SPACE4AUTISM

Space4Autism needs your help

Space4Autism was initially set up with a monthly support group above a pub we now support over 8500 autistic children/young people, adults and their families.   We like many other charities are struggling with funding this financial year and really need support to raise £100k to keep our Space Ship Flying.

Our History:

2005   Space4Autism was founded

2011   Space4Autism became a registered Charity. Social Clubs began. Moved into our 1st premises to enable us to offer more and run workshops

2014   Moved into larger premises and started opening 2 days per week

2017   Moved into much larger premises and began opening 7 days per week

2018   CWP NHS Foundation Trust moved into our premises to offer the assessment and diagnosis for children  Received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service

2019   CWP NHS Foundation Trust moved into our premises to offer the assessments and  diagnosis for adults. Commissioned by ECCCG to develop and run an extensive Parent/Carer Autism Training Programme

2020  Commenced construction of our sensory garden, began working in partnership with DWP to offer a pioneering outreach service, delivered an extensive range of Covid outreach activities. Entered into the parliamentary review for “best practice in Health and Social Care”.  Our co-founder and CEO Cheryl Simpson was awarded an MBE for services to autism and the community.

2021/22  On 1st April we changed our status from standard Registered Charity to that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). We started several new projects and initiatives: Revive and Strive project, Space4Carers project, Gaming Group, Space Mates and Apollo. We opened Angie’s Sensory Garden (and won Best Communal Garden award from Peaks & Plains Housing Trust) and launched Walking Club. We became a member of the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - giving us a greater voice. Expanded the space for art projects due to demand.

2022/23   Worked with Pilotlight 360 to assist us in putting together a business plan to future proof the charity.  Worked in partnership with Just Drop In to offer children and young people counselling within our Hub.

2023/24  Worked in partnership with Macclesfield Town Council and Macclesfield was awarded Britain in Bloom. Worked in partnership with CWP to set up the Adult hub once again.  We have joined more groups to raise awareness and have a voice for the autism community inc: Autism Alliance, Level UP LPC - Clinical Service Improvement Group.  We launched two new services, our outreach satellite hubs and “Space for ASC adults”.

Activities and projects we offer:

Eight social clubs – the heart of our work, all our clubs run fortnightly for two hours giving essential respite to parent/carers– more details below.

Space for Kids & Apollo – two clubs, each accommodating ten children aged from 4 to 7 years. Activities include team games, taking turns, sharing, music and drama and sports sessions (running races, ball games, bean bag races etc.). All activities are ‘child led’. Saturday Club & Saturn Saturdays – two clubs, each for twelve children aged from 8 to 10 years. As well as providing a safe play environment, both clubs offer a programme of activities designed to help children become more independent.

Space Mates & Fun Friday– two evening clubs for sixteen young people aged from 10 to 13 years. Fun Friday has a ‘youth club’ vibe and provides ‘chill out time’ at the end of the week, whilst offering valuable socialising opportunities. Activities include art, pottery, pool, air hockey, table tennis, music making and movie nights. Space for You– An evening club for teenagers, 14 to 18 years. Providing opportunities to develop skills for independence such as relationship building and developing communication. In-house activities include games, bingo, chess, gaming, karaoke, movie nights and baking. Community activities include visiting climbing walls, bowling, BBQs, eating meals out and Laser Quest.

Galaxy Group – An evening club for up to 40 adults from 18+ years, providing a wide range of social and learning opportunities. Activities are varied and are decided by the people attending. They include Chat and Chill sessions, bingo, board games, pool, art and crafts, air hockey, karaoke, quizzes, food preparation sessions, and much more!  In addition, we have interesting and educational visits from the likes of Healthwatch, Open2Autism and magicians.

School Holiday clubs – A club for the whole family, including autistic children/young people, their siblings, and parent/carers. This club often offer a variety of activities and events designed to engage and entertain family members of all ages, providing opportunities for bonding, learning, and fun experiences together during school breaks.

Educational Workshops – a wide range of workshops for parents, carers and professionals. Subjects include sensory issues, challenging behaviour and what its really like to live with ASC. We also run workshops with Moneybox Wills and Trusts about planning ahead. 

Open Space - our ‘drop in’ project for autistic adults, parent/carers and professionals to drop in Mon-Thurs for advice and support.

 “Space to Prosper” – For members who do not know where to turn. Our staff can make appointments with the outreach team to help with any problems and refer/signpost to the right service if necessary.  The Outreach team also raise awareness in the community by attending various other services and school.              

Counselling Space for ASC Adults – A counselling service for our autistic adults which is run by counsellors who have a breadth of knowledge of ASC.   These are delivered either face to face, via zoom/teams or over the telephone.

Self-Help Online Counselling Course – We developed our own self-help course with our in-house psychotherapist.  The course has 7 modules and can be completed over a 12-month period with videos and worksheets for the member to work through themselves, at a pace that is right for them.  This is open to any adult member.

S4A café (including sensory café area) - open five days a week to members and the public. Staffed by a highly qualified chef supported by our kitchen team along with volunteers with ASC.

Training programme - a wide ranging training programme throughout Cheshire East. Includes Cygnet ASC Parenting Programme, sensory and sleep courses, autism awareness and more, all delivered by highly qualified clinicians and trainers. 

Pre-School Stay and Play – A chance for parent/carers of babies and toddlers to come together for a chat whilst their children play in the sensory room.   Held one morning a week during term time.

Autism Awareness Training for Professionals - training for companies and other charities delivered by one of our autistic adult members to raise awareness of what living with ASC is like.

Space4Carers – a programme of lots of activities, social opportunities relaxation therapies, residential weekends and learning for parent/carers.Carers Coffee, Chat and Learn Morning – for all parent/carers of people with ASC, a chance to come and talk to other invited services including Occupational therapists, Parent Carer Forum, Disability Information Bureau, CWP Diagnosis team, Local Area Co-Ordinator’s and many more whilst having a coffee and a cake.  Held once a month during term time.

Crafty Carers – run by one of our wonderful volunteers.  A chance for parent/carers to come together to craft and chat held every other week during term time.

SEND advice and support 1:1 Appointments – delivered by Smart Bright Training Consultancy to parent/carers and autistic adults, to offer support and advice surrounding any issues they are having and signposting to the right services should they require more intervention.

CEAT (Cheshire East Autism Team) 1:1 Appointments  - a chance to come and speak to CEAT about any school issues and for advice and support

Walking Group – a monthly walking club for our parent/carers and ASC adults, visits to Dunham Massey, Lyme Park to name but a few – with coffee and cake at the end! Supported by BlackDog Outdoors.

Due to rise in diagnosis we are seeing around 1200 new members join Space4Autism each year so by the end of the financial year 2025 we will have over 10,000 members wanting our help and support.

Please help us to keep our doors open and support all those who need our help.

Space4Autism

"We Listen, We Help, We Care"