Space4Autism

We are an independent East Cheshire based charity that provides a range of clubs, activities and services for autistic children, young people, adults and their families. We began in 2005 when, as a group of parents of children with ASC, we got together to do something about the lack of support and services for families like ours. We started with a single Saturday club, and we have grown to the point where we now have 6 full time and 27 part-time staff and 60 volunteers, delivering 3500 activities every year. We currently support over 7,500 individuals. Many of the parents from our first meeting are still involved in the charity. We have 8 trustees who, as well as bringing personal experience of autism, bring experience from the fields of finance, HR, child and community care, business, operations management and safeguarding.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

We run various social clubs for autistic children, young people and adults to help them make friendships and feel a sense of belonging. We also offer therapeutic services for our members including a bespoke counselling service for our autistic adults. For our autistic adults we also offer peer support, a drop in, a walking group, art classes and much more. Always in our mind is a safe space for them to be, where they will not be judged.

What are your current priorities?

Gaining funding to carry on what we are doing to help our autistic community be listened to and thrive.

What challenges are you currently facing?

Funding