Training & Support
At DragonHeart Homes Ltd, ongoing training and inclusive practices form a core part of the company’s mission.
We have been leading significant efforts in Neurodiversity and Mental Health training to strengthen the company’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce—especially in preparation for becoming a centre of excellence in training prisoners for NVQs and beyond.
Neurodiversity Training
To better understand and support individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, DragonHeart Homes has engaged in extensive neurodiversity training. This includes online courses, literature, and in-person training sessions with Gill Pocklington, the Neurodiversity Support Manager at HMP North Sea Camp. The collaboration has included multiple visits between the factory and the prison, deepening the practical understanding of how neurodiversity manifests and how best to provide support.
As a result, DragonHeart Homes has introduced "Easy Read" formats in induction materials and fire drill procedures—featuring simplified language, larger fonts, increased spacing, and the use of images. This ensures accessibility for individuals with dyslexia or for whom English is a second language. Additionally, the company is repurposing the first aid room into a quiet space with books, offering a calm environment for employees who may benefit from time to decompress or reflect.
Mental Health Awareness
In parallel, the company has partnered with Jammer Wellbeing, an organisation originally focused on training school staff in mental health, now actively engaged in training prisoners to become mental health ambassadors. DragonHeart Homes will become the first construction company to collaborate with Jammer Wellbeing to adapt their existing mental health training—originally designed for prisons—into a custom "Brain Smart" package tailored for the construction industry.
Selected staff will undergo this training and become in-house mental health ambassadors, creating a support system for employees who may need assistance navigating mental health challenges.
Embedding Support into Workplace Culture
These efforts are reflected in DragonHeart’s onboarding process, which now includes dedicated induction pages for neurodiversity and mental health. By incorporating these values into daily operations and public-facing platforms, the company aims to reassure prospective employees that their differences will not be a barrier to employment. This transparency also sets a standard that may inspire other companies to adopt similar inclusive practices.