Some groups are specifically for autistic people and others are not – but may still be suitable
Remember that each autistic person has unique needs and preferences, so it’s best to check suitability with each organisation
We try our best to share the most accurate and up to date information but we are not responsible for any changes or inaccuracies
Some organisations charge for their services – and some do not
Please check with each organisation to make sure you have the most up to date information
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The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included on here to assist you and are provided in good faith. Some may incur costs. Their inclusion does not imply that the Leicestershire Partnership Trust endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that we do not support them
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Local groups
Joy – social prescribing – a directory of activities and support services to improve health and wellbeing
Joy is a free health and wellbeing support website for people living and working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR)
Joy helps you find activities, groups and support offers near you
From walking groups to debt advice – it’s about what matters to you
You can tailor searches to meet your individual needs and preferences
For example, you can choose your location and use key words such as ‘autism’ or ‘autistic’
Find out more by visiting the website – click here
360 Play Hub – sessions for children with ‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’ (SEND); sensory sessions
360 Play run sessions for children with ‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’ (SEND). They also run sensory sessions, to encourage children to use different senses whilst they investigate and explore the world around them
Where: 360 Play, Meridian Leisure Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester, LE19 1JZ
There is a cost for children and no charge for parents and carers
Click here to visit the 360 Play website to find out more about the SEND sessions.
Autism East Midlands – groups for children and teenagers
Autism East Midlands (AEM) has been supporting autistic people and their families since 1968.
Formed by a small group of parents in Nottingham, the charity now provides support to autistic people and their families, across the East Midlands region – including, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – plus Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
They offer a range of services at a range of costs.
They run a number of family support hubs around the region – including some in Leicestershire and in Leicester City.
Some of these hubs run children’s groups and there are also some ‘teen support hubs’ for over 11’s. Children do not need a formal autism diagnosis to access these. There are various ‘family support hubs’ around the East Midlands including areas of Leicestershire and Leicester City.
Follow this link for more information about the family support hubs
https://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk/child-services/family-support-hubs
Autism East Midlands run some online courses, covering subjects such as autism awareness, autism in the workplace, autism in women and girls, autism and mental health.
Corporate training packages are also available.
For details of courses, click here
For information about other services provided by Autism East Midlands, click this link:
Or call this number: 01909 506 678
Autistic women and girls social and support group
A group for autistic women, girls and non-binary people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to ask questions, share experiences and form friendships. Click here to go to the facebook group.
Beyond The Spectrum - creative writing community for autistic people
Beyond The Spectrum is a UK wide autism arts and creative writing programme led by and for autistic writers. It aims to enable autistic individuals to express their voice and life experiences through arts engagement – promoting individual wellbeing, public awareness, and representation of autism in the arts
By connecting autism and creative arts, Beyond The Spectrum offers a unique programme, bringing autistic people together to enhance communication and understanding
Beyond the Spectrum runs free creative writing workshops for autistic adults and young people. Find out more about these by clicking the links below
Free writing workshops for adults
Writing Workshops for Adults – Beyond the Spectrum
Free writing workshops for ages 10-17
Young Writers’ Groups – Beyond the Spectrum
Library of anthologies – compilations of writing from autistic writers who have attended past workshops
Library of Anthologies – Beyond the Spectrum
Beyond the Spectrum is run by Writing East Midlands
Click the following links for more information about these organisations
Family Hubs Leicestershire – A range of support and social sessions for everyone
There are many and varied events and clubs – for a range of different people such as parents, grandparents, adults, children, women only, men only. Some events are specifically for autistic children and young people.
Click the following link to find out what groups are running and any events that are planned in your area by Leicestershire County Council’s Family Hubs.
