Real Life Learning Limited

15/01/2026

We love seeing meaningful representation 🩵
The new autisitic Barbie is a positive step towards inclusion, understanding and celebrating neurodiversity.

Meet the first autistic Barbie from Mattel — created with guidance from the autistic community to provide authentic representation in the Barbie Fashionistas line.

Careful, considerate design in the movement of the doll's arms and hands means that Barbie can stim. She also has a stim toy on her finger and noise-cancelling ear defenders to help with sensory overwhelm. Barbie is seen wearing sensory fashion in a loose-fitting dress.

Barbie has a digital tablet to support her communication. Most importantly, she wears a bright smile to reflect on the positivity of being neurodivergent.

No two autistic individuals are the same, but this doll is a superb example of representation.

We'd love to see Barbie wearing the Sunflower lanyard!

I am autistic Sunflower cards 👉 https://bit.ly/49oC6qw



Read more: https://bbc.in/49xunqp

09/01/2026

My ‘Why’

As a young boy back in the early 1980s I was introduced to the local ‘Riding for the Disabled’, in the Forest of Dean, by my late mother, Maggie. Maggie was a lifelong horsewoman and loved the outdoors.

It was here that I met and got to know boys and girls whose families were struggling.
One 13 year old boy had the same name as me back then - Jason. We became good friends. Maggie explained how Jason lived with his father who struggled with looking after him.

This was my first insight into the challenges faced by our riding guests and I began to understand, on a very simple level, that I could be a part of their support community.

Through the vehicle of horse riding came enjoyment and new friendships. I learned so much from Jason - he was a natural leader. My empathy and understanding of his personal circumstances grew and I was fascinated by the experience and the impact it had on myself.

Jason taught me so much. He seemed so confident and self assured, much moreso than I.
I remember thinking that I who was learning the most from our new found relationship!

I also understood that I could be a small part of the process of helping people to heal, develop and grow. I felt ‘warm’ inside knowing that I could both help others and feel good about my own contributions. It was the first time I had volunteered for something and I felt valued for my contributions. I knew I wanted to feel this positive experience more.

Fast forwards to 2026 and Real Life Learning have evolved to support organisations to help their staff with complex needs. Disabilities, neurodiversities or other, our team of professionals - coaches, psychologists, counsellors and support workers help people to adapt and enjoy their working experiences.

Maggie passed away in 2017, before Real Life Learning was born. I hope she is watching now.
I think she would love what we are doing to help, support and care for people at work.

That small introduction in 1982 has since made such a difference to many peoples’ lives, including my own. I can now clearly see the path that was laid before myself, and others, with that one opportunity.

Quite a ‘ripple effect’.
Thank you, Maggie.

That is my ‘Why’.

Perhaps you have a similar story to share?

Question for you. What support needs do your staff have that you’d like help with?

For a confidential chat please do reach out to me.

Thank you for reading my story.

Rob Pickersgill
MD
Real Life Learning
rob@reallifelearning.co.uk

07/01/2026

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 💛

January is Braille Literacy Month, highlighting the vital role braille plays in independance, inclusion, and access to information for the blind and visually impaired people. At Real Life Learning, we're proud to champion accessibility and raise awareness of the tools that help people live more independant lives.

05/01/2026

Images of our fellow businesses and organisations in the midst of the wintry weather last night. Taken by Rob on his evening walk 😊

29/12/2025

What was your perfect gift this Christmas? 🎁

As we head into a new year your best gift could be getting the right support at work.

Real Life Learning specialise in helping organisations to support their staff with complex needs at work.
Our team of coaches, psychologists, counsellors and support workers can help you and your employer to ensure you achieve your potential.

For a chat about how we can help you or your organisation in 2026 please give Rob a call on 07794 380601 😊

Happy New Year! 🥳

(Photo shows some of the team outside Crewe Hall, on a sunny day!)

17/12/2025

🎄✨ Wishing you a peaceful, kind and inclusive festive season. Thank you for being part of our community ✨🎄

17/12/2025

🎄Managing Neurodiversity During the Christmas Period 🎄

Christmas can be a joyful time, but for neurodivergent people it can also bring overwhelm - changes in routine, sensory overload, social pressure and high expectations.

At Real Life Learning, we encourage:
✨ Keeping routines where possible
✨ Planning breaks and quiet time
✨ Being flexible with traditions
✨ Communicating needs clearly and kindly
✨ Remembering it's okay to do Christmas your way

Inclusion isn't about doing more - it's about understanding better.
Let's create a festive season that feels safe, supportive and accessible for everyone 💜

03/12/2025

🌍International Day of Disabled Persons ♿️💙

Today we celebrate the contributions of disabled people and highlight the importance of true inclusion. At Real Life Learning, we're committed to breaking barriers, raising awareness and creating accessible spaces for everyone.

Inclusion isn't just for today - it's for everyday.

24/11/2025

Are your neurodivergent staff experiencing difficulties?
Do they share their struggles with you?
Do you know how to respond and meet their needs?

Many people in the neurodiverse community do struggle at work and they often find it difficult to open up and ask for help.

As an employer it can be difficult to support staff if we aren’t aware of the challenges.

I have delivered over 3,000 hours of 1-1 coaching support since 2020.
My skill set is coaching and supporting neurodivergent people to achieve their potential at work.
My clients typically report significant increases in confidence and their ability to communicate their needs. And they feel more optimistic and positive about their contributions to their organisation.

I deliver free group workshops to help neurodivergent staff to open up and discuss their challenges so that their organisation might better understand them and plan future support.

If you are interested in discussing or booking one of my workshops and/ or coaching please either email me on rob@realifelearning.co.uk call me on 07794380601. I look forward to hearing from you.

04/11/2025

🌿National Stress Awareness Day🌿

Today is a reminder to pause and check in with yourself.
Stress affects everyone - but learning how to recognise it and manage it can make a huge difference.

At Real Life Learning, we support individuals and workplaces to build awareness, resilience and wellbeing.
Small steps can have a big impact 💚

04/11/2025

💜It's Purple Tuesday!💜

Today we celebrate inclusion and accessibility for disabled people in everyday life - from shopping and travel to work and education.

At Real Life Learning we believe accessibility isn't just for one day a year. It's about creating environments where everyone can participate fully and confidently, every day.

Let's make inclusion the norm, not the exception.

04/11/2025

🎉Congratulations to our giveaway winner! 🎉
A big well done to Kath L - you're our lucky winner! 🥳
Thank you to everyone who took part - we really appreciate your support. Keep and eye out for future giveaways and updates from Real Life Learning! 💜