December's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
1st December 2025
We’re excited to bring you the latest news, stories, and opportunities from across Autism Hampshire. In this edition, meet our inspiring Employee of the Month, discover how you can support autistic adults this Giving Tuesday, explore free neurodiversity training for leisure and culture providers, and catch up on insightful seminar videos.
Thank you for being part of our journey to create a more inclusive, supportive, and connected world for autistic people across Hampshire.
Lived experience in action
Meet Matt - he lives in one of our supported living services and uses his lived experience to help transform understanding through the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
Drawing on his own experiences, he helps staff challenge assumptions and improve care for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
Since joining the team last year, Matt has already trained around 1,600 professionals. Watch the video or read his story on our website.
Training for leisure and culture staff
Leisure and cultural venues in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can access free online training to make their spaces more inclusive for neurodivergent people.
Available until March 2026, the course helps staff understand neurodiversity, make simple adjustments, and create welcoming, safe environments.
Sign up by emailing communityinclusion@avenuesgroup.org.uk to get started or find out more about the training on our website.
Celebrating our volunteers
Our volunteers have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2025.
These awards celebrate people who give their time selflessly to make a real difference.
From welcoming people at local groups to creating safe, inclusive spaces, our volunteers help autistic people feel valued, supported, and connected.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers - your kindness, time, and dedication truly make a difference in the community.
Want to get involved? Find out how on our volunteering page.
12 Days of Giving – nominate us!
You could help us win £1,000!
During Movement for Good’s 12 Days of Giving, 120 charities will each receive £1,000 - and your nomination could help Autism Hampshire be one of them!
Your nomination takes just seconds and is open until 15 December, 11:59pm.
Nominate Autism Hampshire here.
Thank you for helping us continue making a meaningful difference for autistic people across Hampshire!
Art with heart: Inktober originals
New Forest-based artist and writer, Jo Cockwell is offering her original Inktober illustrations, donating 10% of every sale to Autism Hampshire.
Jo discovered our support after her daughter was diagnosed with autism in 2022, and she describes the charity’s guidance as “clear, kind, and practical”.
Jo’s daughter also benefited from our free workshops for autistic adults, which she describes as empowering and life-changing.
You can purchase Jo’s Inktober originals on Instagram @jocockwell and explore more of her work at www.jocockwell.com.
Autism seminar talks online
The South Hampshire branch of the National Autistic Society has published videos of two excellent speakers from its Autism Seminar 2025.
Dr Rachel Moseley spoke on “Mental health in autistic people: Perspectives from science and lived experience.”
Nat Hawley addressed “Thriving as an Autistic Adult: Strengths, Strategies and Self‑Advocacy.”
Both talks combine professional expertise with lived experience, offering valuable guidance for families, professionals, and autistic adults alike.
View the videos from the event online here.
Legacy giving and #GivingTuesday
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday - a global day of generosity - and at Autism Hampshire, we’re celebrating all the ways you can make a lasting difference for autistic adults across Hampshire.
- Legacy giving: We’re proud to have joined Remember A Charity, a network encouraging people to consider leaving a gift in their Will to causes close to their hearts.
- Donations: Your #GivingTuesday gift, big or small, helps keep our Serendipity Community Groups running.
Your support, today or in the future, helps create connection, belonging, and opportunities.
Employee Spotlight: Mandy
Congratulations to Mandy, our Employee of the Month for September 2025!
She joined us in March 2021 and brought over 30 years of care experience.
One of her most memorable moments was helping an autistic gentleman move into supported living - seeing him thrive and welcome her into his home remains a highlight of her career.
Now managing four services, Mandy continues to bring compassion, expertise, and positivity to her role every day.
Interested in making a difference like Mandy? Explore opportunities on our careers page. Or read the full article about Mandy.
Thank you for supporting Autism Hampshire.
With your help, we can continue making a difference in the lives of autistic people and their families in the local area.
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.