I vividly remember crying and begging my mam, “I just don’t want to go.” I’d fake being sick, oversleep on purpose, or throw a tantrum—anything to avoid stepping into that building. But my mam always told me, “You have to go to school. That’s where you learn, make friends, and grow.” To her generation, raised with rigid Victorian values, school was the law—no exceptions, no understanding, no flexibility.

 By thirteen, everyday tasks felt impossible. Getting dressed was like climbing a mountain. Catching the bus felt like navigating a battlefield. Socializing? Completely overwhelming. I didn’t understand people’s jokes, couldn’t hold a conversation, and constantly felt stupid. In class, the teacher’s words sounded like a foreign language. I started missing school—sometimes days at a time—because I simply couldn’t cope.

 At fourteen, I found my escape: drinking. A friend introduced me to this world, and I dove in headfirst. Sneaking out at night, saving my lunch money for alcohol and cigarettes—it was all about the thrill, the acceptance, and, for the first time, feeling like I belonged. Alcohol became my confidence booster, my crutch, my magic power. When I drank, I felt fearless. I could dance, laugh, and be happy.

 At sixteen, I left school without a single GCSE. I believed I was unintelligent, a failure, someone who would never fit in. But I wanted to prove myself, so I enrolled in a local college, starting at the lowest level of ICT. And for the first time, something clicked. I made progress. I learned. I succeeded. But despite my academic improvements, alcohol remained my coping mechanism, giving me the confidence I thought I lacked.

 As an adult, the consequences of my past caught up with me. I lost jobs, sabotaged relationships, and constantly chased the dopamine my brain craved. Some days, alcohol and food were my only sources of stimulation. Binge eating—especially sugary foods—became another addiction. My life spiraled out of control.

 Everything changed when I hit rock bottom. That moment of crisis forced me to reevaluate everything.

 Receiving my ADHD diagnosis was a turning point. I finally understood my brain and why I had struggled for so long. If I had known this earlier, my life might have been different. But instead of dwelling on regret, I focused on transforming my life.

 I found healthy ways to meet my brain’s needs—exercise, walking, and running. These became my new dopamine sources. They gave me confidence, helped me overcome my addiction, and reshaped my life. I lost weight, regained control, and—most importantly—stopped relying on alcohol to change my mood.

 A key part of my journey was meeting a mentor who truly understood ADHD. She helped me see my own strengths and encouraged me to seek a diagnosis. Later, I connected with Sarah, someone who had walked a similar path. She taught me that ADHD wasn’t a curse—it was a unique way of seeing the world. Her support changed everything.

The Birth of NeuroTidy

Just when I thought I had faced my biggest challenges, life had more in store. My mam suffered a serious accident, shaking my world. Around the same time, I became a mother to my incredible daughter, Evie.

Home-educating Evie has been my greatest challenge and my greatest gift. For someone who once believed they were a failure, guiding my daughter’s learning is a powerful testament to my growth. I know I won’t get everything right, and I know she’ll face struggles—but she will always know I’m here to catch her.

 Through my journey, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many neurodivergent people face the same struggles I did—overwhelm, clutter, executive dysfunction, and the constant battle with self-worth. That’s why I teamed up with Verity Jane Heads to build NeuroTidy.

✨ Struggling with Clutter, Cleaning & Overwhelm? NeuroTidy Can Help! ✨

Feeling stuck in a cycle of mess and stress? You’re not alone. One of our incredible clients shared how NeuroTidy transformed their home and mental well-being:

“As a neurodivergent single mum with two kids and two chronic illnesses, housework, cleaning, and clutter often feel impossible. I get so overstimulated that I just want to hide from my house.”

“Since finding NeuroTidy North East, I’ve had two-hour sessions, and they’ve been an absolute life and stress saver! Rachael Beattie is so lovely, completely understands, and never judges. She helps me work through everything I struggle with, and no job ever feels too big.”

“After a session, my home feels lighter, and my stress levels drop. I’ll be booking many more—thank you!”

 This is more than just decluttering—it’s about reclaiming your space, energy, and peace of mind.

✅ Decluttering, Organising & Cleaning Support tailored for neurodivergent minds

✅ Non-Judgmental, Hands-On Help to make your space work for you

✅ Mental Health-Focused Approach to reduce overwhelm

✅ Access to Work & Personal Budget Funding Accepted

Qualifications

– Mental Health & Exercise Coach – Level 7

– NLP Coach

– Timeline Therapist

Our Journey Together
I’m building a thriving community for home-educating families, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone seeking support on their journey to a more empowered life. Whether through Home Education Made Simple or NeuroTidy, my mission is to help others navigate the challenges I once faced—because no one should have to do it alone.

My Approach

I am known for my empathy and patience. I’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident on your path to progress. Here is what other families have said about working with me