A Gosport social group is being launched for autistic adults

14th October 2024

Autistic people in Gosport will now have access to more support with new community groups being launched towards the end of October.

The group will add to the existing Serendipity Community Groups, which are held at 13 other locations across the county.

The Serendipity Community Groups are a safe place for autistic people to meet other autistic adults, receive peer support, learn new skills, and share their interests.

The group is open to any autistic adult over the age of 18, even if they are still waiting a diagnosis or have chosen not to receive a formal diagnosis.

Serendipity Coordinator Sophie Palmer said: “Being autistic myself, I know the challenges autistic people face every single day. It can be overwhelming and exhausting which is why these groups are so important.

“They give people somewhere that they can feel safe and be themselves without having to mask. They are about making friends and simply sharing a space with other people for a few hours – whether that is talking about a recent experience or just playing board games. We are all here for each other.”

Autism Hampshire is also looking for volunteers to help support its community groups which currently include online groups, skills-based groups such as wildlife walks and crafts, and social groups currently run in Bordon, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, Havant, New Milton (New Forest), Portsmouth, Swanmore, Southampton, Shirley, and Winchester.

Whilst some groups have a specific focus, the majority of the content is led by the members including games, crafts and discussions.

An existing member said: "I love the group. It is honestly the highlight of my week. I love how comfortable I feel to be surrounded by likeminded and supportive people.

“I love chatting to others and making friends as I struggle to socialise and leave my house. This group has been incredible and I’m so lucky to attend! Couldn’t recommend it enough."

The new group in Gosport will run once a fortnight on a Tuesday from 10am to 12pm starting 29^th October.

To find out exact dates, locations and to sign up for free, email Serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk or call 01489 880881 (ext. 225).