An autism support group for adults has been launched in North Shields amid growing demand, organisers say.
Support organisation ‘Autism Better Together’ (ABT) has launched a new support group at Tynemouth Scouts hut on Norfolk Street, North Shields. The launch, with the first session due on Tuesday January 14, comes amid growing demand particularly among middle-aged women.
The North Shields base is one of three groups in North Tyneside, the other two located in Wallsend Library and the Oxford Centre, Longbenton. ABT had previously been housed in Cedarwood House, but that was later found to be not suitable for all attendees’ needs. While the groups serve a social and entertainment function, they also offer opportunities for social care and medical professionals to help and advise attendees.
Founder Wayne Taylor, 55, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the groups began in October 2022, after he struggled to find the right support. After contacting North Tyneside Council and taking part in its ‘Autism Strategy’, the groups were born.
Wayne said: “There is a demand. Many autistic adults are just sitting at home with a few friends struggling to get by. Since we started, the feedback has been absolutely amazing in how it has improved people’s mental health.
“I have had a 40-year old saying ‘I’ve got friends for the first time in my life’. “
Mr Taylor went on to say resources for adults can be so scarce that one regular attendee comes all the way from Middlesbrough to attend. Since the group began, however, there have been shifts in the demographics of those seeking help.
“Lots of people who come through the door are middle aged women, lots coming through now, because they have masked it all of their lives”.
Mr Taylor added: “But it comes to a point in their lives where it does catch up with them. It is really powerful that we are getting middle aged women coming through. From 18-year-olds to middle aged people to people in their 60s and 70s, they are all connecting with each other which is really great”.
According to the British Medical Association, there are around 700,000 people in the UK known to be on the autistic spectrum.
ABT will host adult support and friendship groups at the following venues and dates:
Wallsend Library, 1pm-4:30pm:
- February 4
- March 4
- April 1
- May 6
- June 3
North Shields, scouts huit 1 pm-4pm:
- January 14
- February 11
- March 11
- April 8
- May 13
- June 10
Longbenton, Oxford Centre 1pm-4:30pm:
- January 21
- February 18
- March 18
- April 15
- May 20
- June 17
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