Autism Charities Merge

Two autism charities, Autism Hampshire and Avenues group have recently joined forces, merging their efforts to improve each other’s support network and to offer and improved service for people with autism in Hampshire.

Social care charities like Autism Hampshire and Avenues group have faced external challenges such as funding uncertainties and the need for enhanced services during the cost-of-living crisis, therefore, by joining forces, Autism Hampshire and Avenues aim to overcome these difficulties.

Autism Hampshire have been offering their services for people with Autism since the 1960s, providing, “Autism-focused training, Domiciliary Care, Supported Living services, Mentoring and a guidance and information team”.

Avenues Group are based across the South of England with over 1,600 staff supporting around 650 people across this area. Avenues group say, “we are a charity specialising in supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and complex support needs to enjoy fulfilling lives in the community”

CEO for Avenues group, Jo Land said: “Both Autism Hampshire and Avenues group have specialist expertise in complementary areas”.

Therefore, both charities have a potential to learn from one another and develop each other skills.

Members from both charities have expressed their excitement over the news of this merger, and the potential impact it could have for people in the autism community.

Jo Land said: “Were going to be here in the long term for both the people we support, and the people we employ, there are more and more people who are being identified with neurodivergent, therefore this merger comes at a good time, for people impacted with autism.”