New support group for autistic adults to start next month in the High Peak

Autistic adults in the High Peak are invited to attend information sessions about a new support group due to start in February.

A need for the group was identified by Dr. Zohra Jafri who is a GP at Sett Valley Medical Practice and Lead GP for improving health inequalities in the High Peak. After completing research into autism and related health inequalities, she found that some autistic adults feel that there is a lack of appropriate support, and they may experience social isolation. This can impact on both mental and physical health.

Zohra said: “I received a lot of feedback from autistic adults who explained that they would like to connect with other autistic adults but felt there was a lack of provision to enable this. This led to the plan to set up the Autistic Adult Support Group in the High Peak. The hope is that the regular weekly meetings will provide a supportive, friendly environment to enable members to connect and share experiences. This will hopefully improve social connectivity and lead to improvements in wellbeing and health."

Zohra approached Zink, based in Buxton, and New Mills Volunteer Centre who agreed to host the group and funds were provided by Derbyshire County Council.

The groups have been designed with input from a focus group of autistic adults and using feedback from the wider autistic community in the High Peak. The meetings will take place weekly alternating between New Mills and Buxton starting 6th February, coordinated by Lucian Emmett.

Lucian said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to coordinate this much needed group for autistic adults. I hope it will help address some of the issues High Peak autistic people have and that it will enabling networking, friendship and mutual support.”

Two information sessions about the new group will enable autistic adults to find out more; 23rd January at Zink HQ in Buxton, 30th January at New Mills Volunteer Centre. Autistic adults can drop in anytime between 5 and 7pm at either. There is no need to have an official diagnosis. For more information email: lucian@zink.org.uk.