Aspire Programme

friendship and activities for young people with ASCs

"I have learned to be more adventurous, sociable and open-minded."

The Aspire Programme supports young people in Cambridge who have been diagnosed with high-functioning autistic spectrum conditions and who are in mainstream education.

Our weekly youth clubs create a social space for members to interact at a level with which they are comfortable. We offer a high ratio of support from committed volunteers. Young people come to relax and be themselves, and to do things that they enjoy. There is no pressure to socialise, but members often find they enjoy sharing activities such as board games, pool, table tennis, lego, crafts or cooking, with others who have similar interests and difficulties. One member said, 'Autistic people just understand each other.'

In 2010-11:

• 54 young people came to clubs
• 160 family members benefited from respite and support
• 25 wonderful volunteers helped run the clubs
• we piloted a life skills course for club members who were about to leave school.

Support and advice is available for parents through our volunteer support worker.

For more information, contact Ruth Watt on 01223 521270, or email us.