What’s on | Family Hubs Leicestershire
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Some Family Hubs run groups for parents of children and young people with ‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’ (SEND)
You will need to contact each group to find out the most up to date information
Blaby Oadby and Wigston SEND parents’ support group
Contact:
Jo Carter –
Email: jo.carter@leics.gov.uk
Phone: 07706288968
Anna Starkey –
Email: Anna.Starkey@leics.gov.uk
Phone: 07714171207
Venue address: Braunstone Town Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Winstanley School, 66 Kingsway North, Braunstone Town, Leicester. LE3 3BD
Venue phone: 0116 305 4217
Charnwood SEND parents’ support group and Loughborough SEND parents’ support group
Contact:
Emily Hall –
Email: emily.hall@leics.gov.uk
Venue address: Mountfields Lodge Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Squirrel Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 3GE
Venue phone number: 0116 305 2880
Market Harborough SEND parents’ support group
Contact:
Gemma Freeman –
Email: gemma.freeman@leics.gov.uk
Phone: 07514-719727
Venue address: Market Harborough Family Hub, Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. LE16 9BX
Venue phone number: 0116 305 0079
Melton Mowbray SEND parents’ support group
Contact:
Chloe Swann –
Email: chloe.swann@leics.gov.uk
Venue address: Venture House Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. LE13 0HN
Venue phone number: 0116 305 1060
North West Leicestershire – Coalville, Ashby & Measham – SEND parents’ support group
Contact:
Ellie Marsh –
Email: Elleanor.marsh@leics.gov.uk
Venues vary and include: Measham Family Hub, Ashby Library, Greenhill Youth Centre
Measham Family Hub address: Bosworth Road, Swadlincote, DE12 7LG
Measham Family Hub phone number: 0116 305 5275
Thurmaston SEND parents’ support group
Venue: Thurmaston Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Eastfield Road, Thurmaston, Leicestershire. LE4 8PF
Thurmaston Children and Family Wellbeing Centre phone number: 0116 305 5264
Jigsaw for Families - Lego Club
For young people aged 5+ years with a diagnosis of autism or on the pathway for diagnosis. This is run by volunteers so parent/carer supervision is required.
When: First Saturday of each month, 11am to 12.30pm.
Location: Blaby Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Blaby, LE8 4HL
Cost: £2 per participant
Contact: Donna Johnson via email at leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com
Jigsaw for Families -Holiday Club
For people with an autism diagnosis or on the pathway for a diagnosis. A great opportunity for families to get together and have a fun time during the school holidays. The holiday club welcomes siblings and parent/carer supervision is required as this club is run by volunteers.
The Jigsaw Holiday Club arranges trips and visits to various places – for families. These take place on Tuesday and Thursdays during the school holidays (except Christmas)
Find out more on the Leicestershire Autistic Society Facebook Page.
Contact: Donna Johnson via email at leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com
Leicestershire Autistic Society
The Leicestershire Autistic Society (LAS) provides information, advice and support to autistic people and their families – in Leicester city, Leicestershire county and Rutland.
It is a volunteer led organisation, where the vast majority of the volunteers are parents or carers of an autistic person. It has been established for over 20 years.
The LAS aims to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and to provide autism-friendly activities and support for families – including some regular groups.
Who is it for?
The Leicestershire Autistic Society is open to autistic children, young people and adults, family members and professionals.
It has no eligibility criteria. It is for anyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland who wants information or advice about autism.
Cost?
The annual membership Fee £5.00 –
Members have priority access to leisure activities, conferences and workshops.
Contact details
To find out the most up to date information about the Leicestershire Autistic Society you can email them here: Leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com
Website and Social Media
You can also find out more from their private Facebook group – click here: Leicester Autistic Society Facebook Group
To join the private Facebook group, you will need to answer the following 3 questions:
- Are you the parent or carer of an autistic person?
- Are you an autistic person?
- Do you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland?
Market Harborough – social group for autistic adults
This group meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month; from 19:00-21:00 – at the Cube, Symington’s Recreation Ground, 75 St Mary’s Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DS
They charge an annual subscription fee of £5 and a £2 cost per session – to contribute to venue hire and hot drinks
It is suitable for autistic people with low support needs and is a safe place for them to meet and socialise.
