Autism Hampshire launches urgent appeal to raise £50,000

Autism Hampshire is asking for donations to cover a critical shortfall in funding for its community group for autistic adults.

The charity, which has been operating these groups for more than a decade, relies heavily on donations and grants to sustain its Serendipity Community Groups, which provide essential support for more than 200 autistic adults across Hampshire.

Due to the challenging external fundraising environment, securing funding has become tougher than ever.

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The charity provides essential support for more than 200 autistic adults across Hampshire (Image: Autism Hampshire) The Serendipity Community Groups, which are an essential resource for autistic adults facing social isolation and mental health challenges, offer a safe, welcoming environment for autistic adults where they can connect, develop friendships, and access support for their mental health and wellbeing.

Maxine Gibson, acting head of community services at Autism Hampshire, said: "Without these groups, many of our members would feel isolated, without a place to truly be themselves.

"The groups allow people to unmask, make friends and find the support they need.

"We have every faith and confidence that together, we can raise all the funding we need to keep the Serendipity Community Groups running.

"Every contribution helps, and the more support we receive, the better positioned we are to keep these vital services running long-term.

"We're hopeful that with the community’s generosity, we can close the gap and continue empowering autistic adults across Hampshire."

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The charity relies heavily on donations and grants to sustain its Serendipity Community Groups (Image: Autism Hampshire) Autism Hampshire currently has groups at 14 locations across the county and are open to any autistic adult over the age of 18, even if they are still waiting for a diagnosis or have chosen not to receive a formal diagnosis.

As well as the Serendipity Community Groups, Autism Hampshire also provides autism-focused training, supported living services, an information, advice and guidance team, a local autism directory and an autism alert programme for emergency services.

To make a donation or to find out more about the charity, visit autismhampshire.org.uk.

Autism Hampshire is the leading local autism charity delivering services across Hampshire, which are designed to meet the needs of autistic children, young people and adults, their families and professionals.

Services include autism-focused training, supported living services, community groups for autistic adults, a local autism directory, and an information, advice and guidance team that provides free-to-access autism specialist information for autistic people, their families and professionals, pre, post and during diagnosis.