GRASPS - Autism Support Group

Greater Resources for Autism Supporting Parents and Siblings (Established: March 2013)

GRASPS is voluntary run, inclusive support group for families, young adults and adults, affected by Autism in Buckinghamshire.

As of July 2017 we will only be authorising new members who live in Buckinghamshire and the adjoining counties, as our joint knowledge and SEND information is relevant to Buckinghamshire policy and procedure.

There is a private Facebook support forum for, families, adults and teens directly affected by autism. We aim to be as inclusive as possible. If you would like to request to join GRASPS Bucks. Please provide a background summary and email
contactgrasp@gmail.com.

We hold monthly daytime and evening support meetings in Aylesbury and South Bucks with the primary objectives of sharing and exchanging information; providing essential empathy, support, acceptance and understanding for one another.

NB: Confidentiality: All member specific information discussed, (inc. discussions in virtual spaces), is considered strictly confidential, and may not be communicated outside the GRASPS forum without prior consent of the members that provided the information.

Keep in touch at contactgrasp@gmail.com

Where to go

Name: Informal venues in Aylesbury and South Bucks, (monthly: coffee mornings in Aylesbury and evening support meetings in Aylesbury and South Bucks)
Address: Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
Postcode: HP20 2RE
Geographic Area Covered: HP20 2RE

Time / Date Details

When is it on: Support Via Telephone Contact or, Facebook group page, (by e mail invitation)
Time of day: Evening
Session Information: Please refer to private facebook page and regular ebulletins for event information
Families affected by ASD, spanning all ages of children/adolescents. Parents need support too.

Other Details

Cost Description: GRASPS is self funded. We are currently seeking funding for larger events on a case by case basis.

Age Ranges: All Ages

Referral

Referral required: No
Referral Details: GRASPS Bucks are known to: Bucks CC Family Information Service, The Sue Nicholls Centre, Bucks SEND IAS, Young Carers, Carers Bucks, Oxford Health and many specialist and mainstream school settings.

Local Offer

Description: Our mission is to lend support to family units. Including Primary Parent Carer(s) and Sibling Carers. The core aim is support through empathy and understanding as every GRASPS member has direct, personal experience and is close to ASD and the special needs jungle! We are a volunteer, grass roots organisation, passionate to understand, empathise and sign post to local agencies, in order that families can seek a clear positive path and be empowered to help themselves and others through the SEND journey.
Contact Name: GRASPS Buckinghamshire
Contact Telephone: 077834 34623; 077834 34623
Contact Email: contactgrasp@gmail.com
Local Offer Age Bands: Primary (5-11 years)
Early Years (0-5 years)
Adults (16+ years)
Secondary (11-16 years)
Needs Level: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
SEN Provision Type: Universal service (No referral required)

General Local Offer Response

What needs does your service or activity aim to meet for children and young people with SEND and their families?: Empowering and supporting, those with ASD and those directly affected by ASD.
What outcomes does your service or activity aim to achieve for children and young people with SEND and their families?: To enable them to meet their own needs and improve their emotional and physical well being.
How can children & young people with SEND and their families start to use your service or activity?: Make contact and upon invitation Bucks residents can join our private, candid forums and access regular contact events.
How is your service or activity fully accessible to children, young people with SEND and their families eg: facilities, support from staff?: Total empathy and understanding of each families' unique needs. We are volunteers.
How do you communicate with children, young people with SEND and their families?: In person, by telephone, or by internet.
What training have your staff and/or volunteers received to support children and young people with SEND and their families?: We are all parent carers to ASD children/adolescents. We are expert parents.
What future plans does your service or activity have for developing its SEND provision eg: training, facilities?: We aim to extend our repertoire of support to include mentoring and socialisation sessions for our ASD member community and aim to establish a core support group with group therapy.

Last Updated: 27/09/2018

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