News

Latest News

Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group

September Meeting

Sheffield Autistic Society hosts an online support group each month. For autistic adults 18+ only – meet online over Zoom.

The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 24 September from 7pm until 8.30pm:

Everyone welcome – new members too!

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,

Helen will let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.

No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!

Come and see us on Sunday 20 September

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Nether Edge Festival

The Sheffield Autistic Society will be at Chelsea Park on Sunday 19 September from 11am until 4pm as part of the Nether Edge Festival.

We will have an information stall and be selling some of our original artwork and crafts.

For more information see www.netheredgefestival.co.uk/event/party-in-the-park/

 

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Adult Art Wellbeing Group

The Sheffield Autistic Society Art Wellbeing Group meets alternate Fridays at the Graves Gallery Activity Room in Sheffield Central Library. Age 18+.

A space has become available for our afternoon group which meets from 2pm til 4pm.

We also organise exhibitions, socials, visits and activities throughout the year too.

For more information, please contact Liz at liz-friend@sky.com

 

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Autism Unspoken – The Conversations We Avoid

This September and October, Autism Union is creating a safe and compassionate online space to talk about the things that too often remain unspoken.

A conference to bring autistic people, parents, carers and professionals together for honest conversations about subjects including

puberty, masturbation, sex, Preventing Exploitation, suicide, mental health, relationships,

and supporting children who say they hate being autistic…. and much more.

There will be no shame. No judgement.

No pretending these conversations don’t exist.

Just real people, real experiences, useful information and a genuine desire to understand and support one another. ❤️

📅23 September | 30 September | 7 October | 12 October 2026

⏰ 10am–2pm 💻 Completely online ❤️ 1:1 Sex Clinic – 30 September

ONLY £10 EACH DAY FOR A TICKET BOOK YOURS HERE

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/autism-union-ltd-121722342463

 

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Free Flu Vaccine for Carers

Did you know being an unpaid carer could mean you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

If you receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person, you can get vaccinated for free through the NHS.

Protecting yourself against flu can also help protect the person you care for and reduce the risk of your caring role being disrupted if you suddenly become unwell

 

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Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions

Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:

ONLINE Information session: understanding sensory needs (21 Sept)
Hope for SEND: Support Group (21 Sept)
Information session: Introduction to autism (23rd Sept)
Coffee & Chat (24 Sept)
ONLINE Information session: Neurodivergence and anxiety (30 Sept)
Information Session: Speak-up for your child!! (7 Oct)
Disabled and Neurodivergent Parent Group (9 Oct)
Information session: Your sensory toolkit (14th Oct)

For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

 

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If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please send STOP to liz-friend@sky.com

 Latest News

 Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group

August Meeting

Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month.  For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.
The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 27 August from 7pm until 8.30pm:

Everyone welcome – new members too!

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,

Helen will let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive. 

No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!

 

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Autistic Burnout

Leicestershire NHS has produced an excellent guide to autistic burnout, what it is, early recognition, and what you can do to help reset and recover.

Autistic burnout is not a medical diagnosis, but many autistic people and professionals recognise it as real and serious.

It happens when an autistic person becomes deeply exhausted from coping with daily life in situations and environments that do not meet their needs.

Everyone is different.
Autistic people have different levels of tolerance (what they can cope with), different stressors, and different ways they experience burnout.

The signs and the ways of coping or recovering will not be the same for everyone.

Please see   https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/emotional-wellbeing/autistic-fatigue-and-burnout/

 

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Discount tickets for Sheffield Steelers

We currently work with a number of local organisations to benefit members, with a discount of around 40% available on individual match night tickets,which works out as a cheaper way of watching the Steelers pre game than having a season ticket.

Discounted tickets are offered at £16 adults, £7 under 16’s, and families would simply need to contact me directly via email, telling me where they are contacting me from,

and how many tickets they need for a game. I will then send tickets over digitally, and they would pay online before downloading their tickets ahead of the game.

If this might be of interest, or you’ve got any questions please contact Andrew Lincoln  at andrew.lincoln@sheffieldsteelers.co.uk

 

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Carers Trust Grants

Unpaid carers in Sheffield may be eligible for a Carers Trust Grant of up to £400. The grant can help cover the cost of items or services that make caring easier,

including white goods, respite breaks, IT equipment, and other practical support around the home.

If you think you could benefit, contact Sheffield Carers Service on 0114 272 8362 to check your eligibility today.

 

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Autism Carers and Children Together (ACCT) 

ACCT is a friendly charity led by parent-carers of autistic children and young people. ACCT supports children, young people and their families in Sheffield.

