About our group
Our autistic adults group has been holding free peer-support group meetings for about 10 years in Plymouth. Our meetings are safe places for people like us to meet for mutual support and to socialise.
We are mostly over the age of 35, and about half women. It is a member-led group and we also have activities such as summer outings and speakers on helpful topics sometimes.
Our group provides a safe space where we can meet people likely to understand our experiences in an atmosphere of trust and understanding, and possibly make new friends. Around 6-8 people usually attend in person meetings, but we also have online meetings.
See our events page for more details or email Mark on: plymouthadultautistic.group@nas.org.uk
Employment
We provide a variety of work programmes, training and resources to cater for autistic jobseekers and employers looking to benefit from hiring a more diverse workforce.
Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome is a diagnosis previously given to certain autistic people. Autism Spectrum Disorder is now the most commonly given diagnosis.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer - as a volunteer-led branch we will do all we can to make sure this section of our website contains accurate information. However, if you do spot anything wrong with the information below then please let us know by dropping us an email.
The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included to assist you and are provided in good faith. Their inclusion on the Plymouth and District branch website does not imply that the National Autistic Society endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that the National Autistic Society does not support them.
Useful local links and information
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Autistic Adults in Plymouth took over the ‘Autism Hub’ in August 2019, following lack of funding. We wanted to continue a regular meeting place where adults were able to socialise in a calm and respected setting.
website:aaiplymouth.org.uk/who-we-are/
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At Caring for Carers in Plymouth we understand how difficult looking after someone can be and we’re here to help.
If you’re over 18 and look after a partner, family member, or friend with an illness or disability, you can ask for a carer’s assessment to look at how caring affects you and the sort of help you need.
We support carers through the provision of:
• Information and Advice
• Drop-in/Support Groups
• Leisure and Social Activities
• Workshops/Training
• Carers Card Discounts
• Regular Newsletters
Opening Times
Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
We are closed on all Bank Holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year.
Address
Caring for Carers
Improving Lives Plymouth
156 Mannamead Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL3 5QLEmail :caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
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Referring yourself or someone else to Derriford Autism Service.
This service is aimed at people with high functioning Autism or Asperger's Syndrome.We can add alerts to hospital systems to identify a patient as having Autism. We do not insist on a formal diagnosis as there are many reasons why some people choose not to go down the diagnostic route. You can download mulitple referral forms for the service with this link. If a person is 'self aware' that they are Autistic and without a Learning Disability, then they meet the criteria for our service.
If a person has a Learning Disability and Autism, then they will be supported by the Learning Disability Service.
Once an alert is added to the hospital systems we are automatically alerted that the person is in the hospital and which team they are with. We will then contact the team to ensure they are given the necessary advice and information in order to care for a person with Autism. In order to get an alert added, we simply need to know the person’s Name, Address & Date of Birth.
You can inform us of this information by sending an email to:
plh-tr.derrifordautismservice@nhs.net or by telephone if you prefer on 01752 432134.
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Available from Devon Link-up
This page is from the police about the AA card as they approved and supported it, or email autismalertdlup@gmail.com
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Disability Information and Advice Centre (DIAC) in Plymouth give help on claiming benefits and other rights.It provides a specialist disability advocacy and casework service to support people with physical or sensory impairment, disability, long term health conditions and mental health issues.
DIAC also provide information and advice for patients and carers at Mount Gould Hospital and an advice service to adults and children with Cystic Fibrosis at Derriford Hospital.
We can also provide a Mental Health Support Worker who is able to meet with clients and support them in accessing the Advice Plymouth and Information and Advice services.
Some of the issues we can support with are:
- Benefits
- Housing
- Consumer Issues
- Employment
- Social Care
Address: Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA
Telephone: 0344 411 1444
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 8am -1pm
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Improving Lives run support groups and activities for Carers and also have a Mental Health Support Worker available.
Address: Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA
Telephone 01752 201766 or drop in Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
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The Plymouth Autism Spectrum Service (P.A.S.S.) is an advice and signposting service. It has been developed to provide a dedicated and specialist service for adults with autism, their families, health and social care services and to collaborate with community organisations within Plymouth.
Who is in the P.A.S.S. Team?
P.A.S.S. is a small psychology led team which includes occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers and other allied health professionals. P.A.S.S. works alongside and collaborates with community partners.
Email: livewell.pass@nhs.net
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Queens Road
Located in the port city of Plymouth this supported living service is spacious and modern and has lovely views overlooking the city. Our focus is providing person centred support to enhance independence. We are experienced with supporting across the wider autistic spectrum.
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Shelter is a housing charity that offers advice and support services and one-to-one pesonalised help with housing issues and homelessness. Jack Spooner is the Plymouth Community Organiser and is available to assist autistic individuals with all their housing issues.
Contact Jack on: Jack_Spooner@Shelter.org.uk
07385 463409/ 0344 515 2399
Ernest English House,
Buckwell St,
Plymouth
PL1 2DA
Mental health support
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Head Space Crisis Cafe - a drop-in for anyone feeling in crisis - a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support
Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre in the Scott Business Park on Beacon Park Road, PL2 2PQ
Tel. 07890 257 614 Saturday and Sunday 5pm - 9pm and Whitleigh Four Greens Well-being Hub PL5 4DD, Thur and Fridays.
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MIND Mental Health Charity run counselling, free workshops and peer-support groups for Bi-Polar, Hearing Voices, New Mums and Mindfulness practice.
Mind also have an online community called Side by Side
Address: 8 Woodside, Plymouth, PL4 8QE
Tel: 01752 512280 Email :Devon Mind: hello@devonmind.com
Website: www.devonmind.com
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Free phone 116 123 anytime 24 hours a day or local calls - 01752 221666, or email jo@samaritans.org
They also have a drop-in centre at 20 Oxford Place, Western Approach, PL1 5AJ
Opening hours:
15.30 - 9pm or from 12.30 on Weds-Fridays,
18.30 - 21.00 on Saturdays and 15.30- 18.30 on Sundays
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Specialist mental health helpline, open daily from 4.30pm – 10.30pm
Phone 0300 304 7000*The above number is currently unavailable and we instead urge you to call 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of our professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. You can also email us at support@sane.org.uk, and we will respond as soon as possible.*
For general branch enquires please email Ellie on plymouthdistrict.branch@nas.org.uk
For PAAG enquires please email Mark on plymouthadultautistic.group@nas.org.uk