New support available for autistic adults in Swanmore and Havant

2nd February 2024

We have a new opportunity for autistic adults to get support in their local community in Havant and Swanmore.

The new community groups for autistic adults have already started in Swanmore and will start in Havant in February run by our coordinators.

Called ‘Serendipity’, the community groups are a safe place for autistic people to meet other autistic adults, receive peer support, learn new skills, and share their interests.

The groups are open to any autistic adult over the age of 18, even if they are still waiting a diagnosis or have chosen not to receive a formal diagnosis.

Our Service Manager for Serendipity, Katie Board, said: “It’s incredibly important to us to be able to support autistic people who are part of their local community and to prevent social isolation.

“Some autistic people may have communication and social interaction challenges or extreme anxiety. Within these groups, they can share those experiences if they wish and find a connection which can be a lifeline.

“We already have Serendipity groups running in 10 other locations across Hampshire where the members already get a great deal out of them so I am looking forward to continuing to make this positive impact on even more people’s lives.”

A total of eight people joined together for the first group in Swanmore, supported by three volunteers and Serendipity Coordinators. The team eased their nerves before they took part in games and artwork.

Thanks to the help of volunteers across the county, the community groups are currently run in Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, New Milton, Portsmouth, Shirley, Southampton, Titchfield, Winchester and online. People do not have to attend the group closest to where they live.

Whilst some groups have a specific focus, the majority of the content is led by the members including anything from games and crafts to discussions and life skills.

A member of an existing group described them as a place where they can ‘be themselves’. They said: “I value that space once a fortnight. Life can be really hard and I look forward to reflecting and processing in the group.

“I find it really helpful to hear that other people experience life in the same way as an autistic person. The group leaders are brilliant and willingly give us their all."

The new group in Swanmore started in January and is running twice a month on a Thursday from 11.15am to 1.15pm. The new group in Havant is starting in February and will run twice a month on a Tuesday from 10.15am - 12:15pm.

Please contact us for exact dates, locations and to sign up for free. 

Or simply fill out the online registration form here.

Alternatively, email Serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk or contact 01489 880881 (ext. 225).