February's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
6th February 2025
We’re excited to bring you the latest news, updates, and stories from across Autism Hampshire and beyond. Whether it’s new projects, inspiring stories, or ways you can get involved, you’ll find it all here. Thank you for being part of our community as we work towards creating a better future for autistic people.
Autism Acceptance Week 2025 – Get involved!
Autism Acceptance Week is just around the corner - Monday 31st March to Sunday 6th April 2025!
Ready to show your support? We’ve put together a range of free social media resources to help you raise awareness.
We'll also have lots of activities you can get involved in, such as our art exhibition and auction. Keep an eye out for updates to our website and on social media.
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive world for autistic people!
Community groups fundraising update
We’re delighted to share the results of our recent fundraising campaign for the Serendipity Community Groups - thanks to your incredible support, we’ve raised an amazing £13,000!
Not only has this helped secure vital funding for the groups, but it's also highlighted just how important they are to autistic adults across Hampshire.
For over ten years, Autism Hampshire has been dedicated to reducing isolation for autistic adults through our Serendipity Community Groups. We welcome everyone, from those who self-identify to individuals pre-, during, or post-diagnosis. Currently, we have more than 200 active members.
Visit our website to find out about joining a group. Or click here to learn more about the campaign.
Virtual marathon run and events
Throughout January three of our colleagues (Karina, Lauren and Catharine) and several of our supporters pounded the pavements and each ran their own virtual New Year marathon. We challenged them to run the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in January - whether this was all in one go or in shorter stints. We have been amazed by people's determination.
Together they've raised more than £700! Thank you to everyone who took part - we're so impressed!
Want to take part in your own challenge event in 2025? We have a whole host of events you can take part in, from bungee jumping and running events, to tough mudder and inflatable courses. Head over to our website to book your event today!
Online life skills community group
Have you heard about our new life skills group for autistic adults? It's free and online!
Part of our Serendipity Community Groups, at the life skills group, people can discuss shared experiences, challenges, and practical strategies in a supportive environment.
Topics are chosen by group members and may include discussions on time management, cooking, managing money, or online safety.
The next session is on Wednesday 19th February from 6:45pm to 8:00pm.
Register now by emailing serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk.
New workshop dates released for 2025
Have you discovered our expert training team yet? Our free workshops are designed to empower organisations and individuals with the knowledge and skills to support autistic people effectively.
Developed, designed, and, wherever possible, delivered by autistic people themselves, our training offers unique insights and practical strategies grounded in lived experience.
Thanks to council and healthcare funding, we've secured new dates for workshops in 2025. This includes:
- Hampshire school workshops
- Hampshire parent workshops
- Southampton County Council parent workshops
- Hampshire CAMHS parent workshops
Visit the training section on our website to view and book today.
Can you help with our social groups?
Our Serendipity Community Groups provide a welcoming space for autistic adults to connect, share experiences, and reduce isolation. Could you help make a difference by volunteering?
We're looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to help support our groups across Hampshire. Whether you can offer a few hours a month or more, your time could have a real impact.
We have groups where you can volunteer all over Hampshire and online. Right now, we are particularly in need of new volunteers for our Women's Online group, in Eastleigh, Fareham and Basingstoke.
Find out more about volunteering on our website or by emailing serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk.
Parent and Carer Events - Basingstoke
A free event for parents and carers run by Hampshire CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). The P.A.C.E. (Parent and Carer Event) aims to help families better understand the needs and difficulties that young people can face and how to manage potential issues/concerns they have about their young person.
Thursday 27 February 2025
9:30am to 7:30pm
Queen Mary's College, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF
Visit the CAMHS website to book.
Join the Autism Hampshire community
We currently have a range of career development opportunities across Autism Hampshire and Avenues Group available.
With support worker salaries starting from £23,264 per annum pro rata, we’re more than just a workplace - we’re a community where people can build rewarding careers and live great lives.
We currently have vacancies in Gosport and Lee-on-Solent, with full- and part-time options available. If you're thinking about your next career move, we'd love to hear from you.
At Autism Hampshire, we know that well-supported people support people well - that’s why we invest in our employees so everyone can thrive.
Visit the Avenues careers website to find out more about the benefits available and to apply.
To end on a high: Kate and her cruise
Finally, we wanted to end with a smile by celebrating the adventures and independence of Kate! Kate, who we support in Liss, recently set sail on a five-day cruise to Rotterdam with her friends.
Thanks to our incredible colleagues, Kate had the confidence to embrace this experience, relax, and create lasting memories. She enjoyed a magical trip filled with festive markets, dazzling performances, spa treatments, and fine dining. She’s already excitedly planning her next adventure!