We offer a varied programme of in-person and online services & activities every week.

Our groups for autistic children and young people offer a space to relax and have fun, whilst our services for parent-carers offer support by sharing knowledge,

experience and understanding.

All can be accessed free of charge by ACCT members.

 Acctivate weekly multi-activity children’s club – Saturday mornings

(age 5 – 12)

ACCT Academy weekly inclusive football coaching – Friday evenings
(age 7-17)

Teenage Club weekly multi-activity group – Wednesday evenings
(age 13 -18)

InterACCT weekly Performing Arts club – Tuesday evening, term time
(age 13-19)

Dungeons and Dragons (online) weekly – Monday evening or Saturday afternoons
(age 13+)

ACCTing Out fortnightly social for young adults – Tuesday evenings
(ages 18+)

Parent-Carer Meetings fortnightly meetings via Zoom for peer support and information sharing – Tuesday evenings.

Family Swimming fortnightly Autism-friendly fun swim sessions for the whole family – Sunday afternoons

Family Days Out for the whole family throughout the school holidays

 Parent-Carer workshops & training regularly throughout the year

 

For more information: https://acctsheffield.org.uk/

 

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Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions

 Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:

• Ready Steady Go!! Every Wednesday – Including school holidays
• Disabled Parent Carer Group (14 August) PLUS
• Highfield Adventure Playground Inclusive play event

 

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Uta Frith and Autism Debate

A response from the National Autistic Society

 A new paper by Professor Dame Uta Frith, Autism Spectrum Disorder: Has it lost its meaning and is it leading to misdiagnosis? has been published.

The NAS’s response to the paper is included below.

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news/our-response-to-professor-dame-uta-friths-new-paper

 

For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

 

 

Latest News

Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group

July Meeting

Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month. For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.
The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 30 July from 7pm until 8.30pm:

Everyone welcome – new members too!

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. Helen will let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.

No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!

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NEW: Adult Autism and ADHD Hub

The Autism and ADHD Hub, based at Sheffield Mind, provides free, non-clinical support, advice, and information for people aged 16 and over in Sheffield. This includes individuals who are autistic and/or have ADHD—whether diagnosed, awaiting assessment, or self-identifying—as well as their carers. The Hub offers a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment where you can feel heard and connect with others who may share similar experiences. You can choose how you receive support, whether through group sessions, face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, or video calls.

Click to complete our simple referral form

Sheffield Autism/ADHD Support Hub – Referral Form –
Fill out form

https://www.sheffieldmind.co.uk/adult-autism-and-adhd-hub

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Connect to Work

If you are looking for work then the Connect to Work team can help.

They support autistic people and people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties to find paid employment and flourish in the workplace.

They help participants to overcome barriers, get a job or placement and to undertake job-specific training.

The aim is to phase out job coach support over a period of weeks or months, as participants become more confident with their new job and their employer supports their needs.

They are friendly and approachable, and the contact details are here:

Opportunity Sheffield (Pathways to Work)

Phone: 0114 229 6188
Email: opportunity@sheffield.gov.uk
https://pathways-to-work.campaign.sheffield.gov.uk/connect-to-work

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Carers Assessments

If you are caring for someone If you support someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you have a right to talk to someone about your own needs too.

A carer’s assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support might help.

What a carer’s assessment is

A carer’s assessment gives you time to think and talk about your role.

It’s not about judging how well you care, it’s about supporting you to stay well and continue caring if you want to.

It looks at how caring impacts your life, including:

• • your physical and mental health
  • your work, learning or daily routine
  • your social life and wellbeing
  • whether you feel able or willing to keep caring

You can also get advice on local support, carers’ services and financial help, including any benefits you may be entitled to.

How to get a carer’s assessment

If you’re over 18 and caring for someone who lives in Sheffield, you can request an assessment through Crossroads Care.

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Crossroads Care

If you live in Sheffield but care for someone who lives outside the city, then you can request a carer’s assessment by getting in touch with the Carer Advice Line.

Email: support@sheffield-carers.org.uk
Telephone: 0114 272 8362

 

Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report

Interim report outlining progress on the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.

Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report – GOV.UK

 

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Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions

Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:

Ready Steady Go!! Every Wednesday – Including school holidays
Information session: Neurodivergence and anxiety (17 July)
Hope for SEND: Support Group (20 July)
Disabled Parent Carer Group (14 August) PLUS
Highfield Adventure Playground Inclusive play event

 

 Latest News

Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group

June Meeting

Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month.  For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.

