The Usual Place is spearheading a ground-breaking information service to support Autistic adults across Dumfries and Galloway. Funded as a pilot project by the Scottish Government and administered by Inspiring Scotland, ‘Good Connections for Autistic Adults’ at The Usual Place will bring together the best and most relevant information about services, activities and opportunities for employment and will facilitate direct connections for Autistic Adults and families or carers.
Good Connections for Autistic Adults kicks off on Wednesday 22nd November from 10am4pm, with the first of 6 monthly drop-in events at The Usual Place. Anyone who has a diagnosis of autism, or identifies as autistic, or provides informal care, is welcome to call into talk to staff from The Usual Place, some of whom have lived experience of autism.
There will also be a chance to find out more about different selected groups of organisations who have been invited to come along to each event to chat, connect, listen and share the relevant services and support they can provide to Autistic adults, their families or carers.
In addition to the monthly drop-in events, The Usual Place will have staff available to meet
with autistic individuals in their café during normal opening times to help make connections
to a wealth of social or employment opportunities and services that may be able to offer
relevant support if needed.
Heather Hall, Chief Executive at The Usual Place, said: “We are really pleased to be able to
provide this important conduit between people and many of the brilliant services which can
enable them to really get on with fulfilling lives.
“There are no clear pathways for post-diagnostic support in Dumfries & Galloway, and it’s
hard for autistic people to find information, services and support that is relevant to their
individual needs and situations.
“Our team, and our welcoming building provide the skilled understanding and ideal space
to really consider what will be the best connections for each individual and to help facilitate
these connections.”Abbi Williams, Lived Experience Trainer at The Usual Place, said: “I think this is a brilliant
idea and hopefully it will help Autistic people, and the people who care about them to find
organisations that will enable them to make the next steps in life.”
The first three Drop- In Events are on Wednesday 22nd November from 10am – 4pm with
Dumfries and Galloway Carer’s Centre, Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Centre, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, DG Voice and Include Us. Tuesday 5th December from
10am – 4pm with Dumfries & Galloway Employability and Skills Service, Better Lives
Partnership, Scottish Women’s Autistic Network, Joanne Service, Chair of Dumfries &
Galloway Council’s Neurodiversity Subgroup of the Children’s Services Plan and The
Financial Inclusion and Welfare Support Team. Wednesday 31 st January from 2pm – 7pm,
details to be confirmed soon.
Anyone who would like to find out more about Good Connections for Autistic Adults should
come along to one of the events or contact Alison or Joanna at The Usual Place on 01387
253485 [email protected] [email protected].