It is flexible in that for every session, members may do what activities they like – such as board games or simply chatting.
However each session also offers structured activities – such as a quizzes, arts and crafts, cooking.
There are drinks and some snacks to purchase
It is currently supported by Leicestershire Autistic Society
Melton Mowbray Youth Club for autistic children and young people
This is a group for for autistic children and young people aged 9 to 19 years old
They do a range of activities and games to support all ranges of ability
The sessions provide space to play – and include specialist areas like soft-play and multi-sensory rooms, plus a large play area outside, with outdoor play equipment, grassed areas and lots of fresh air.
The group is run by Melton Mencap and sponsored by Miracles to Believe In,
When: Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am to 1pm
Where: Birchwood School, Grange Drive, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1HA
Cost: £10 per session
Contact: Sue Milligan/Simon Bailey on 01664 564237
The Monday Club
The Monday Club is a social group for adults who have been diagnosed with autism or Asperger syndrome.
They support members by providing opportunities to socialise, build friendships, take part in social activities, access the wider community and develop their individual potential.
They aim to create a supportive environment for members to meet, either in a mainstream setting or in the community, with trained staff and volunteers available to offer support, where necessary.
The Monday Club also provides brief respite for parents and partners of autistic people.
Who is it for?
The Monday Club is open to people aged 18 and over, living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, who have a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.
Please note – they have a small staff team and cannot provide one to one support for anyone who has additional support needs.
Referral process
Anyone can make a referral to The Monday Club.
If you are referring someone else, you must have their permission.
You can contact the Monday Club by email, or by telephone.
The Monday club organisers prefer email, if possible.
They aim to reply to enquires within a week.
Anyone newly referred will be invited to a meeting to discuss their membership and what the group can offer them.
The person will be given some membership forms to complete.
Once the forms are completed and returned the person will then be invited to officially join the group.
Once a person has joined, their membership will remain in place until they request to leave.
Activities
The Monday Club plans a timetable every 10 weeks.
You can see this on their website.
There are regular social skills workshops – one per 10 week block.
Cost
The club costs £2.00 per session.
Sometimes there are additional charges for activities.
Contact details
Phone Number- 07873 311610
Email- themondayclub@hotmail.co.uk
Website- The Monday Club
Mosaic 1898 autism advocacy group
Mosaic 1898 is a Leicestershire charity, working to provide life-enhancing services, care and opportunities for disabled people (and all those supporting them), promoting inclusion, equality, independence, choice, empowerment, respect and dignity for all.
Click here to view the Mosaic website
Mosaic have set up a number of advocacy groups, including one for autistic people, which is run by and for autistic people. This autism advocacy group aims to provide autistic people with the opportunity to share any views or concerns about services – and also share their ideas for change.
Click here to find out more about the Mosaic autism advocacy group
NeuroQueer group – for those who identify as both LGBTQI+ and neurodivergent
Click here to see the NeuroQueer poster
NeuroQueer is a group run for and by people who identify as LGBTQ+ and who are neurodivergent (whether formally diagnosed or not)
They are a peer-led social and support group that aims to offer a balance of structured activities and discussion, with opportunities to informally socialise.
NeuroQueer is open to anyone aged 16+ who lives in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland who is LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent (including people who self-identify or are exploring whether a formal diagnosis might be useful to them).
The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6-8pm, at Trade’s Sexual Health’s office at 27 Bowling Green Street, Leicester LE1 6AS.
It is free to attend. Just turn up to the meeting. However, if you want to find out what to expect, email info@tradesexualhealth.com for more information
For more information about Trade Sexual Health, visit their website:
Take a look at their social media accounts:
Instagram: @wearetradehealth
BlueSky: @wearetradehealth.bsky.social
or call: 0116 254 1747
Out and about meet up group for young adults
This is a group for young adults with disabilities and / or who are neurodivergent (ie are autistic or who have ADHD, tics/Tourettes, dyslexia, dyspraxia, etc)
It aims to help them socialise with each other in safe community settings.
