October's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
1st October 2025
Autumn is here, and so is your latest update from Autism Hampshire. In this edition, you’ll find inspiring stories and exciting opportunities to get involved. From new funding for social groups to free music workshops, volunteering events, and thought-provoking documentaries, there’s plenty to explore.
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create a more inclusive, supportive future for autistic people across Hampshire.
Our response to the Autism Act review
Did you help with our response to the national review of the Autism Act 2009 and the Government’s current Autism Strategy?
Thanks to valuable input from supporters, families and colleagues, the response reflected a broad range of lived experiences and professional insight. Thank you!
Our submission called for:
- Mandatory implementation of key initiatives like reasonable adjustments and autism-specific training.
- Coproduction with autistic people at every stage of planning and delivery.
- Accountability mechanisms to ensure local and national bodies deliver on commitments.
- Investment in community-based services to reduce inappropriate reliance on inpatient care.
- Consistent terminology and public education to tackle stigma and stereotypes.
Read our full response here.
New funding for Basingstoke groups
More autistic adults in Basingstoke will soon be able to access vital social support, thanks to nearly £14,000 in new funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The funding will help us:
- Launch a second Serendipity group in Basingstoke.
- Support three new volunteers to help lead groups.
- Provide training and mentoring for autistic peer leaders.
Find out more about our Serendipity Community Groups or read the full news here.
Full house! Bingo night has an impact
A bingo night organised by residents and staff at Thorngate Churcher Trust has raised an amazing £475 for Autism Hampshire.
The event was inspired by one resident with lived experience of autism, who wanted to support a cause close to their heart.
Funds will go towards our work supporting autistic people and their families across Hampshire.
Find out how you can organise your own fundraiser here.
New free music workshops
We’re hosting two new music workshops for autistic adults in Alresford this October - all about enjoying music, meeting new people, and having fun. No experience needed!
- Saturday 4 and 11 October 2025
- 10am to 12pm
- Alresford (please enquire for precise location)
Instruments will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Join one session or come along to both.
To find out more or register your interest, email serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk.
Make a difference: Visit us in Gosport
Looking to make an impact in your community? Autism Hampshire will be at the Gosport Volunteer Fair 2025 on Tuesday 14 October.
Taking place from 10.30am to 2.30pm at YourSpace in Gosport.
Meet local organisations and discover opportunities to volunteer. No booking needed - just drop in and find out how you can help make a real difference.
November event in Winchester
Parents, carers, and professionals supporting autistic young people are invited to a full-day training session in Winchester.
Hosted by Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the day covers practical strategies for supporting young people, SEN guidance, and understanding autistic burnout.
- When: 14th November 2025
- Tickets: £20 (tea and coffee provided; no lunch)
- Location: St Peters Church Conference Centre, Winchester - some discretionary free tickets are available
Visit the event page for more details and to book.
North East Autism Society series
The North East Autism Society has launched the first episode of its documentary series, shining a light on the challenges autistic and neurodivergent people face in everyday life.
The series explores barriers to inclusion and highlights how services could be made more accessible for everyone.
The first episode, Autism and Airports, is now available to watch on YouTube.
Altogether magazine - Avenues
The latest edition of Altogether, produced by Avenues Group, shares news and updates for employees, people we support, and their families.
Highlights include:
- An update from Jo Land on the new organisational strategy and opportunities to get involved.
- Stories of support, resilience, and fundraising, including a Snowdon climb raising £1,200.
- New services in Norfolk and how we’re helping people thrive with tailored support.
- Updates on reward and recognition, modern slavery prevention, and Quality Checker work.
Read and download the full edition here.
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.