More autistic adults in Basingstoke to benefit from social groups thanks to council grant

28th August 2025

Thanks to a new grant awarded to Autism Hampshire, more autistic adults in Basingstoke will be able to access vital social support.

As the leading local autism charity, we have received a grant of nearly £14,000 from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Strengthening Communities Grant Scheme.

This will go towards expanding our Serendipity Community Groups - creating new spaces where autistic adults can connect, build friendships, and feel part of their community.

The Strengthening Communities Grant Scheme supports local community and voluntary sector organisations to build capacity and sustainability.

Head of Community Services at Autism Hampshire, Cheryl Claxton, said: “This funding will help us reach more people who currently feel isolated, as we look to launch a second Serendipity group in Basingstoke.

“We’ll also be supporting three new local volunteers to help lead the groups - creating a more sustainable, community-led future for Serendipity.

“We’re so grateful to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for recognising the importance of these groups.”

Our social groups offer a safe, welcoming space for autistic adults to build connections, and combat social isolation. The existing Basingstoke group currently supports 18 members and has a waiting list of 25.

On average, 10-12 people attend each meeting, with demand continuing to rise.

Thanks to this new funding, Autism Hampshire will also be able to provide training and mentoring to help autistic individuals become peer leaders.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion, Cllr John McKay, said: “Supporting our communities to thrive is really important. We want our residents to have opportunities to access activities, sessions or services designed to meet their needs and this funding helps to support those groups delivering this.

“The funding allocated to Autism Hampshire will go towards expanding their Serendipity Community Groups, where there is already a waiting list, so that more autistic adults can connect, build friendships and feel part of their community. It will also provide training and mentoring to help autistic individuals become peer leaders.”

As well as Serendipity Community Groups, we also provide autism-focused training, supported living services, a Local Autism Directory, an alert card for emergency services, and an Information, Advice and Guidance Team.

Visit our Serendipity pages for more information about Serendipity and Autism Hampshire’s services.