The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 25 June from 7pm until 8.30pm:

Everyone welcome – new members too!

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,

Helen will let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive. 

No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!

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NEW: Adult Autism and ADHD Hub

The Autism and ADHD Hub, based at Sheffield Mind, provides free, non-clinical support, advice, and information for people aged 16 and over in Sheffield.

This includes individuals who are autistic and/or have ADHD—whether diagnosed, awaiting assessment, or self-identifying—as well as their carers.

What can you expect?

The Hub offers a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment where you can feel heard and connect with others who may share similar experiences.

You can choose how you receive support, whether through group sessions, face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, or video calls.

Calls and emails are monitored during opening hours. You’re welcome to leave a message or send an email at any time, and staff will respond during these hours.

Please note that we cannot respond to queries when the Hub is not open.

What support is available?

We provide a wide range of support, including:

• Information about autism and ADHD diagnoses
• Guidance on the diagnostic process
• Mental health advice and signposting to other services
• Confidence-building support
• Information on local services and resources in Sheffield
• Updates on social activities in the area
• Employment support
• Family support
• Peer support opportunities

How to access support

You can book an appointment with a staff member for up to 45 minutes, available by phone, face-to-face, or online.

If you have a shorter query, you can drop in and speak to someone directly.

We also run regular group sessions, which you can book in advance.

Each group lasts approximately 2 hours (including breaks), with a maximum of 8 participants, supported by staff and volunteers.

We will be accepting referrals from June, click to complete our simple referral form

Sheffield Autism/ADHD Support Hub – Referral Form – Fill out form

Who is the service for?

The Hub is open to anyone aged 16 or over who lives in Sheffield and is registered with a Sheffield GP. A formal diagnosis is not required to access support.

It’s a supportive space for anyone who is autistic, has ADHD and may be struggling with their mental or physical health, feeling close to crisis, or waiting for further support—

helping you move towards living well.

Our keyworkers will support you and work alongside you until you feel ready to move on.

Opening times

Tuesday	10:00–4.00 p.m.	Wellbeing Centre
Wednesday	3.00 – 8.00 p.m.	Wellbeing Centre
Thursday	12:00–7.00 p.m.	Wellbeing Centre
Friday	09:00–1:00 p.m.	Wellbeing Centre
Saturday	10.00 -1:00 p.m.	On Line

Details of upcoming sessions and activities will be posted shortly

www.sheffieldmind.co.uk/news/autism-adhd-support-hub-coming-to-sheffield-mind

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Move More

The Move More Inclusive Sport Brochure provides information on local sports clubs and leisure facilities in Sheffield, to help disabled people of all ages and ability levels to find out where activity sessions are being held if they wish to take part in Sport and Physical Activity.

This directory aims to provide you with information on local sports clubs and leisure facilities that are available for disabled people in and around Sheffield.

Find out more using the links below:
Move More Sheffield
Move More Inclusive Sports
 

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The Autism & ADHD Show

Join us at the largest gathering of the autism and ADHD community in the UK – venues are London, Birmingham and Liverpool (June and July).

Packed with essential information, advice and learning to help you support an autistic, ADHD or AuDHD person in a home or school setting.

Our comprehensive programme of theatre sessions, workshops, advice hubs, one to one clinics, specialist services and resources has been designed to enable you to pick and choose the content which is most relevant to you.

Whether you’re pre or post diagnosis, approaching significant transition points or dealing with daily challenges, The Autism & ADHD Show can help you.
autismadhdshow.co.uk

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Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions

 Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:

• Hope for SEND: Support Group (22 June)
• Ready Steady Go!! Every Wednesday – Including school holidays
•  Information session: Trauma-informed practice (27 June)
• Information session: Preparation for adulthood (8 July)
• Coffee & Chat (9 July)
• Disabled Parent Carer Group (10 July)
• Hope for SEND: Support Group (13 July)

 

For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

 

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please send STOP to liz-friend@sky.com

 

Autism & ADHD Support Hub launching with Sheffield Mind

Sheffield Mind are pleased to announce that they will be delivering the Sheffield Autism and ADHD Support (AASH) Hub from their Wellbeing Centre at 110 Sharrow Lane, Sheffield S11 8AL, starting on 1 June 2026.

The new Hub will provide support and advice for people aged 16 and over who are autistic and/or have ADHD, including those who do not yet have a formal diagnosis but feel they may be neurodivergent and would benefit from guidance. The service will operate for 25 hours each week, with a mix of in‑person and online sessions.

