June's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
3rd June 2025
This month is full of success stories and upcoming events - something for everyone! Plus it's Volunteers' Week so we are shouting about the people that make a huge difference to us as a charity - whether in our shop, at our community groups or behind the scenes. Thank you!
Don't forget, 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.
Thank you to our volunteer stars
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re saying a big thank you to the amazing people who support our work – including Marjory and James, two of our brilliant Serendipity Community Group volunteers.
- Marjory has supported our Eastleigh group for nearly 10 years: Read Marjory’s story.
- James helps create a welcoming space in Winchester: Read James’ story.
They may not call themselves experts – but their presence makes a real difference. To all our volunteers – thank you. You make our work possible.
Find out more about getting involved in volunteering on our website.
National Lottery boost for Serendipity
Good news! Autism Hampshire has been awarded £280,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our community groups for autistic adults.
Over the next five years, the funding will help support our free, peer-led groups across Hampshire and online. It will also support the recruitment and training of more volunteers – increasing from 20 to 50 – many of whom will be autistic themselves.
As one group member shared: “This group is like gold dust – it has saved me.”
Read the full story on our website.
Marathon success
A huge congratulations to our incredible London Marathon runners, who together raised more than £13,000 for Autism Hampshire!
All six of our runners - Mike, Matt, Ellis, Poppy, Alvaro and Jeremiah - crossed the finish line on what turned out to be a very hot and challenging day.
Shoutout to Mike, who completed the marathon in an astonishing 2:49:56, placing him in the top 4% of finishers. And to Matt, who paused mid-race to help a fellow runner who had collapsed – an amazing act of kindness that truly reflects the spirit of our charity.
Want to know what inspired our runners? Read Poppy’s story here.
Thank you to all of you for your dedication, determination and heart! Inspired? Sign up for next year's marathon here.
New running group – starts 14th July
We’re launching a brand-new free running group for autistic adults in Portsmouth!
Being run in collaboration with BH Live, the group is open to all fitness levels and will meet once a month on Mondays, starting 14th July from 11am to 12pm.
Whether you're completely new to running or looking for a relaxed, supportive space to get active, come and give it a go.
To book, please email serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk.Or find out more information here about our Serendipity Community Groups.
Parent and Carer Event in Andover
Hampshire CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) is hosting a free parent and carer event at Winton Community Academy, Andover.
Being held on Thursday, 26th June, this event aims to help families better understand the challenges young people face and provide strategies to manage potential concerns.
The day will feature expert-led workshops on topics such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma recovery, and self-care for carers. Information stands from local support organisations, including Autism Hampshire, will also be available.
For more details and to book your place, visit the Hampshire CAMHS events page.
The Assembly is back with 5* reviews
The latest series of The Assembly has landed with a powerful line-up and a fresh round of honest, moving conversations.
This original series brings together a panel of autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled interviewers, who ask big questions to famous guests. In the first episode, Michael Sheen set the tone with an eye-opening and heartfelt discussion.
Now, the new episodes put Gary Lineker, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall, and Danny Dyer in the hot seat. It’s bold, funny, and unfiltered – and we’d love to hear what you think. Email us at marketing@autismhampshire.org.uk.
Come and say hello
We’ll be out and about this summer, meeting communities across Hampshire. You can find colleagues from Autism Hampshire at three brilliant events in June and July.
Eastleigh Community Showcase – Saturday 15th June, 11am to 4pm. Join us at The Point and Leigh Road Recreation Ground to meet the team and explore local services.
Basingstoke Disability Awareness Day – Friday 27th June, 9.30am to 4pm. Held at The Malls Shopping Centre, this event shines a light on local organisations supporting disabled people and their families.
Fareham Community Showcase – Saturday 5th July, 10am to 4pm. Taking place along West Street, this lively event will feature over 50 local groups and performers.
Employee of the Month: Janice Mihell
After more than 10 years at Autism Hampshire, Senior Operations Manager Janice Mihell has been named Employee of the Month for going above and beyond – even answering a call for help on her evening off.
Nominated under the Respect category, Janice was praised for her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to both colleagues and the people we support.
With over 35 years in social care, Janice’s dedication continues to make a lasting impact: “I’m inspired by seeing people we support achieve their goals – and by our amazing teams who help make that happen.”
Congratulations, Janice - pictured third from the left. Thank you for everything you do. Read the full story on our website.
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.