Hope GB 16-25 Young Adults’ Social Group

Actions and outcomes

At Hope GB, we provide a variety of services, catering to each individual to the best of our abilities in order for them to get the most out of the service that we provide. Our aim is to allow equal opportunities for everyone. We are currently able to support young autistic adults aged between 16 and 25 residing in Torfaen, Newport and Blaenau Gwent. We are a person-centred organisation and pride ourselves on being able to put the individuals and families at the heart of everything we do.

 

Our 16-25 Young Adults’ Social Group demonstrates this. Following a consultation carried out in the local community, as well as listening to parents/carers, we were able to identify a gap in support for young adults transitioning from school to further education/work in the area.

 

We began this group back in September 2021 and were initially running monthly sessions at Panteg House in Griffithstown. As time went on and demand grew, we began running fortnightly sessions. We are currently at the point where we have had to start a waiting list which highlights the need in the area. The aim of the group is to provide a safe social space for young people to meet other autistic individuals. It is a space for them to share stories and experiences with others who understand what they are going through. It is also a space where they can learn new skills and enhance existing skills.

Feedback

We recently asked some of the young people about their opinions of how the group is helping them and the responses were overwhelmingly positive, with individuals stating that it boosts their confidence as well as providing an opportunity for them to meet new friends who are “like [them]”.

 

A lot of the parents/carers note their child’s difficulty in socialising and increased anxiety, particularly since the pandemic, and the effects of this group on these have been significant. A few of the young people recently mentioned that that they felt like they could be themselves without being judged during these sessions.

Lessons Learned

We are constantly looking for ways to support the young people, always allowing for their voices to be at the forefront of what we do as it is them who will be benefitting from the service.

 

This, in conjunction with listening to their parents/carers, means that we are able to offer a fully-rounded service while working with local services and organisations to provide the best possible support.

Information

Health Board:
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Local Authority:
Torfaen
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