Peterlee Firefighter Hollie Codling.
Joining the fire service was a dream come true for Peterlee Firefighter Hollie Codling - but it also led to a life-changing diagnosis.
Hollie was one of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s (CDDFRS) first Apprentice Firefighters to complete the intensive training course in 2017.
However, Hollie said she found the course even more challenging and couldn’t pinpoint the reason why.
But with help from the Service, the 28-year-old was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia and was able to request the reasonable adjustments that would help her team support her in the workplace.
To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which runs from Monday, March 18 to Sunday, March 24, Hollie has shared her story.
“I found some aspects of the apprenticeship and the working environment very difficult, and I didn’t understand why,” she said.
“HR arranged for me to get support from Dyslexia North West to assess whether I had a neurodivergent condition.
“Following my diagnosis, I was able to understand some of the ways I could be better supported at work.”
Hollie has now become the CDDFRS lead for neurodiversity and her role sees her supporting the Service adjust job applications to make them more inclusive for candidates.
She is also a Fairness at Work representative for the FBU.
Neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information and types of neurodiversity include autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Neurodiversity Awareness Week aims to change the way learning differences are perceived by highlighting the talents and strengths of neurodivergent people.
“The week is not just about making people feel accepted and included in the workplace but also about making people feel actively valued as part of the neurodivergent culture,” Hollie said.
“You hear a lot about the negative side of conditions like ADHD but there are lot of talents that the Service can take from people who are neurodivergent such as problem-solving and communication.”
Hollie, who is in process of starting up neurodiversity support group for Service staff, urged aspiring neurodivergent Firefighters to apply to join the Service as it looks to recruit Wholetime Firefighters.
“If you are neurodivergent and want to apply to be a firefighter, I think it is important to go for it,” she said.
“Don’t be frightened to disclose the condition that you have or ask for the support that you need.
“It is not about having an unfair advantage over anyone; it is about having an equal standing to anyone else in the process.
“We are running a recruitment drive that wants people of different mindsets to join the Service.
“I would encourage anyone to go for it.”
Feel inspired? CDDFRS is recruiting Wholetime Firefighters. To apply before the deadline of April 12 at 11.59pm, visit https://bit.ly/48VKuwy