It is for people aged 25+ – with learning disabilities and / or who are neurodivergent.
Previous meet ups have been at Gallowtree Gate, Leicester LE1 1DA
We often post information about upcoming meets ups on our events page. Please click here to check
You will need to provide your own transport
For information about future meet ups, please contact:
Out of Hours Club - Rutland
The charity, Out of Hours Club Rutland (OHCR), is a group for young adults with additional needs such as autism or learning disability, who are isolated or at risk of becoming so.
OHCR gives members the opportunity to get together and go out more independently – through carrying out a range of different fun activities.
Activities include: going to the cinema, theatre, bowling, going out for meals and days out – whilst being encouraged to socialise and to be independent.
Members are supervised by age-appropriate leaders and a back-up team comprising of at least one committee member who will be nearby to help with emergencies.
Who is it for?
Anyone over 18 with additional needs such as autism or learning disability.
The group is based in Oakham, Rutland, but is happy to accept members from other areas if they are able to travel there.
Members pay £2 fees each week. This helps to cover costs such as meals and activities
Website: Out of Hours Club Rutland
Telephone number: 07749 222 101
Soft Touch Arts - music sessions
Soft Touch Arts is a Leicester based arts education charity, who run a variety of projects for young people. These projects aim to improve the lives of those who may otherwise struggle to access services and activities.
Creative Studio is an alternative education scheme run by Soft Touch Arts – and funded by schools and local authorities.
It is a tailor-made specialist alternative arts programme for young people who need extra support and don’t fit into a traditional educational setting. The service specialises in working with young people who need extra support, including those who are autistic.
Soft Touch run regular evening music sessions led by instrumentalists, producers and contemporary musicians.
Click here for more information about the music sessions
Soft Touch have a constantly evolving range of projects on the go – for more information click here to go to their website.
Together neurodiversity peer support sessions – for age 18+
- For adults (18+) with one or more neurodiverse conditions (diagnosed or undiagnosed) or adults (18+) connected to someone with a neurodiverse condition, such as a parent, partner, friend or colleague
- friendly and understanding staff with lived experience of neurodiversity and mental health
- relaxed and calm environment
- tailored support for individual needs, interests and learning styles
Peer Support sessions take place monthly and are led by our professional staff
The sessions provide a space for people to come together and support each other, provide guidance and advice through shared experience. We always include some interactive activities as well as opportunities to just relax and talk to each other. There is no requirement to participate in the interactive activities if people prefer not to.
The peer-support sessions take place on the third Saturday of every month from 10.30am – 12.30pm at our premises at Stoughton Grange Rural Centre, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 2FB.
There is ample free parking on site.
You can make a referral / request this service by using the Joy app here
Spirit at Play - Horse Centre
This organisation helps children and adults improve their physical and emotional well-being through supported interaction with their rescue horses at their centre at Illston On the Hill, LE8 8BJ
It is for people of all abilities from those who have never been near a horse before to those who have ridden and been around horses
To find out more about what they offer, how to refer and costs, take a look at their website here:
Or phone: 07557819483
Local groups for parents and carers
Kirby Muxloe coffee mornings - for family, carers and friends of autistic people
These drop in coffee mornings are run by parents and carers – and aim to help any one who takes care of an autistic person of any age. Come along and join in the chat, which includes sharing concerns and celebrating achievements
When: Last Friday of the month (term time only) 10am to 12 noon
Where: Kirby Muxloe Free Church, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2AN
Contact Rox:
Phone – 0116 2874517
Email – aysherox49@btinternet.com
Melton Mowbray Spectrum Support Group
A group to offer support to parents and carers of autistic people.
