We’re proud to have supported Dudley Voices for Choice with a £1,930 grant awarded through our Community Impact Fund to deliver their new Autism Community Connections programme.
Dudley Voices for Choice is a charity supporting people with learning disabilities or autism to advocate for themselves and build confidence in their everyday lives. The organisation works closely with the local community to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
Autism Community Connections will provide three regular peer-support sessions each month, including dedicated groups for women, men, and an inclusive LGBTQ+ group to enable all attendees to feel safe and welcome. These sessions aim to provide a community space to share experiences and access support that recognises sensory and communication needs.
The programme is designed and led by autistic people with lived experience, supported by the charity’s staff, to ensure it reflects what the community needs. Participants will help shape the direction of the group while building confidence and skills that will hopefully transfer into paid employment opportunities.
Our funding will help the sessions to stay free and accessible to everyone.
Kelly Slade, Deputy Chief Officer at Dudley Voices for Choice, said:
“This project has been created as a direct response to local demand. We’ve already trialled similar groups and found strong interest from autistic people who want more inclusive spaces where they feel understood and supported.
“We aim to have a lasting impact by improving confidence and wellbeing, creating opportunities for participants to take on leadership roles, and giving autistic people a stronger voice in shaping local services and decisions.”
Sessions will take place at Holloway House, an accessible venue in Dudley town centre.
The grant follows a successful application to our Community Impact Fund, which is made possible thanks to generous social value donations from some of our suppliers.
Grants of up to £2,000 per year are available to resident groups, community projects and charities, with a focus on improving health and wellbeing, the environment, or life and employment skills.