Serendipity Social Groups

Current Situation

Due to government guidelines on social distancing, all serendipity group meet ups have been put on hold until further notice. We will let you know when groups can run safely again. We still want to hear from you! If you are interested in / or know anyone who would be interested in joining one of our serendipity groups please get in contact: info@autismhampshire.org.uk.

Please note that no serendipity groups are meeting up until safe to do so.

More Information About our Serendipity Groups

• A variety of groups across the county
• A friendly environment to meet other adults who are on the autism spectrum
• Meet in venues like pubs or cafes
• Facilitated by volunteers many of whom are on the autism spectrum
• Many people attend independently, but a friend, partner or carer is welcome
• No formal diagnosis is necessary

The groups were started in response to requests for more social opportunities and the chance to meet other people on the autism spectrum. Most groups are free to attend, with a small charge for refreshments. What the groups do is determined by the interests of its members, for example some enjoy board games, cards, chess or scrabble, many enjoy quizzes, some invite guest speakers while others prefer just to chat or nominate topics for discussion/debate. Some groups organise additional activities such as bowling, meals out or cinema trips. Autism Hampshire provides support and co-ordination for the groups, through our group co-ordinator.

Current Developments

Lots of exciting work has been going on behind the scenes with our serendipity group leaders working on some new developments, such as:

• Virtual art exhibitions
• A virtual magazine
• Forum planning
• Drop-in sessions at our Serendipity charity shop and other spaces
• Innovative ways to stay connected during COVID

Interested in Volunteering at one of our groups? Click here.

Serendipity Group Co-ordinator contact details:

Email: serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk

Here is the address of our Serendipity Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutismHampshireSerendipityGroup

Information for New Members

Always contact the Serendipity coordinator to check the group schedule and let them know you are planning to attend, as dates can change. Group facilitators find it helpful to know to expect a new person.

The Serendipity coordinator is available by email or telephone to answer any questions you may have about the groups. If you prefer a face to face meeting, this can generally be arranged on request. We can arrange for you to meet with a volunteer or group member before attending a new group, if it helps you to find out more about the group before you attend.

You do not to have a formal diagnosis or need to show any proof of diagnosis when you attend. Many group members bring someone for moral support, particularly at first. Our groups are inclusive and welcoming. However, if you have high supervision and support needs when accessing activities in the community, please contact the coordinator to discuss further. When you start to attend a group, they will ask for a way to contact you, so that they can let you know about group dates and activities. This might be an email or a mobile phone number. It is not essential that you provide this.

Our groups are very informal. We are often asked whether there are group rules - our main rule is that all group members should treat each other with respect and kindness, as it is VERY important that ALL group members feel safe and welcome at the group. If you have any concerns about how to behave in the group or how somebody else is behaving, please ask to discuss this privately with the group facilitator or the Serendipity group co-ordinator.

Email Information Share - The Serendipity coordinator will share regular news about groups and events via email. If you would like to receive the emails please email the coordinator to ask to be added to the list. Please note that your email will only be used for Serendipity information, will not be shared with other group members and you can ask to be removed from the list at any time.

Autism Hampshire Facebook Page - Weekly posts about the Serendipity groups are shared on our Facebook page, as well as other local autism related information: https://www.facebook.com/AutismHampshire/

Expression of Interest for New Groups - If you cannot see a group which would suit you, we keep an ‘expression of interest’ list for people who have specific interests or geographical areas where they would like to see a group. Let the coordinator know your ideas/needs and we will use this information to guide future group development.