completed training in inclusive practice and supporting neurodivergent individuals, including Autism and ADHD. I am fully DBS checked and have completed safeguarding training.

I’m really excited to meet new people, share our love of gaming, and create some great memories together through MindJam.