The Wellbeing Centre is fully accessible, offers parking and is well connected by public transport. Visitors to the Hub can expect a warm welcome and access to information on autism, ADHD, the diagnostic process, employment and volunteering opportunities and practical strategies for managing symptoms.

Sheffield Mind CEO, Margaret Lewis said “we’re very excited to be running the Sheffield Autism & ADHD Support Hub.  This is an important resource for the people of Sheffield, offering advice and support in a community setting. Sheffield Mind has a long history of supporting people who identify as neurodivergent. Our staff attend local festivals Tramlines and Kelham Pride every year, where our sensory tent offers respite from the festivities for individuals who might be feeling overwhelmed. We’re looking forward to offering our skills and knowledge to the AASH Hub”.

To mark the launch, Sheffield Mind will host an open day on Friday 22 May, inviting professionals, service users, families, and anyone interested in the new Hub to drop in, meet the team, and explore the space. The event will run from 10am to 2pm.

For referral information and further details, please visit the Sheffield Mind website.

For better mental health, visit: www.sheffieldmind.co.uk

www.sheffieldautisticsociety.org.uk

Charity Number 1024174

 

Here is a round-up of information and news for January 2026.

For information and resources on all age groups and support available please see attached PDF  Autism Resources for All

 

 Latest News

 Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group

January Meeting

Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month.  For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.

The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 29 January from 7pm until 8.30pm:

Everyone welcome – new members too!

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 and let

you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.

 

Autism Alert Card SY Police

South Yorkshire Police offer a free Autism Alert Card to help autistic people. The scheme has been developed with the help of the National Autistic Society

“The free, credit-card sized, Autism Alert cards are now in circulation to help police and other emergency services workers communicate with autistic residents more effectively, helping those on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable in what perhaps could potentially be an extremely stressful or frightening situation.”

For details of how to obtain your card see: https://southyorks.police.uk/sign-up/autism-alert-or-learning-disability-alert-card/

 

Mental Health Bill receives Royal Assent

 The new Mental Health Act has received Royal Assent, meaning it is now law. Our charity’s response is included below.

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said:

“This is a huge step forwards in ending inappropriate detentions of autistic people in mental health hospitals and is the result of dedicated campaigning from thousands of autistic people and their families. But the work doesn’t end here.

“With 1,465 autistic people still detained in mental health hospitals, these vital changes must come into force as soon as possible. We look forward to working with the Government on its commitment to work with people with lived experience and other experts on a roadmap to develop the right community support for autistic people. This must begin as soon as possible.”

 

The Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS)

A specialist service consisting of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team responsible for the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

SAANS provides a diagnostic service for Sheffield residents and primarily focusses on autism. SAANS is also commissioned to provide a limited amount of post diagnostic support

to people struggling to cope with the impact of autism. In cases where other difficulties are identified SAANS will signpost or refer on to other services offered by SHPU as appropriate.

SAANS currently offers a limited service to those seeking an assessment for possible ADHD and those with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD and

requiring pharmacological intervention (taking medication).

We are also able to provide consultation and advice to other services providing support to autistic people or people suspected as being autistic.

We are an adult service and can accept referrals from people aged 16 years and over for ASD assessment and post-diagnostic support and 18 and over for ADHD assessment and medication.

For further information about referrals and waiting lists please see  https://www.sheffieldpartnership.nhs.uk/services/sheffield-adult-autism-and-neurodevelopmental-service-saans

 

Parent Carer Forum Peer Support Service

 Our Peer Support Service is available to all parents of children and young people (0-25 years) with additional needs in Sheffield. A formal diagnosis is not required.

All of our Peer Support Workers have lived experience of caring for a child with additional needs and a good understanding of local services.

The Peer Support Service provides:

• Information, advice and signposting to relevant services
• Confidential one-to-one support via telephone, video call or face-to-face meeting in a community space (flexible appointment times)
• Information sessions about common issues
• Peer Support Groups where parents and carers can meet others who face similar challenges (see below)

One-to-one support

If you feel you would benefit from a more in-depth conversation about your situation you may wish to access one-to-one support sessions.

These are confidential conversations via telephone, video call or face-to-face meeting in a community space.

Flexible appointment times are available to meet your needs.

If you would like a 1-1 appointment, please complete our request form.

Alternatively, call our main number 0300 321 4721 and select option 1 for our Peer Support Service, or email peersupport@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk

 

Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions 

Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:

• Preparation for adulthood
• Neurodivergence and anxiety
• SEND drop-in at the Grand Mosque
• Introduction to autism
• Understanding sensory needs

 

For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please send STOP to liz-friend@sky.com