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month
Location: Royal British Legion (skittle alley), 12-14 Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1RB
Contact via email: meltonspectrumgroup@gmail.com or Facebook: Melton Mowbray Spectrum Support
Revive Coalville - for anyone raising a child or supporting an adult with additional needs
A café style support hub in Coalville
Resources available to borrow for free
– mini sensory shop
– free goody bags
– equipment and resources available
– no diagnosis needed
– help to navigate and understand the education system
Contact Laura for more information
Phone: 07487543584
Email: reviveforyou@gmail.com
Spectrum-Market Harborough - support group for parents and carers of autistic children and adults in South Leicestershire
Spectrum-MH is a support group for parents and carers of autistic children and adults in South Leicestershire.
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month during term time at 7.30pm.
Location: Congregational Church, High St, Market Harborough
Contact: 07745 891834, email spectrumautismgroup@yahoo.com or join their Facebook group.
Support for carers in Leicester city
If you provide help to a family member, friend or neighbour and that person is relying on you for unpaid support, then you are a carer. This can be a few hours a week to full-time care.
The Leicester Carers Support Service offers free and confidential support to all carers, 18+, when either themselves or the person they care for live in Leicester city.
Support includes:
- Carers’ cafes and support groups – including a ‘neurodiversity peer support group’ – for parents and carers of children or adults with a neurodivergent condition such as autism or ADHD
- One to one support
- Drop-in at city centre Carers Hub
- Information and signposting on all carer-related matters such as lasting powers of attorney, carers allowance, carers’ rights and much more
- Carer learning, wellbeing sessions and carer breaks
- Carers’ passports
- Hospital discharge grants
Support for carers in Leicester City is commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and provided by Age UK.
You can find out more by visiting their website here
Or by telephoning 0116 222 0538
Support for carers in Leicestershire – VASL
If you live in Leicestershire, look after a loved on or friend, don’t get paid and that person would not cope without your help – then you are a carer and Support for Carers can offer you some advice and help.
There service is free and includes:
- A telephone advice line
- Carers’ support groups
- Online careers support
- Telephone befriending service
- Help to look after your own care and wellbeing
- Carers’ Passport
- Hospital discharge grants
For more information, you can find their website here – or you can email maureen@supportforcarers.org or telephone 0158 468 543
Support for Carers is funded by Leicestershire County Council
National groups
Girlguiding Connect – Virtual Girl Guides meetings
Girlguiding is a world-wide network for girls – including trans girls and non-binary children and young people.
Find out more by looking at their website here: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/
The virtual Girlguiding units are open to girls aged 4 – 18 years old who are unable to attend face to face meetings. This might be for a medical reason, social reason, or other factor which means you are looking for an alternative Girlguiding unit..
It is a safe and inclusive environment where they can feel an equal sense of belonging and be supported to reach their maximum potential.
These groups or ‘units’ are part of London and South East England Girlguiding region (LasER) – and they are also open to girls across the UK who need an alternative way to access Girlguiding.
Connect units include:
- Rainbows (for ages 4 – 7)
- Brownies (for ages 7 – 10)
- Guides (for ages 10 – 14)
- Rangers (for ages 14 – 18)
To find out about how to join, click here
The GROVE - online social groups for autistic young people
The GROVE – is an entirely autistic staffed organisation supporting autistic young people through online mentoring and peer groups – and more
Their groups:
- they run online
- they are just for fun – and themed on shared interests, so that autistic young people have the chance to connect with like- minded peers
- they are very small (4-8 young people)
- everyone is autistic including the mentors
- they run weekly and are on-going for a real sense of belonging and routine
- the mentors are fairly paid for their work so the groups are not free but there are discounts for parents who are self-funding (as opposed to receiving funding from the Local Authority etc) and they offer at least one ‘Pay What You Can Space’ per group as well
- the GROVE promotes a neuro-affirming approach
Full information about the Grove can be found here:
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