A GROUP that started out supporting families with children affected by autism and social anxiety is now looking to assist young adults.

ASCape started out four years ago helping families with children aged 7-11 in Bridport and the surrounding area.

Now as they have expanded from 25 members to more than 250 they are looking to help people aged 16-25 through their monthly support group which is safe, supportive and non-judgmental.

Co-lead Karen Wright said: “We know all too well there are many families in the community living in isolation because of an autistic spectrum condition, no group is more isolated than our young adults that after leaving school have little or no social interactions.

“Many suffer depression and other mental health issues as a result.”

The project aims to address the lack of options for purposeful social interaction for autistic spectrum condition young adults with their peers.

In addition to looking for more members, ASCape is also on the hunt for three youth workers to work with the group.

A spokesperson for the organisation added: “The Government report on loneliness in January 2022 identified a direct correlation between loneliness, poor mental health and poorer physical health in adults.

“Quarantine restrictions only served to further isolate and cause havoc with the routines that autistic spectrum condition individuals rely on to provide them structure to their lives.

“ASCape hope that in some small way they can provide an environment where young adults can meet new people, make friends and learn further social skills.”

The charity is also looking to hear from organisations and individuals that could provide specialist support in talking therapies, advocacy, crisis care, employment and housing support.

They believe that every child in the world should be able to freely socialise.

ASCape’s mission is to provide supportive socialisation for teens with autistic spectrum condition and or social anxiety, they facilitate peer support for parents and carers of children with autistic spectrum condition and/or social anxiety.

For further information or an informal chat about joining the group or working with them contact Karen Wright via wrightmail2@aol.com

Additional information about ASCape and the projects they provide can be found via the charity’s website.