Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th May 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Young autistic people need your help
Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
£600
raised so far
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Aim
I AM would like to offer more critical services to those navigating a recent diagnosis, in isolation, or unfortunately already in crisis
FUNDRAISING AIM
For many autistic young people, everyday life is exhausting. School can feel overwhelming. Social situations can feel confusing or isolating. By the time they get home, they’re drained from trying to “fit in.” That’s why I AM exists.
We run youth clubs, activities, and 1-1 support where young people feel safe, understood, and accepted - often for the first time.
We’ve seen young people go from anxious and withdrawn… to laughing, connecting, and building real friendships.
But demand is growing - and we need your help to keep these spaces open.
WHO ARE WE?
I AM Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester has existed for over 50 years to support, empower, and celebrate autistic people. Our aim is to be the region’s leading developer and provider of autism support services – the first point of contact for anyone navigating an autism diagnosis in Greater Manchester. More than a provider, we strive to be an exemplar, shaping best practice and championing neurodiversity.
Group Work and Social Activities - Autism (ASC) can often bring social isolation -we strive to change that. We run regular group activities, clubs and peer-based programmes to help autistic people connect, grow friendships and a feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Mental Health & Wellbeing - Our services actively support both mental health and physical wellness, recognising the full spectrum of challenges autistic individuals face. Reducing the risk of not just social isolation but abuse, exploitation, economic disadvantage (Homelessness) through to self-harm and suicide.
https://i-am-autism.org.uk/the-power-of-youth-clubs-for-autistic-individuals/
WITH YOUR HELP we would be able to do the following:
- Extend current youth and adult group activities across Greater Manchester opening in new areas where there is a critical need
- Ensure the right ratio of support is in attendance for youth groups
- Increase the number, frequency and type of youth groups on offer to suit new members
- Ensure costs are not raised further to current members of youth groups and adult activities
- Cover the basic but critical costs of increasing our services in our building from switching on the lights through to equipment such as craft material, computers etc.
OUR MEMBERS are everything to us, some have been with us for over 20 years! We offer them a home from home, an opportunity to feel safe, some of their comments are below:
XX video of Lily
To sum up, here is a quote from the parent of one of our beneficiaries:
“For me I AM Autistic Support Service is quite literally the difference between [my son] engaging in society in a healthy way so he can actually get a job and move on in life and as has been the case in the last 2 years just trying to keep him alive from him not killing himself. I'd like to say just because he's autistic doesn't mean he hasn't significant capabilities which will be wasted if you didn't have that little extra support. He's A levels, an access to university qualification and given the right support he could be an active member in society but without such he's either going to be dead or trying not to end up on the streets, or in jail or just suffering unnecessarily…you save lives, quite literally. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Even in these few sessions you've provided a light that he thought didn't exist and had gone out forever.”
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made