March's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
1st March 2025
We have another packed update for you - filled with news, activities and updates from across Autism Hampshire and beyond. Thank you for being part of our community as we work towards creating a better future for autistic people.
Wear purple for autism acceptance
Autism Acceptance Week starts on 31st March and here's how you can get involved!
Wear purple
On World Autism Awareness Day, Tuesday 2nd April, we're asking you to wear purple! Whether you’re in the office, at school, or anywhere - wear purple to show your support for autism acceptance. Why not make it a fundraiser and ask everyone to donate a £1?
Ask our experts
Our training team is producing a special video tackling your most pressing questions and common myths about autism. Want to know more about thinking, communication, sensory differences, stimming, stress & anxiety, or access to health and social care? Send your questions to trainingadmin@autismhampshire.org.uk by Friday 7th March.
Art exhibition & auction
Join us for an exciting Art Exhibition & Auction on Thursday 3rd April at 7pm in Fareham. We’ll showcase amazing artwork and hold an online auction, with bidding taking place on eBay.
Stay updated with all the events during Autism Acceptance Week via our website.
Training making an impact in healthcare
Did you know we're delivering Oliver McGowan training in Hampshire? This is mandatory training for health and social care staff. It is about ensuring people have the right knowledge to provide safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability.
We've already had great feedback highlighting how the training - delivered from an autistic or learning-disabled perspective - is challenging unconscious biases and transforming understanding.
Read directly from our lived experience trainers about the difference it has been making.
Free Wills Month
Free Wills Month is an opportunity for people over 55 to have their Will written or updated for free by participating solicitors and Will writers.
If you are considering leaving a charitable gift in your Will, please consider donating to Autism Hampshire. Including a gift in your Will - no matter the size - can make a lasting difference for autistic people and their families.
Appointments are often limited - so don’t miss out. Find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Autism Hampshire.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17th to 23rd March) is all about challenging misconceptions, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the incredible strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals.
This year, there will be more panel discussions than ever, featuring with inspirational speakers from a range of backgrounds and professions. These discussions will explore key neurodiversity topics, aiming to educate and spark important conversations.
Visit the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website for resources, events, and ways to get involved.
Funding boost for our adult groups
Good news! Autism Hampshire has been awarded a generous grant from the Boshier-Hinton Foundation to support our Serendipity Community Groups. This vital funding of £2,400 will contribute towards venue and activity costs of two of our groups for autistic adults.
With more than 200 members attending groups across Hampshire each month, this support ensures we can keep making a difference in the lives of those who rely on our services.
Read more about how this grant will support our work.
Fitness workshops
Whether you're just starting out or want to enhance your fitness training, our Serendipity Community Groups are holding several free workshops designed to help you.
These sessions will be hosted by Strong Path CIC, which provides inclusive, supportive fitness and wellbeing coaching tailored for the neurodivergent community.
Topics will include:
• Importance of regular exercise
• Fine motor skill development
• Postural health
• Nutrition and hydration
The one hour workshop dates are:
• Portsmouth - 3rd March 5.30pm
• Eastleigh - 7th March 3.30pm
• Basingstoke - 17th March 3pm
To find out more or to book, email Serendipity@AutismHampshire.org.uk.
Charity night in Basingstoke
If you're near Basingstoke, mark Monday 3rd March in your diary! One of our London Marathon runners is hosting a fundraiser with some fantastic prizes, and you won’t want to miss it!
Date & time: 3rd March, from 8pm
Location: Post Box Sports Bar
Event: Charity Race Night – Back a winner and cheer them to victory!
Plus, there’s more:
• Amazing raffle prizes
• Bullseye challenge – £1 to play
• Shuffleboard competition – Teams of 4, £20 entry
Visit the Facebook event page for more information or contact The Post Box Sports Bar directly.
Celebrating Kim and Maxine
A round of applause for Kim Goatcher and Maxine Cheshire who are our recent Employees of the Month. Both work in Petersfield, where they have made a remarkable impact by not just providing care, but by creating meaningful opportunities for social connection and creativity.
Kim and Maxine are known for going above and beyond their duties, organising activities like arts and crafts sessions, parties, and even building a Christmas grotto, often in their own time.
Their passion for their roles is clear, and they’re both proud of the difference they make. As Maxine shared, “We always ask, how can we adapt it? How can we support you? The smiles on their faces when they have achieved something - it’s all so worthwhile.”
Read all about Kim, Maxine and their well-deserved recognition on our website.
Dates for your diary
- March: Free Wills month
- 3rd March: Charity night in Basingstoke
- 3rd March: Serendipity fitness workshop in Portsmouth
- 7th March: Deadline for ask our experts submissions
- 7th March: Serendipity fitness workshop in Eastleigh
- 17th March: Serendipity fitness workshop in Basingstoke
- 17th to 23rd March: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
- 31st March to 6th April: Autism Acceptance Week
- 2nd April: World Autism Awareness Day and Wear Purple for Autism Acceptance
- 3rd April: Art exhibition and auction
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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.