Social support for people with autism

Our social groups are membership groups for people at the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, such as those with Asperger syndrome. Most of our groups are for people over the age of 16, although we run groups for young people aged 11-16 in Nottingham and Northamptonshire.

Social groups are supported by a social programmes manager, who is responsible for groups in their area, and volunteers who are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau, recruited and trained by the NAS. Volunteers come from all walks of life. To find out more about how you can volunteer visit the link at the bottom of this page.

Social groups meet monthly and activities are discussed and decided on by group members. Social programmes managers and volunteers then support the social group members to make things happen. Activities can include going to the cinema, going for a meal, visiting a museum, or meeting up as a group for a chat or to play board games.

Feedback from current social group members is very positive. This is what one new member had to say:

Last night has really excited me. I'm really looking forward to having people I can meet up with and go out somewhere or stay in and do something with. Up until now I have never known anybody else who has Asperger syndrome other than myself so it was really nice to finally meet someone like myself. I don't feel alone anymore. If your aim was to put a smile on somebody's face last night you have certainly done that to me.

Many thanks,

John

How can I join a social group?

In the first instance, follow the links below to find out if we have a social group where you live.

Northern Ireland

Details of our social groups in Northern Ireland.

Scotland

There are social groups in several areas of Scotland and more in development.

Wales

There are six social groups for people with Asperger syndrome in Aberystwyth, Caerleon, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea and Cardiff.

Central England

There are social groups for people with Asperger syndrome, aged 16+, in Ipswich, Nottingham and Telford, and social groups for young people aged 11-16 in Nottingham and Northamptonshire.

North of England

There are social groups in County Durham, East Lancashire, Lancaster, North West Cumbria, Scarborough, Tyne and Wear, Manchester and Salford.

South East England

There are a number of social groups in London and the South East including a young people's social group; a discussion social group; an outings social group; and a women's social group.

South West England

There are five social groups for people with Asperger syndrome in South West England.

Socialeyes

Socialeyes is a social skills learning resource that we have developed with, and for, people with autism and Asperger syndrome. Find out more about Socialeyes resource pack here.

You can also contact Social Programmes administrative headquarters for general information on 0115 847 3540 or email: socialprogrammes@nas.org.uk

We are funded by the Department of Health.

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