“Accessing AWP’s services has been truly life changing. For the first time, I felt supported, understood and able to engage in therapy”

Finding Support and Finding Myself with the Autism Wellbeing Project

Since finding and accessing the Autism Wellbeing Project two years ago, I have taken part in many activities including aquacise, badminton, padel and arts and crafts. I have enjoyed the social events as well, such as the breakfast club and the social and board game sessions. Every part of it has made a real difference to my life.

I also accessed AWP’s therapy service through Access to Work. This has been truly life changing. It was the first time therapy has ever felt helpful and the first time I have been able to genuinely engage with it. I had tried so many times in the past to find the right support and although I was very apprehensive about the therapist I was offered, I decided to trust the process. I am so glad I did.

The whole environment felt right. The therapy rooms were warm and comfortable and my therapist Jon never judged and never pushed. Instead he guided me, helping me ask questions about myself and my past traumas, and he was there through some very difficult moments. I only have a few sessions left now and I know I am going to be alright. I have positive systems in place that will help keep my mental health steady and I may even miss the sessions once they are over.

In the last couple of months I have also started accessing the mentoring service. Although it is still early days, I can already see and feel the improvements. I even managed to complete my health passport, something I struggled with for eighteen months.

One of the most valuable things I attend is the weekly wellbeing team sessions. They have been incredibly helpful in understanding autism and understanding myself. They have helped me make sense of the whats and the whys and have improved my overall wellbeing.

No matter what activity or service I have used, I have felt supported by every single member of the team.

Steve supporting our training delivery as a Peer Mentor and Training Support Worker