One Stop Shops - a real lifesaver
In Scotland and Wales we operate One Stop Shops, where autistic people can access free support and advice for everyday life. These services support more than 3,000 people each year. “It has been a lifesaver. I have met new people after being isolated for years.”
Our Number 6 One Stop Shop started in 2005 in Edinburgh for autistic adults without a learning disability. It was (and still is) an innovative way to provide support, advice and social opportunities to autistic people. The service quickly grew and we now support over 7,000 autistic people across three Scottish One Stop Shops in Edinburgh, Inverness and Perth and also support ASC Cymru’s One Stop Shop service in Wales.
Number 6 is a service for autistic adults who fit the following criteria:
- 16 and over
- Formal autism diagnosis
- No learning disability
- Resident in Edinburgh, Lothians or Scottish Borders
One Stop Shops provide free social opportunities and 1-1 advice and support on a range of issues.
“I’ve had a lot of fun, good times, help with problems and difficulties of life. I’ve met new friends, I’ve felt accepted, valued and important. I’ve gone in feeling stressed and after a one to one and time out etc, chat to other members, played pool and felt a lot calmer and happier”
Innovative Services
From their bases and through community hubs, our One Stop Shops offer support and services to autistic people throughout the following areas: Edinburgh; Lothians; Scottish Borders; Highland; Perth & Kinross; Angus and Dundee.
As part of this, as well as organising events and groups in the One Stop Shop hubs, we also facilitate activities in the community on a regular basis. These include a wide range of things from pool and snooker to visits to local restaurants and cafes for a meal or drink. Sports activities such as badminton, table tennis and football and trips to the cinema or cultural events have all featured in our calendar of activities. The calendars for each One Stop Shop can be found on their individual page. We regularly consult with those using the services and tailor our activities to meet their needs.
“I recommend the service to others on a regular basis, as there is nothing else of that calibre around”
Part of the Community
As well as delivering a wide range of services and supports to autistic people, our One Stop Shops also plays an important role within the autism community – supporting the learning and development of NHS, Local Authority and third sector staff.
Their many accomplishments on this front include delivering training to the Procurator Fiscal’s offices across Scotland and to NHS and council staff across the One Stop Shop areas.
Educating Communities
Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru is a Welsh charity which forms part of the Autism Initiatives Group. Through its One Stop Shop situated at 21 High St, in the heart of Cardiff city centre, it offers support for autistic adults aged 16+ across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, and The Vale of Glamorgan
ASCC offers: into-work and in-work employment support; education and benefits support; as well as social opportunities through activity groups. For more information contact us or visit the ASCC website
Support in Wales
We are delighted that our programme has been awarded funding through Scottish Government’s Adult Autism Support Fund. This is a National Late Diagnosis Group programme (LDG) – online and in-person available to across all of Scotland. It has been developed by autistic and non-autistic staff and shaped by its participants.
Scotland's Late Diagnosis Programme
Find out more about One Stop Shops
If you, or someone you know, is in need of help and support, or would benefit from taking advantage of the services available at our One Stop Shops, please get in touch
It’s had a tremendous impact. Number 6 has literally saved my life. It helped me understand my condition, and helped me self-manage. They are a life raft with a beacon in a sometimes very dark night.