Adult Peer Support Groups (Face-to-Face Only)
We’re delighted to offer ongoing in-person peer support groups for diagnosed or self-recognised adult women and non-binary people. This service is expanding gradually, ensuring more opportunities for in-person support in local communities.
Who is this for?
This service is aimed at women and non-binary people aged 18+ who have received a late autism diagnosis, are self-diagnosed (which we fully validate), or are awaiting a diagnosis. These sessions provide a safe, supportive space to explore feelings about being.
UK residents only
Why join?
Our goal is to help group members:
Our trained Autism Peer Support Workers, who are all neurodivergent themselves, will validate your experiences and help facilitate conversations where members can learn from one another, share insights, and provide mutual support.
These groups are an important part of our mental wellness work for adults. Many members come to us after a lifetime of feeling like a misfit, and find that peer support rebuilds self-compassion, eases long-held anxiety and shame, and restores a sense of belonging.
Current Face-to-Face Groups
📍 Selly Oak, Birmingham (limited places)
📍 Castleford, West Yorkshire (applications paused)
Groups have a suggested donation of £5 per session to cover costs.
Groups meet in accessible community venues and follow a structured yet flexible format designed to foster connection and understanding.
Before attending this support group I was in a very terrible place… Since attending… I have felt the weight lifting off of me by just talking, sharing and listening to my peers. It’s been so valuable having people around me that just ‘get it’, something that 6 months ago I never thought I’d find.
Peer Support Attendee
How to Apply
We have a limited number of funded places available, and we expect them to fill quickly. If you’re interested in joining, please complete the application form below. Those who do not secure a funded place will be placed on a waiting list while we work to secure additional funding.
About Our Peer Support Programme
This programme has been developed by autistic people, for autistic people, within the framework of the NHS Peer Support Programme. All Autism Peer Support Workers have:
✔ Completed NHS Autism Peer Support Worker training.
✔ Lived experience of being diagnosed as autistic in adulthood.
✔ DBS checks and safeguarding training.
✔ Previous experience mentoring or working with autistic people.
This service is made possible thanks to funding from the IMROC Peer Support Worker training programme.
We look forward to welcoming you to our in-person peer support community!
Before applying please check that you are eligible on the criteria above and read our Admissions Policy along with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
What our attendees say
As a late diagnosed autistic/ADHD woman, I’m renewing how I see myself and my place in the world. After 40+ years of feeling a misfit, the peer support group has really helped me find my place.
A wonderful, small community, with no expectations to talk from the start made it a warm and welcoming place. Lydia’s lived experience offers a viewpoint from someone who is understanding and advocating themselves and where no question or comment is invalid.
I would recommend this group to anyone wondering about their autistic identity, wanting to learn more about themself or wanting to meet a group of people who understand. The power of this is not to be underestimated.
Catherine, Peer Support group attendee
Thank you so much for the sessions. They have truly helped me immensely, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join. The sessions were well-structured, inclusive, and provided a safe space for everyone. It was wonderful to meet and discuss with others the everyday experience of being autistic. We quickly became close, sharing stories, advice, and anecdotes. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and would recommend them to anyone! They made me feel more included in the autistic community and helped me realise that my experiences are shared by others who understand. I cannot thank you enough for these sessions and the confidence and acceptance they have provided me.
Natasha, Peer Support group attendee
Attending the sessions was the first time in my 54 years of life, I felt validated.
I was diagnosed as autistic in my middle forties, after spending my whole life feeling I didn’t fit it with anyone or anything. I grew up feeling very bad about myself.Attending the sessions made me so happy, I cannot understate this. Meeting other women with shared life experiences as myself, gave me for the first time, a feeling of belonging, acceptance and understanding.So I am very grateful for this experience you provided. It was liberating for me. If only I had this support from a young age, my life could have been so different.So I’d like you to know the service you provided via the weekly sessions, has made a major positive impact upon me and my life. I can move forward feeling positive about my identity, and to finally be kinder to myself.
Jo, autistic woman
Before attending this support group I was in a very terrible place… Since attending… I have felt the weight lifting off of me by just talking, sharing and listening to my peers. It’s been so valuable having people around me that just ‘get it’, something that 6 months ago I never thought I’d find.
Peer Support Attendee
your thoughtfulness and care and noticing are, for me, what has made the group a safe space. I was surprised by me even attending such a group because I avoid any group situations but right from the beginning sharing photos and clear introduction made it something I gave a go and I am glad I did.
Peer Support attendee
I am now a diagnosed Autistic woman and I don’t think I could have progressed so far on my journey without these sessions and the support of this group. Grateful.
Peer Support Attendee
