18/03/2026
Listening first: Launching our horizon scan animation
Listening to lived experience can change how innovation is identified and prioritised.
Today, as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re proud to launch a new animation exploring how neurodivergent young people helped shape a horizon scan identifying emerging digital interventions that could support their wellbeing and mental health.
Delivered in partnership between NIHR Innovation Observatory and Leaders Unlocked, the project brought together researchers and neurodivergent young leaders to explore what meaningful digital support could look like.
Together we discussed:
💡 what helps support wellbeing
💡what is missing from current support systems
💡 what digital tools young people would actually want to use
💡 what design features matter most
These insights helped ensure our horizon scan focused on the right areas, strengthening the relevance of the innovations we identified
🎬 Animation created by Mike Choo.
National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle University
