April's news and updates from Autism Hampshire

1st April 2025

It's official - Autism Acceptance Week has started! We've also got lots of other latest news, updates, and stories from across Autism Hampshire and beyond in this latest newsletter. Thank you for being part of our community as we work towards creating a better future for autistic people.

Autism Acceptance

Quiz? Training video? Art? We've got something for everyone for Autism Acceptance Week! This includes a chance for everyone to wear purple to show their acceptance on World Autism Awareness Day (Wednesday 2nd April).

Read all about it on our dedicated webpage.

London Marathon

On Sunday, 27th April 2025, six amazing individuals will be running the TCS London Marathon for Autism Hampshire, raising funds and awareness for autistic people and their families. Look out for the purple running vests!

If you're inspired and want to join us for the 2026 marathon, let us know - we'd love to have you on our team! Simply email fundraising@autismhampshire.org.uk.

Adult workshops

New dates have been secured for our Southampton Workshops for Autistic Adults, thanks to Southampton City Council funding.

They are developed, designed, and, wherever possible, delivered by autistic people themselves. These workshops are about supporting people towards understanding and accepting who they really are.

To view the new dates and to book, visit the training section on our website.

Your voice matters

Avenues is creating a new strategy to guide the future of both Avenues and Autism Hampshire, including new vision, mission, and values statements.

We want to hear from employees, people we support, families, volunteers, and supporters to shape this strategy. Your feedback will ensure we continue delivering high-quality support.

Our Group Chief Executive Jo Land says, “Your input is crucial in shaping plans to help everyone enjoy the good lives they deserve.”

The survey is open until 13th April. Share your thoughts via this link.

Support groups in south Hampshire

The South Hampshire Branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS) offers various support groups for autistic individuals and their families. These include:

• Lego Club: Aimed at children aged 8-13, this club offers a fun and engaging environment for kids to build and create with Lego.
• Family Youth Club: Aimed at families, this club is perfect for children (typically aged 5-13).
• Partners' Support Group: Offering a safe space to connect with others and share experiences.

For more information, please visit the South Hampshire NAS website.

Why do words matter?

The Autism Education Trust (AET) has released a Terminology Guide with insights from 15 autistic young people, known as the Autistic Young Experts. They share their views on words like 'disabled'. Some embracing the term and others rejecting it, highlighting the diversity within the autistic community.

This guide helps us understand the power of inclusive language and how it can empower autistic individuals. Read the full guide here.

Join the Autism Hampshire team

We have a range of career development opportunities across Autism Hampshire and Avenues Group. With support worker salaries rising to £24,829 per annum (pro rata), we’re a community where people can build rewarding careers and live great lives.

Recent vacancies have included Assistant Service Manager in Fareham, and Support Workers in Tadley and Alton, with full- and part-time options available. If you're thinking about your next career move, we'd love to hear from you.

Visit the Avenues careers website to find out more.

Flipping good fun: Pancake Day

We just had to share these amazing #SmileMoments with you!

Peter, Carlos, and Neil had a blast getting stuck into Pancake Day this year! From mixing up the batter to picking out the perfect toppings, everyone joined in on the fun. There was something for everyone, but the best part? Enjoying those delicious pancakes together!

Follow us on social media to see more #SmileMoments as we share them.

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If there is anything you would like to hear about but don’t see in our updates, please let us know by emailing marketing@autismhampshire.org.uk.