Supporting people to gain confidence and skills

We currently have community resource centres (known as New Directions in Ireland) in the following locations:
Edinburgh, Belfast, Co Wicklow, Co Dublin, North West England and Isle of Man.

From IT to bike refurbishing, from arts and crafts to trampolining, from swimming to shopping trips, our centres offer many opportunities to help autistic people to build their self-esteem. They give personalised opportunities for young people in transition and adults with autism spectrum conditions, both within the centre itself and outside in the wider community.

For some people the emphasis will be on hobbies and leisure pursuits, for others it may include employment skills and activities. We provide personalised, flexible, support, from trained staff, ranging from a couple of hours a week up to full time support every day.

"I have noticed a great improvement in my son's confidence and social skills. Being part of a friendly and supportive group gives him a real sense of belonging and purpose.” - Parent

Another parent said her son was, "Learning practical skills which help improve his concentration and co-ordination. He's producing beautiful saleable items which has given him a real sense of pride and self-worth."

Leading the way

For us the phrase 'person centred' means that the individual we are working with is at the centre of all that we do which includes how they access services and not just the services themselves.

We have pioneered truly flexible ways of working through our Community Resource Centres in England offering support seven days a week between 8am and 8pm both through centres and out in the community. This means that those accessing services create their own bespoke package of support designed with them, not for them.

Senior Resource Centre Manager Stephen Williamson says: "We support individuals to access opportunities within our resource centre provisions with a focus on developing lifelong learning skills and enhancing quality of life. A variety of activities are offered both building based and also with in the community, working in partnership with local communities to further enhance access to opportunities for the people we support, develop real community presence and improve the health and wellbeing of the individuals we support."

Find out more about some of our flagship Community Resource Centres in England:

• The Cedars
• 161 Bristol Avenue
• Kaleidoscope

Ask about Community Resource Centres