Branch information is now regularly being circulated to more than 200 families and professionals, and to over 80 local schools. Although we are based in the Eastleigh/Winchester/Southamtpon area, we welcome anyone for whom our group may be a helpful resource.
We have received an increase in enquiries in recent months. Information about our branch is being circulated by health professionals on a regular basis.
A number of events have taken place locally during the last year or so, in addition to our monthly parent support group meetings and family youth club. This will give you an idea of the activities we get involved in:
- In March 2006 and 2007, we hosted NAS help! programmes in Eastleigh, run by the NAS help! team - excellent days with over 60 people attending each one.
- For the past four years we had a stand at the Hampshire Special Needs Information Days.
- In May 2006 the Branch Officer attended the launch of the Make school make sense education campaign at the Houses of Parliament.
- In July 2006, our new Resource Library was launched at our support group meeting.
- In October 2006, June 2007 and November 2007, we hosted NAS help!2 programmes in Eastleigh, run by the NAS help! team.
- In May 2008 we joined forces with the other three NAS branches in the county to launch the NAS I Exist campaign (see above) in Hampshire.
Our monthly parent support meetings continue to be well attended and we have had some interesting guests.
From The National Autistic Society, we have welcomed Robert Pritchett, Regional Director for London and the South East, Chris Barson, the NAS External Training Manager, Jane Vaughan, Regional Coordinator for London and the South East, Tracey Sellers, our Regional Officer, Liesel Batterham from the NAS Education Advice Line and Jonathan Dibb, NAS Welfare Rights Adviser. Other visitors have included representatives from The Aviary and Lantern's Children's Centres, Hampshire Families, Eastleigh Child and Family Guidance, the Eastleigh in touch project, Hampshire Parent Partnership, Connexions, Contact a Family, Portsmouth Autism Support Network, Not Just Talking Ltd, Southampton Autism Assessment Team, Hampshire Police, Hampshire Children's Services, a dramatherapist and other professionals in the field of autism.
Our Family Youth Club continues to be a success.
On the social front, we have enjoyed parents' skittles evenings and our Family Fun Day at Fairthorne Manor in June 2008 attracted over 90 members. Our Sholing social groups run a variety of social events, including a recent Quiz Night.
We have also drawn up and approved a Branch Child Protection Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.
Members are asked to complete a branch membership form if they have not already done so. We also encourage members to become full members of the National Autistic Society. There are a great many advantages. A leaflet and membership form is available from the Branch Officer or visit the NAS web site for full details. (Additionally the Branch gains £5 from each NAS member who nominates us on joining).
As always, we are pleased to hear from anyone interested in coming along to our meetings and from existing members with ideas for events, fund raising, etc.
At present the committee are David, Rachel, Daniel, Jane, Claire, Gillian, Sally and Sue. We would welcome any other volunteers to join us. Please do get in touch if you are able to help.
