Peer to peer support groups

Local autism peer support groups

Our peer support groups are friendly, calm spaces where autistic adults can meet others, share experiences, and feel understood. 

Everyone is welcome - whether you’re diagnosed, self‑diagnosed, or exploring what autism means for you.

If you need more information or have any questions please email: Autism.Commissioning@newham.gov.uk

Hear local autistic residents views on the peer support groups

Click here to read about the real experiences from autistic people in Newham attending peer support groups. They may help you get a sense of what our groups feel like.

You can also watch a video about people talking about their experiences here.

Current groups:

Open Adults Autism Peer Support Group (In‑Person)

Carers of Autistic Adults (in-person)

Mental Health Peer Support Group (in-person)

  • Hosted by VoiceAbility.
  • A calm space for autistic adults to share tips and support around mental health
  • Drop in - Second Monday each month, 12:30pm–2pm
  • The Resource Centre, 200 Chargeable Lane, E13 8DW
  • Email: SpeakOutNewham@voiceability.org
  • Phone: 0300 303 1660

Beckton Friendship Club (in-person)

  • For autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities.
  • Second Saturday each month, 2pm–3:30pm
  • Beckton Globe Library, 1 Kingsford Way, London E6 5JQ
  • To register your interest email: shamilla.kumari@newham.gov.uk

Autism, Work & Anxiety Peer Support Group (online)

  • For autistic adults, including those who are self‑diagnosed or on the waiting list
  • People in volunteering roles are welcome
  • This group is currently on hold until we find a suitable replacement to run the group, if you are interested please contact Autism.Commissioning@newham.gov.uk

We are excited to let you know in 2026 we will launch these new autism support groups as listed below!

  • Carers of Autistic Young People Peer Support Group
  • Music & Dance Stage Show
  • Work Coaching for Autistic People
  • Learning Hub for 13-17 year olds

More information to come.

Interested in setting up and running your own autistic peer-to-peer support group?

Check out this video sharing tips on how to get started when setting up a peer support group:

This useful document explains how to set up your own group: NAS Toolkit

Locally, we released a survey in 2025 to ask what autistic residents want from a peer-to-peer support group, a summary of the findings can be found here.

This information will help anyone setting up a group locally to understand the needs and priorities of autistic residents in Newham.

The findings provide clear, accessible baseline information to help individuals and groups design and develop their own support offer.

nas toolkit

Newham Autism Small Grants

You can access a Newham Autism Small Grants fund to help launch your group. Grants are subject to availability. 

More information here: Small Grants Guidance (PDF) and Small Grants Funding Application (Word)

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