A Safe Space

Our Aims & VAlues & Commitments

We promote Positive Autistic Identity
We use Identity First Language
We recognise the challenges of accessing a diagnosis and accept self-identification where possible
We recognise and educate on intersectionality
We do not support ABA or Positive Behavioural Support as methods to help autistic people
We do not use functioning labels. Every autistic person has inherent strengths and challenges
We support the Neurodiversity Paradigm
We value peoples’ opinions, views, choices, differences and experiences
We recognise the impact of trauma
We remove the barriers of referrals and offer multiple contact options
We use reflection to improve ourselves as an organisation
We value ourselves and our experiences

To bring the autistic community together, reducing isolation and creating connections and friendships
To provide a safe space where people are free to be themselves away from daily stress
To encourage peer support, using our skills to help other people to understand themselves
To support people to understand and accept their diagnosis and feel more positive about what it means
To develop the skills and knowledge of our members in areas that will improve confidence, self-esteem, and independence
To provide meaningful voluntary opportunities to members, recognising peoples’ skills and using these to help the group
To work together to make sure that the rights of autistic people are upheld, and that the views and ideas of the autistic community are listened to
To raise the profile of autism, improve understanding, promote positive attitudes, and strive for acceptance
To provide information and guidance about positive and respectful resources that are available, and work to increase the number of resources available

We will achieve the above by:

providing groups, activities and services that as many people as possible like and enjoy, at costs that people can afford and do not prevent people from attending
ensuring that everything we do is led by autistic people, making sure that the views of autistic people themselves are heard and are not influenced by those supporting them
ensuring that we focus our support and work on those that are most likely to not receive help and support from other people, groups or services
being clear that we are a group for autistic people, and that is where our priorities lie
respecting each other, respecting difference, and respecting personal preference and choice
remembering that we are experts of our own experiences and can share this knowledge with other people
challenging poor or harmful practice and the negative and stereotyped portrayals of autistic people
making sure that we respect and promote people’s right to privacy, and right to feel safe and be safe
providing opportunities for people to express their views and be heard by those with the power to make change happen