Type of service: Local groups, Social groups

Website: http://www.aspie.org.uk

Founded by an Asperger adult, ASPIE was registered as a company limited by guarantee in June 2011 and achieved charity status in January 2012. ASPIE operates as a social, support and therapy group providing vital services and is a lifeline to adults who live with the complexities of Asperger’s.

The aims are to provide Asperger adults with an environment in which they are given the opportunity to:

• Understand and accept their difference
• Gain confidence and improve communication skills
• Build a network of support in the skills required for independent living
• Access suitable education and training courses and develop employment application skills.

Our centre in Worcester is a safe haven where Asperger adults can drop the mask they wear in the outside world and find acceptance, friendship and support to reduce isolation, anxiety, depression self-harm and suicidal tendencies and increase their self-worth and confidence to achieve the social inclusion, education and employment opportunities they long for. Hundreds of Asperger adults and parents from the West Midlands and other parts of the UK receive friendship, advice and support from ASPIE. The benefit to the individuals, their families and the community is immeasurable. The laid-back environment, tailored to suit aspies, allows them, at their own pace, to join in board games, discussions, art, plus computer/internet access for strategic games etc. We have a couple of keyboards and guitars. Poker is popular and so are our quiz nights. Our football team ASPIE AVENGERS are in training and the judo group is going strong.

Members are free to come and go and can stay as long or as little as they are comfortable with and they can join in activities if they wish or they can just sit and 'be' We know how difficult education, employment and everyday living can be. Being able to discuss worries and problems together on how to cope can help avoid mishaps. We have our own counsellors who put members at their ease, relieve anxieties and involve them in discussions about understanding themselves and improving relationships. In-house autism specific counselling, pre and post diagnosis, and for a range of other debilitating issues help avert depression and crisis. Members, often for the first time, find a sense of belonging and friendship boosting motivation to achieve their own personal goals whether they be remaining in or returning to education and employment, and/or living independently as well as enjoying leisure and cultural pursuits in the community that most of us take for granted.

Please come along, alone or with a parent or friend (or send someone to check us out). Join in and tell us what sort of group you would like to be a member of, or if you would feel more comfortable, sit and observe. We look forward to meeting you.

Aimed at: Adult

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific