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

SAFE STUFF (Social Training Using Fun & Friendship)
SAFE STUFF is for our younger group of children aged 8-12 years with Asperger syndrome. Over 100 children have been using a variety of art forms such as drama, dance, poetry, pottery-making, arts and crafts, plus visiting places of interest to the young people as well as taking part in special workshops as a way of learning concrete skills in group social interaction and team building. This project is a continuing success with parents who have commented on how well their children have learned how to interact and make new friends.
SAFE Youth Activity Clubs

Evolving from our social skills courses for children with Asperger syndrome, SAFE holds a regular youth club in the south of the county where young people aged 13 to 21 years old are able to take part in a wide range of activities including bowling, swimming, rock-climbing, camping, boating, and social events. These clubs continue to be 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 Asperger 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 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 17 years of age is welcome to join us, either with or without their families. Contact Carolann Jackson for more information by email carolann.jackson@talk21.com

SAFE Face-To-Face Sessions

SAFE Members can book a one hour ‘slot’ to chat on a one-to-one basis about any difficulties they are experiencing connected to their AS/HFA or that of their child’s. SAFE’s Development Worker will endeavour to assist and ‘signpost’ them in the right direction.

Contact Andrea our Development Worker if you would like to book a ‘slot’ at development@safeessex.org.uk.

DISCLOSURE:

The information, advice and support given to SAFE Members is for the purpose of providing you with general guidance about your rights and responsibilities; it is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied upon by you. If you need more information about your rights, or you require legal advice about what action to take, you should contact a solicitor.

SAFE’s Development Worker provides information on the basis that it is accurate, but does not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of any use of or the inability to use any information/advice supplied.

SAFE endeavours to provide a service of the highest quality; however, it cannot guarantee that its service will be uninterrupted or error-free.

SAFE is not responsible for claims brought by third parties arising from your use of the advice given by it.

SAFE SPA (Social Participation for Asperger’s)

This group offers adult members (18+) with Asperger’s/High Functioning Autism an opportunity to get together socially during the day.

Meetings take place at Clarence Road Baptist Church, 6 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN.

For further details, please contact Andrea at development@safeessex.org.uk.

SAFE Women’s Group

The SAFE Women’s Group is for any woman (over 18) who is autistic or strongly suspects they are autistic and is held both virtually via Zoom and in person at at Clarence Road Baptist Church, 6 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1AN and a venue in Battlesbridge.

At each meeting we discuss topics including some of the challenges of being a woman on the Spectrum, but some of the positives too.

This is a small and friendly group where members can talk in complete confidence and where they are made most welcome.

SAFE South Support Group
Members only support group for parents. We usually meet the second Monday of the month at 8:00pm at the Southend and District Reform Synagogue, 851 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 9SZ. Please email SAFE Essex to check because the date can change because of religious holidays.
ALPHA SIGMA DELTA

Is your daughter socially isolated as she finds it difficult to engage with others due to a lack of understanding of small talk and other social conventions; does she struggle to be around others for long periods of time?

Do you find it impossible to have a social life due to your child’s needs and also feel isolated as you do not know anyone experiencing similar problems?

Alpha Sigma Delta is a group that enables girls with autism and their parents to come together on a regular basis to make friends and form lasting relationships in a safe and friendly environment.

Do you have a daughter who has social and communication difficulties (it is not essential that she has a formal diagnosis)? Would you like to meet other parents to share advice and peer support?

If you do and your daughter is in the last year of primary school or is older, please contact SAFE’s Development Worker at development@safeessex.org.uk for further details.

Anyone wishing to participate in any of our activities must be a registered member of SAFE. We need your help to continue to run these projects which have had such a positive impact on hundreds of people with Asperger syndrome living across Essex. Any contribution given will be greatly appreciated and will help our group develop into members of society capable of reaching their full potential.