Letters / Help bring ADHD support to every Shetland school
Fundraiser launched to put essential ADHD book into every school in Shetland
As a parent, I’m delighted to see Shetland Islands Council and Ability Shetland hosting sessions with ADHD counsellor and author Sarah Templeton during the upcoming in-service training week. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to deepen its understanding of ADHD from someone with real insight.
ADHD is no longer a fringe issue in classrooms—especially here in Shetland. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, nearly every child is affected either directly or indirectly by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It touches entire classrooms, stretches teachers and support staff thin, and—when unsupported—can lead to long-term consequences for our young people.
But ADHD is not just being “fidgety” or distracted.
It often comes hand-in-hand with a range of complex challenges, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- OCD tendencies
- Poor sleep
- Low self-esteem
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour
- Difficulties with relationships
- Poor executive function – meaning struggles with memory, time management, emotional regulation, planning, and organisation.
These are critical skills for success in school and when they aren’t supported, things can go wrong—quickly. Children feel alienated, misunderstood, and may begin skipping school.
Often, particularly when undiagnosed, these children start disengaging entirely from education, and some sadly turn to self-medicating and thrill-seeking behaviour in a desperate bid to meet their dopamine needs.
But what if teachers had the tools to turn this around?
What if there were a practical, down-to-earth book, written by someone who not only understands ADHD professionally—but lives it personally? A book made up of short, easy chapters that address real classroom issues with real solutions that work—not just for ADHD pupils, but for every single child in the classroom?
There is such a book.
Teachers! How Not to Kill the Spirit in Your ADHD Kids is written by leading ADHD therapist, activist and author Sarah Templeton, who herself has ADHD and has spent decades working with young people in schools, on the streets, and even behind bars.
Her book gives teachers the understanding, tools and confidence to transform ADHD behaviours into strengths—and restore calm to the classroom.
Parents want to get it into every school in Shetland.
We are raising funds to put a copy of this essential book into:
- Every primary and secondary school in Shetland
- Every department at Anderson High School
That’s just 37 books, at a total cost of under £370.
If 37 people gave just £10, we’d be fully funded.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to make it easy to contribute: https://gofund.me/26da4c92
Let’s give our teachers the tools they need—and give every child in Shetland the chance to thrive.
Thank you.
Stephanie Grant Bain
Cunningsburgh
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