Welcome to the Autistic Spectrum Collective
A charity dedicated to supporting adults on the Autistic Spectrum and their carers.
We strive to improve their quality of life and reduce isolation through various activities and programs. Our goal is also to raise awareness about Autistic Spectrum Conditions among the public, private, and third sector organizations.
Denny was one of the original founders of The Autistic Spectrum Collective and put many years of effort into its management.
We will miss his kind and supportive presence very much indeed and we pass on our love, thoughts and best wishes to Sue, Jake and Hester at this difficult time.
2-8 April
We work alongside the NHS (Mersey Care) Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis Service, who partially fund our work, to provide a space and support for our service users and their carers.
Our key focus is to extend their social circle, which can be extremely limited for some, and reduce their isolation. Our provision is based on a monthly cycle of events and activities run by the trustees and other volunteers, who have a lived experience of autism either as carers of people with ASC or those with an ASC diagnosis themselves.
We seek to promote what we do as a potential model of support, which people in other locations could use.
the drop in sessions
The main part of the Autistic Spectrum Collective are the Drop-In Sessions were many things go on:
Socialising
At the Drop-In Sessions, we come together – no matter where we are from, in a safe environment with like-minded others, to interact, engage in activities such as having a chat over a cup of tea or coffee or engaging in board games such as chess and Scrabble.
Seek Advice
There are opportunities for you to seek specific advice and have informal conversations with representatives from Mersey Care Autistic Spectrum Conditions Service (diagnosis, health and support); the Department of Work and Pensions (in relation to benefits, including PIP and employment) and the Whitechapel Centre (housing).
Workshops
Attendees can take part in one of our workshops, which are frequently devised, developed and run by service users themselves. Recent workshops have included Drama, Singing, Film Appreciation, Hula Hooping and Shared Reading sessions. A different workshop is run each month.
Relaxing Environment
At the Drop-In sessions everybody is friendly and welcoming. People come to have a drink and a chat, but if things get too overwhelming, there is also a quiet room to escape to and there is the opportunity have a neck and shoulder massage with a professional masseuse. Reservations for a massage are on a first come first serve basis.
Carers Meet Up
There is also a specific session for carers and family members who need to talk to others and compare experiences on dealing with challenging situations.
When do the Drop Ins take place?
The Drop-Ins are held on the last Friday of every month from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. If you are interested in attending a Drop-In, then click on the link below to find the date for the next one.
activities
Carers Support Group
First Monday of every month at 1pm | Sefton Park Community Centre
Those who look after autistic people, and/or who are family members, are often under considerable stress in trying to give their loved ones the best possible experiences in life. Sometimes they need to “off load” and share their experiences with others in a similar role.
Short Walk
First Friday of every month at 12:30pm | Sefton Park, Lark Lane Entrance
The Short Walk is a chance to meet up monthly outside the Drop-In, on a different day, normally a Friday lunchtime; to have a chat and go for a short walk, around Sefton Park. Afterwards we carry on our conversations over a drink or coffee in one of local café/bars on Lark Lane.
Planning Meeting
Every Second Friday at 12:45pm | Sefton Park Community Centre
All of the ASC activities need to be planned in advance. The ASC Planning Group meet every month to co-ordinate activities and plan future events. This meeting is open to all and suggestions are welcome.
Shenanigans Pub Meet Up
Once every month on a Tuesday at 7:30pm | Shenanigans Pub, Tithebarn St (near Moorfields station)
We are aware that not everyone can always make it to the “Drop-In” on a Friday afternoon, so we have arranged an additional social evening, around a pub quiz, for the 18-40’s age group. The pub has given us a dedicated space where we meet for a drink, a chat and a few rounds of quiz questions, some written by our own attendees.
Other Activities
To Be Announced when planned | Keep checking the Activities Timetable where we will put up dates for these activities.
From time to time we organise a number of additional one-off events. These have included day trips to places like Llandudno in Wales, 10 pin bowling and amazing art exhibitions at Gallery 455 on Smithdown Rd (where many of our Art Hub users exhibited their work to the public).
Every Wednesday 1pm-3pm
As places are limited to 10 people, it is important to contact us first to make sure there is a place for you, in order to avoid disappointment.
activities timetable
Here are the dates for our upcoming activities:
| Date | Activity | Location/Time | Map of Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Tuesday 7th May | Pub Quiz | Shenanigan’s Pub 7:30pm | Link Here |
| Friday 3rd May | Short Walk | Sefton Park Lark Lane Entrance 12:30pm | Link Here |
| Monday 13th May | Carers Support Group | Sefton Park Community Centre 1pm | Link Here |
| Friday 10th May | Planning Meeting | Sefton Park Community Centre 12:45pm | Link Here |
| Friday 31st May | Drop-In | Quaker Meeting House 1:30pm | Link Here |
| Tuesday 28th May | Pub Quiz | Shenanigan’s Pub 7:30pm | Link Here |
*Sorry for this - last minute change.
Shenanigans have just contacted me. There's been a mix up. It's their 27th Anniversary and they've been told a film crew is coming and the pub has got singers/ dancers on.
There's been a misunderstanding of dates on their part. They are very sorry and asked if we can do next Tuesday instead. We will order food for next Tuesday so don't eat too much tea!
Sorry about the change. Hope to see you on 7th May. Karen
useful links and information
Here you can find useful links to various organisations and charities that can provide further support with Autism, Mental Health and Social Skills. Click on one of the logos to visit that group's website:
contact us
- Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BT
- This is the address for the Drop In Sessions.
- +44-07887369550
- autisticspectrumcollective@gmail.com
- Last Friday of every month 1:30-4:00pm