Latest news
The Autism Show 2023
Access over 100 hours of specialist talks, clinics and workshops at this year’s Autism Show.
Once inside the event, all theatres and features are free to enter and content is CPD certified for professionals
7 – 8 July, Manchester Central https://manchester.autismshow.co.uk/
Congratulations to ACCT
Winners in The People’s Projects. This secures £70k of funding for all of our clubs THANK YOU so much for all of your votes, and all of your shares.
Understanding the Mental Capacity Act
Free online event for people with a learning disability, autistic people and family members and friends on Tuesday 20 June 11am-12.30pm – see attached PDF.
Support with accessibility during hospital visits
A new team has been set up within the hospital trust to support Autistic people and/or those with a learning disability in making their visits or stays more suitable. You can contact the team on 01142267472 or sth.lda@nhs.net
Get involved – adults
· Adult Autism Peer Support Group (Zoom)
For autistic adults 18+ only – will meet online over Zoom on the following date from 7pm until 8.30pm: Wednesday 14 June everyone welcome – new members too! This is a Sheffield Autistic Society group and meets on the second Wednesday of the month,
Please contact Helen for more information at helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk and she will send you the joining details if you wish to come along. See attached for group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.
Peer to peer support (Zoom)
These online only sessions are facilitated by Helen Purdie for the Sheffield Autistic Society. They will be an opportunity for individuals to check-in with themselves and to talk about their lived autistic experience with another autistic adult who is experienced in offering individual and group support in this way.
Sessions are free of charge and are for one hour – please contact helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
· Join the A Team!
We are a group of adults on the autistic spectrum who meet socially on a regular basis either just to enjoy ourselves or to learn something new or to improve our physical or mental health. Some of us are parents, some work for local employers or are self-employed, others engage in volunteering and other forms of work experience and others still are studying.
We have a number of regular activities which include a monthly meeting at a friendly city centre pub, a monthly walk in the area, a monthly art/craft event, a fortnightly snooker club and a monthly online social group. We send out a weekly newsletter to members about activities that are coming up and wider events in Sheffield.
For details of how to join please see https://sheffield-aspergers.org.uk/a-team-social-group/
ACCTing Out Social Group
ACCTing Out is a social group for young autistic adults aged 18 and above. We run fortnightly activities normally on Tuesday evenings, to places like the cinema, to play pool, go for a meal, and more. The group runs supportive social opportunities that help young adults to get out of the house and participate in activities with friends and peers. The group aims to help boost the confidence and self-esteem of young adults, have a positive impact on mental health and build social, communication and life skills. Each ACCTing Out activity is led and supported by ACCT staff and volunteers.
For details of how to join please see https://acctsheffield.org.uk/accting-out/
Inclusive LGBTQ+ Café
A social meet up for neurodiverse/disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community. Email Kelly.scargill@disabilitysheffield.org.uk for more information.
Autistic Women’s Network – WAND
WAND is an Autistic Women’s Network that is being established in Sheffield.
If you are interested in joining the network please contact Sylvia Johnson (s.m.johnson@shu.ac.uk) and she can sign you up. WAND has recently launched an online Forum and Sylvia can explain how to access that.
New Mental Health Drop Hub in Sheffield city centre
A new drop-in Mental Health Support Hub has opened for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and want support. You can just turn up as there is no need to book. The staff team is available to provide emotional, social and practical support if you are in crisis or feel you are heading toward a crisis situation. They also offer help in creating staying well and crisis plans. They offer support in person, over the phone, or via video call. You can come just for a chat or to access one-to-one support and group sessions with r staff team. Help is available in person, over the phone and via video call.
The Hub is on Bank Street S1 2DS and open in the evenings 6pm –12 pm and 2pm -12 pm at weekends. See the attached leaflet.
Peer support – ADHD Adult Group
Face to face meetings upstairs at the NHS Walk In Centre on 75 Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 3PB. Second Wednesday of every month 6pm to 7.30pm.
For more details contact: ADHDPEERSSHEFFIELD@GMAIL.COM
Autistic friendly swim at Concord Sports Centre
An autism friendly session takes place on Sundays between 3.45pm – 4.30pm: Autism/Sensory Swim. Please see website for details of pricing and booking https://www.sheffieldcitytrust.org/venues/concord-sports-centre