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Autism Guernsey has launched three new and free ‘drop-in’ sessions and clubs to appeal to members of the island’s autism community.
‘The Club with No Name’ for over-18s, the Teenage Drop-In Den for 14-18s and the ‘Parent and Carer Drop-In’ have been set up by the charity to provide much-needed support and social opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Julia Watts, the Autism Services Manager at Autism Guernsey, said: ‘Our drop-in sessions and clubs provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for individuals with autism who are keen to meet other people who may experience similar social difficulties and integrate with others in a safe, social environment.
We are delighted to say that these opportunities are now taking place regularly so that the individuals can benefit from the many interactive experiences the charity is offering.’
Held at the Guernsey Sea Scouts Headquarters, ‘The Club with No Name’ gives over-18s the chance to get together every other Monday from 7-9 p.m. and meet new people in a relaxed, safe environment. The club is designed for those who may not be interested in sports, or who might find pubs or clubs too noisy and just want to make like-minded friends.
Specifically designed for individuals on the autism spectrum or those with mobility difficulties, the aim is for the club to grow and develop according to the wishes of its members. Transport can also be arranged if notice is given.
The next ‘Club with No Name’ will take place on Monday 13 February at Guernsey Sea Scouts Headquarters from 7-9 p.m. For further details please contact Dave Le Page on 07911 151397 or sailingdave@live.co.uk
Teenage ‘Drop-In Dens’ take place every Wednesday from 4.15-5.15 p.m. at the Guille Alles Library during term time. Designed for young people on the autism spectrum aged 14 to 18 years-old, the club offers the chance to make new friends and try something different.
The next Teenage ‘Drop-In Den’ will take place on Wednesday 8th February in the Roswell Room in the Guille Alles Library. For further details please contact Autism Guernsey on 245272 or office@autismguernsey.org.gg.
For parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum, there is now the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences and enjoy a cuppa in a friendly and confidential space. The Parent/Carer Drop-In sessions are held on Monday mornings during term time from 9.30 -11 a.m. at the Guille Alles Library. A family support worker will be available for advice or signposting and reference books will also be available to borrow from the new autism collection.
The next Parent/Carer Drop-In will take place on 20th February in the Roswell Room in the Guille Alles Library from 9.30-11 a.m.
The Guernsey Autism Partnership (GAP), a partnership between the National Autistic Society Guernsey Branch and Autism Guernsey, have launched a weekly drop-in on Thursdays, 8.30am – 5.30pm. The aim of this service is to offer a safe and friendly place to speak confidentially with someone who understands autism, and provide access to a library of information and resources about autism e.g. reference books and sensory items such as weighted lap cushions, neck rolls etc.
