SUPPORT NEEDED TO PROVIDE FREE ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DROP IN GROUPS

As councils across the region cut budgets for social care facilities and services, The Wessex Autistic Society is appealing for help towards the annual cost of providing FREE drop in groups to adults with Asperger’s Syndrome in Yeovil, Bournemouth and Dorchester.

Designed to provide a much-needed outlet for adults on the autism spectrum, the drop-in groups promote independent living and communication skills and mental and physical well-being through discussion, advice and activities. Each group meets in a central location and is staffed by 2 sessional workers under the guidance of a full-time team manager and runs for 2.5 hours. The focus is on providing a structured, understanding environment as well as a positive approach to independence and personal development.

Having offered a successful drop-in group to adults with high functioning autism/Asperger’s Syndrome in Bournemouth for the last 10 years, the Society recently introduced a drop-in group to Dorchester and have plans in place to launch a new group in Yeovil.

The Christchurch based charity needs to raise £17,575 on an annual basis to cover the running costs of the 3 groups which include costs for sessional staff, room hire and activities.

A local trust has already pledged a grant of £5,000 for to cover the costs of the Yeovil drop-in group in 2011/12, which leaves a balance of £12,575 to be raised this year for the Bournemouth and Dorchester groups.

Advocacy Manager Karen Wilmshurst comments: “Structured support can really make a difference to the life of a person with Asperger’s Syndrome, helping to maximise interpersonal and independent living skills and achieve full potential in adulthood. Drop-in groups are an invaluable opportunity for socialising, supporting and helping service users become more independent and confident. By providing access to a social network, which for many is the only social contact they have, our aim is to help the people we work with to feel safer, more stable and allow them to lead more independent lives. Such support is vital as it is able to offer a much-needed bridge into a `normal' and full life for this vulnerable group of adults who People who have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of autism, experience problems with social interaction that can impact on their ability to form relationships, maintain employment and communicate effectively.

The Wessex Autistic Society aims to ensure that all people with autism and related conditions in the Wessex region, have access to appropriate education, care, support and development services. As a regional charity The Wessex Autistic Society is heavily reliant on the kindness and generosity of supporters. This makes every donation, great or small, most welcome and indeed vital if they are to continue to enhance the lives of children and adults living with autism.