Changing Lives Flourish and Thrive

The aim of the Flourish and Thrive project is to investigate the wide range of experiences and needs of neurodivergent individuals, focussing on designing and evaluating digital health interventions that enhance wellbeing and care. Emphasis is placed on the importance of co-design, inclusive evaluation and scalable solutions that address the real-world needs of neurodivergent individuals and their carers.  

Changing Lives – Flourish and Thrive is a four-year cross-border initiative supporting 8,700 families of children with suspected or diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD and autism. Funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme it represents one of the most ambitious early-intervention initiatives of its kind on the island of Ireland. The project operates across Counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, and the Belfast, South-Eastern and Northern Health and Social Care Trust areas in Northern Ireland. Its goal is to enhance family wellbeing, strengthen parenting capacity, and improve access to early supports through a suite of community-based, evidence-informed interventions. These interventions include workshops and awareness sessions that help parents and caregivers understand neurodevelopmental differences and apply practical strategies in everyday life. Further, evidence-based parent programmes such as The Incredible Years strengthen parenting skills, reduce stress, and promote positive family relationships. Remote access to information, resources and professional guidance for families facing barriers to in-person support is provided by means of an online health and wellbeing portal developed by NetwellCASALA, providing remote access to information, resources, and professional guidance for families who may face barriers to in-person support. This research will evaluate the impact of Changing Lives – Flourish & Thrive in delivering meaningful support to families and provide insights to guide future service design and policy development across Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

For more information, contact the principal investigator Dr. Lucia Carragher: [email protected]