New services for adults with Aspergers in Dorchester

The Wessex Autistic Society has announced new services throughout the region for adults with autism thanks to lottery funding.

A new Aspergers Syndrome Drop In Group (ASDIG) is now running alternate Wednesday from 2pm to 4.30pm at the charity’s new offices at South Grove Cottage, Trinity Street, Dorchester. The next meeting takes place on 17 February. There will be another group running from 26 February on the opposite week at The Old Town Hall, Weymouth on Friday mornings from 10.30am to 1pm.

The Wessex Autistic Society moved to the new offices recently whilst retaining their Head Office base in Christchurch. Chief Executive Bob Lowndes comments, “With its local authority partners, The Wessex Autistic Society has a shared ambition to put those who use its services in control through a radical reform and development of its community support services.  This means that people with autism are able to live their lives as they wish, confident that the support services they receive are of high quality, reliable and promote their independence, well-being, and individual needs.”

This enhancement and increased localisation of the Society’s core services is crucial to delivering greater personalisation and choice to those needing services within their local community.

Nicky Woolley Community Support Service Manager (West) comments, “The Wessex Autistic Society is delighted to have expanded its services in the West of Dorset with the opening of a new facility in Dorchester town centre to increase the provision of support to children and adults with autism and to their families. Such support will include: information and advice, supported living, supported employment, supported leisure, respite care and outreach to schools and other mainstream services. We will be announcing further provisions and services once additional resources and funding are in place.”

To contact the Dorchester Community Team call 01305 213130 or email nwoolley@twas.org.uk. Alternatively visit www.twas.org.uk for regular updates.