Welcome

SAFE is a support group for individuals and families affected by Aspergers Syndrome

SAFE (Supporting Aspergers Families in Essex) is a parent support group that works to:

• Raise Awareness of Aspergers Syndrome
• Provide Support for individuals and families living with Aspergers Syndrome
• Share information in order to raise the quality of care and understanding within our communities
• Develop Services for people and families affected by Aspergers Syndrome

Since we were formed in 1997 hundreds of people have made contact with us and many find that talking to others with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) and their families, sharing experiences and feelings, helps them cope.

SAFE offers a valuable opportunity to exchange information on practical topics such as how to claim benefits, how to obtain statements of special educational need, how to access support, how to get into the job market, how to get help developing social skills and planning for the future.

We work with employment, education, health, mental health and social care departments to improve and develop services for people with Aspergers syndrome and their families.

Recent SAFE initiatives that have been made possible through fundraising include:

SAFE Chat:

SAFE Chat involved groups of young teenagers with Aspergers Syndrome producing, directing, and participating in a TV chat show. An innovative and successful way to develop social skills in a safe environment, SAFE Chat enabled participants to bring their individual strengths and work on improving social interaction and team skills. We plan to run a similar project called SAFE 101(based on the famous Room 101 TV show) this summer.

SAFE STUFF (Social Training Using Fun & Friendship:

SAFE STUFF is for our younger group of children aged 8-12 years with Aspergers Syndrome. Over 50 children have been using a variety of artforms such as drama, dance, poetry, pottery-making, arts and crafts, plus visiting places such as Colchester Zoo and Barleylands Farm, and taking part in special workshops including wizardry, as a way of learning concrete skills in social interaction, team building and being in a group. This project has been a huge success with parents commenting on how well their children have learned how to interact and make new friends.

SAFE YACs (Youth Activity Clubs):

Evolving from our social skills courses for children ages 13+ with Aspergers Syndrome, SAFE YACs are regular Youth Clubs where the young people are able to take part in a wide range of activities including bowling, swimming, rock-climbing, camping, boating, and social events. These clubs have been hugely successful in developing friendships and social understanding amongst the young people involved.

A.S.A.P. (Asperger Syndrome – Adults and Parents):

ASAP is SAFE’s adult group for those aged 17+ with Aspergers Syndrome. The group meets monthly to deal with issues particular to adults such as independent living, supported employment and training, social communication and interaction skills, adult social care, friendships and relationships, mental health and carers’ issues. Members also receive monthly newsletters with further advice and information.

Our monthly meetings cover the whole county and take place in Colchester, Chelmsford or Southend, with specialist speakers talking on a variety of topics of interest to our adult members and their families.  Every SAFE member over l7 years of age is welcome to join us, either with or without their families.  Contact Carolann Jackson for more information by phone 01206 240931 or .

ASAP publish a monthly newsletter which can be downloaded below:

ASAP Newsletter number 26a
ASAP Newsletter number 26b

We need your help to continue to run these projects which have had such a positive impact on hundreds of people with Aspergers Syndrome living across Essex. Any contribution given will be greatly appreciated and will help our group develop into a members of society capable of reaching their full potential.

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