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)
Meets quarterly on Mondays, 12pm–1pm (can run until 5pm).
Workplace Coaching for Autistic Individuals (online)
A new online peer group offering workplace coaching for autistic adults has launched in Newham.
Led by coach and trainer Morwenna Stewart, the programme aims to support autistic adults in building confidence, navigating workplace relationships, and developing practical strategies to thrive at work authentically.
You can find more information by watching this video
Sessions start at 6pm on Wednesday 10th June and continue fortnightly from then (Weds 24th June, Weds 8th July etc).
Staging A Musical Show for Autistic Adults (in-person)
Autistic adults are invited to take part in a creative performance group, where participants can explore music, movement, and drama while working together towards a musical show.
The sessions provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to build confidence, develop creative skills, and connect with others through the performing arts.
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
Late Diagnosed Peer-to-Peer Support Group
At this meeting you can expect to meet other local late diagnosed autistic people; unmask and share your experiences, hear from other like-minded autistic people, gain some advice and practical support to help navigate life post-diagnosis.
The Pineapple Project is a creative wellbeing community initiative supporting autistic adults with mental health challenges through art, creativity, friendship, wellbeing and community connection.
The project creates safe, welcoming and sensory-aware spaces where people can express themselves, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.
Using creative activities such as 3D modelling, sculpture, silk fabric printing, gratitude art, exhibitions and group creative workshops, The Pineapple Project encourages participants to connect with others, reduce isolation and celebrate their individuality in a positive and inclusive environment.
The first session will start in September 2026, participants who register will be notified in September
Therapeutic Gardening at Cody Dock
Looking for a relaxing way to connect with nature and improve your wellbeing?
Cody Dock's Therapeutic Gardening Programme is offering autistic residents a free weekly 2.5-hour gardening sessions on Monday afternoons in a peaceful outdoor setting. Open to anyone aged 16 and over, the six-week programme is designed to support mental and physical wellbeing through gardening, creative activities and connecting with others.
No previous gardening experience is needed - just an interest in spending time outdoors. Participants are provided with all the tools, gloves, materials and guidance they need.
Interested? You can refer yourself directly, there's no need for a professional referral. Visit the sign-up page to find out more and register for the next available programme.
Building Everyday Living Skills: A Group for Autistic Young People
Are you looking for peer support to develop practical everyday living skills in a safe and understanding environment?
If you are an autistic young person aged 18–25 and want to connect with others, share experiences, and support one another, please let us know. We are exploring the possibility of setting up a regular peer support group. If this is something you feel would benefit you, we would love to hear from you.
Topics may include managing money and bills, running a household, and accessing local services such as GP surgeries, dentists, MH and other community support. Or it could be anything else that you would like it to be thatyou shape to gain the support you need.
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.
Newham Autism Small Grants
You can access a Newham Autism Small Grants fund to help launch your group. Grants are subject to availability.
