Our Volunteers

Find out about our wonderful and talented volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to helping Dopamine Dolls in so many different ways! Because of their support, we are able to reach out and help even more people within our community.

My name is Suz Elvey and I’m the Press and Communications Officer for Dopamine Dolls.

I was a journalist for 10 years, working at local and national newspapers, news websites and magazines in England. I even dabbled in a bit of television and video-making. I now handle communications for a charity that works with disabled people in Scotland. I believe everyone has a unique story to tell and I love supporting the people I work with to share their stories, experiences and opinions.

I was diagnosed with ADHD in early 2023, at the age of 41. The main way it impacts my life is procrastination. Sometimes even starting a task feels impossible, let alone finishing it. When I’m hyper focused though I can plan projects, events and activities like a pro!

Outside of work and volunteering I can usually be found walking (slowly) in the spectacular Highlands’ countryside; planning my next trip away; sampling food and drink from a new restaurant, vineyard or distillery; or chilling at home with my three cats.

Hey there! I’m Rosie and one of the volunteer facilitators for the groups at Dopamine Dolls.

I first discovered Dopamine Dolls back in 2023 through a social media ad and haven’t looked back since. I’m an Occupational Therapist so have an understanding of different physical and mental heath conditions, so when I saw the group advertised I had no idea I would find “my people”.

I haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD however the daily functional challenges, mistakes, thought processes and whoopsies are recognised within the group and we all have a cry, laugh or light bulb moment together. Alongside a cuppa and biscuits (and fidget toys). There is no expectation within the group, you can share your thoughts or just listen (and even turn up late with no judgement!) however, this has been a life saver of mine since I’m sharing and understanding with like minded people for the first time in 32 years. Come along or spread the news. Ashley the founder of Dopamine Dolls has created such a safe place and together we can create a pathway of support for us neurospicy dolls!

My name is Jen Lilley (she/her) and I'm a volunteer facilitator with Dopamine Dolls. 

I have been living in the Highlands for the last couple of years, but originally come from Glasgow, and I'm enjoying settling into rural life in the Black Isle with my partner, our dog and cat.

I've been a primary teacher for ten years. I've always loved working with kids, but (as is typical with ADHD) before becoming a teacher I had a variety of different jobs while in search of a career where every day was something new. I've always believed that empathy and inclusion are key to making children's lives better and I want to bring that ethos to my role as a volunteer. The group made me feel welcome right away, at a time when I felt like I was facing the challenges of ADHD on my own. I hope to help keep Dopamine Dolls a safe and inclusive space for those who need peer support, with a healthy dose of compassion and understanding. 

I realised I had ADHD in my mid-thirties, when I recognised many of my own traits while supporting children who were neurodivergent in my classroom. It took me a while to seek out support, but finding a reason for why I am the way I am was quite the relief. I'm still awaiting an official diagnosis - as many are at the moment - but I like to say I've been peer-reviewed in the meantime.

While working on trying to find a work-life balance (as teaching seems to take up most of my time, due to a combination of procrastination, perfectionism and hyper-focus) I enjoy switching crafty hobbies every few months, reading five books at any given time, making music, playing video games and having a quiet night in.

My name is Will Hope, I am the twin brother of Ashley, the founder and CEO of Dopamine Dolls.

I have an HNC in Administration and IT which I use to support Dopamine Dolls with all their administrative requirements and any IT issues which arise. Although I don’t participate in online and in-person events, I support Dopamine Dolls from behind the scenes.

I don’t have ADHD but I am very familiar with how it can and does affect people in their lives. I have autism which makes my brain a different flavour of neurospice.

I was diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, I also have some OCD tendencies. Through my years of living with autism I have seen both the good and the bad side of the NHS for mental health issues in the Highlands. It is because of this that I wanted to do all I could to help Dopamine Dolls flourish! I am proud of my sister for what she has created and I am also very excited to see how far Dopamine Dolls will go.

In my spare time, of which I have a lot, I tend to be either playing games, watching the same TV show I’ve seen a million times or overthinking every aspect of everything to the nth degree.

Hi everybody! My name is Jenny and I’m a volunteer facilitator and events co-ordinator at Dopamine Dolls.

I realised I had ADHD in 2023 and it made so much sense in explaining my thoughts, behaviour and emotions. My ADHD presents as hyperactive and impulsive so I’m always on the move and changing my mind about what to do, usually at the same time! I really like being busy and having a manageable amount going on but I’m also great at pushing myself to try new things.

I discovered Dopamine Dolls in early 2024, when my boyfriend and I moved from Southeast England to the Highlands – (guess whose idea this was!). Going to my first group session was a bit overwhelming but also incredible – to meet other people who think, behave and act like me, was validating. Being part of this community, combined with having a better understanding of myself and my needs, has been helpful in knowing how to care for myself.

I’m not on a pathway as I don’t feel I need to be but I’m always researching and looking for different ways to support and look after myself – I’m pretty much an expert by now!

When I’m not involved with Dopamine Dolls, I spend my time working with children and young people as a Play Therapist and Counsellor, going to the gym, experiencing the amazing live music scene in Inverness, eating out, spending as much time in nature as possible, looking after my plants and researching new subjects to study to develop my skills and career further. I find supporting children and young people with their mental and emotional health incredibly rewarding and hope to transfer some of these support skills to the group. I look forward to meeting you in the future!

Hellooo! I’m Sammy! Volunteer Engagement Officer for Dopamine Dolls.

I've got a history of around a million customer service based jobs and I've also studied Art and Beauty Therapy... Which I've not really put into use! I'm currently working in retail (I genuinely do enjoy it!) and I'm loving that I can now put my consistent stream of ideas to good use with Dopamine Dolls!

I'm a new dog mom, adequate plant mom, elder emo, constant gig-goer and constantly reorganising things. I also enjoy a good scramble about the rocks on the coast when I've the time.

I'm dyslexic, a little hectic and came to learn my ADHD (and potentially autistic) traits over the last 3 years+. I'm one of the many in the extremely long NHS waitlist and so discovering Dopamine Dolls has been magic for me. I've been on a deep dive of learning about ADHD over the last few years so I'm very excited to finally use this hyperfocus for the greater good; spreading the word to other spicys and potential spicys!