Speak Out Newham drop-in group launched for people with learning disabilities and autistic people
A free monthly drop-in group for people with learning disabilities and autistic people has launched in Newham — offering a safe space for people to speak out and make friends.
Gaynor, Tina and Jason at the Speak Out Newham drop-in group.
The Speak Out Newham drop-in group is a chance for people with learning disabilities and autistic people to speak about issues affecting them, be listened to and have their voice heard in local decisions.
The group is held at Chargeable Lane Resource Centre on the second Monday of every month, from 1pm to 4pm. The first hour is dedicated time for people with a learning disability, the second hour is for both communities, and the last hour is for autistic people.
Tina, who is autistic, attended a recent Newham drop-in session and said: “The VoiceAbility meeting was very informative and is exactly what was needed, thank you. I will be back for the next one!”
Working with Newham Council, Trish Moody, Connections Speak Out facilitator, helped set up the monthly drop-in. Trish said:
The Newham drop-in provides an opportunity for people with learning disabilities and autistic people to speak out about problems they face, be listened to and share experiences.
“Issues can then be raised at both the Newham Autism Residents Advisory Group and the Newham Learning Disability Residents Advisory Group so the voices of autistic people and people with learning disabilities are heard in local decisions.
“VoiceAbility can also signpost to suitable support services where appropriate and possible, but most importantly it’s a safe space to meet people and make friends – both old and new!”
The next Newham drop-in session takes place on Monday 8 January from 1pm to 4pm. You can just turn up, but to find out more contact Trish on trish.moody@voiceability.org or 07770 012 959.