1. for Autism in North Lanarkshire HOPE for Autism makes a positive difference to the lives of people affected by autism. HOPE for Autism

2. THE HISTORY OF HOPE Local Parents attended NAS support group meeting in Airdrie Unfulfilled parents created support network for local families affected by ASD Organised swimming and youth group sessions for young people affected by ASD in North Lanarkshire Registered charity in 2002 June 2006 moved to HOPE Centre Undergone changes in April 2013

3. Where we are now 1 FT staff 8 PT staff 14 Session Staff 29 Volunteers 169 members Support 180 young people with ASD Always seeking more members, volunteers and support “My child is more sociable, more confident and has more friends” Parent WHERE IS HOPE TODAY

4. Who we help HOPE’S STAKEHOLDERS Who We Help? HOPE’S STAKEHOLDERS Who We Help?

5. Children & Young People HOPE aims to: – improve self-esteem – improve quality of life – build skills and confidence – enable children and young people to enjoy life – help them be comfortable in themselves and with others – develop their social and emotional skills – build strong relationships with family and friends – enhance employability “It’s my special time with my friends and I get to choose my games” (Young person) CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

6. Families HOPE aims to: - offer a ‘lifeline’ - provide information - offer a training programme - provide support and advice - provide peer support - assist them to: build strong relationships with their children to develop tools and strategies for coping with children with an ASD “I enjoy trying new things at my group and talk about it with mum afterward” (Young person) FAMILIESFAMILIES

7. Professionals & Service Providers HOPE aims to: – raise awareness and understanding of autistic spectrum disorders – provide education and training – support and promote good practice – become a model of excellence – foster partnership working “I have a much better knowledge of the condition” (Parent) PROFESSIONALS & SERVICE PROVIDERS

8. Our Community HOPE aims to: – raise awareness and understanding of autistic spectrum disorders – encourage a positive outlook to people with an ASD – provide training to potential employers – support employment opportunities for young people with an ASD “As a parent, I’ve formed new friendships and feel more supported” (Parent) OUR COMMUNITY

9. WHAT HOPE PROVIDES FOR MEMBERS Signposting and information available to all who contact HOPE All Year Round Support Support Group Meetings Drop-In Sessions Advocacy Services Siblings Group Training Courses Benefits, Grants & Services Advice Access to HOPE’s Library Newsletters Members’ Only Closed Facebook Page “Hope is the one place where I know my son is safe, not judged, accepted for who he is and parents are given hope for what lies ahead” (Parent)

10. THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE Evening Group Sessions We offer groups for children with ASD aged 5 years to 25 years Pre-School Group Our Friday morning group is aimed at those with a suspected ASD diagnosis and their families Day Time Art Group External Activities These include Football, Trampoline, Fitness and Family Swimming sessions based within North Lanarkshire. New 6 week sport’s blocks starting with basketball Siblings Group Twice a month access to group sessions for siblings of those with ASD Summer Activities Various activities & outings “I like the quiet room because it's peaceful and the trampoline because it makes me feel good and fitter” (Young person)

11. HOPE GALLERY

13. CONTACT DETAILS HOPE for Autism 145 Chapel St. Airdrie ML6 6LH Tel. 01236-779191 www.hopeforautism.org.uk hope@hopeforautism.org.uk HOPE for AutismHOPE for Autism HOPEforAutismNL HOPEforAutismNL