The Autism Directory have launched a new hub in Market Street, Caerphilly, for local autism families, and to engage the wider community.
The hub will offer a unique and diverse range of services including employment support, adult support groups, one-to-one advice, parent groups, social and creative activities. The community hub shop will also feature merchandise designed by the talented team of autistic designers employed by the charity.
Commenting, Charity Operations Manager Gareth Tarrant explained the importance of this new hub;
“There is currently a lack of autism specific facilities in the area for autistic adults and their families. There are still a number of barriers in society for the autism community that the hub will seek to address, in particular the low rates of autistic adults in full time employment. Anxiety, depression and social isolation are particularly high within the autism population, and the Covid 19 pandemic has increased this further. Our hub aims to address this and the lack of appropriate support by providing a safe space for the autism community to access the help they need”.
The Autism Directory was set up in 2010 after founder Nadine Honeybone struggled to find information and support for her autistic son. The charity has grown from strength to strength in the past 10 years and has plans to roll out similar hubs throughout South Wales. The Autism Directory has built strong links with the community in Caerphilly through their successful employment programmes and involvement in numerous events such as the annual Comic–Con. The money raised at Comic-Con and from being Mayor of Caerphilly Mike Prew’s Charity of the Year in 2018, was invested locally in the setting up of the Hub.
Hefin David, Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly welcomes the move and commented “The Autism Directory provides a warm welcome to autistic individuals and their families, ensuring that there is a clear route to advice and support both for people who are newly diagnosed and those who have had their diagnosis for many years. My daughter was diagnosed with autism two years ago at the age of three and I have found the charity to be a valuable source of personal support. The Autism Directory is a truly wonderful organisation. I am delighted that they are expanding to have a base within my constituency.”
The hub has also recently launched TAD Prints, offering bespoke and personalised gifts printed with your chosen image or illustrations. This will also offer volunteer roles and job opportunities for autistic adults.
The Community Hub shop is now open Monday to Friday 10am-3pm at 4A Market Street. The charity will be releasing details of their support programmes via their website and social media.
General information and virtual support sessions can be arranged by calling the hub on 02920 108921 or emailing the community hub manager on [email protected].
