Aspirations Project

What is Aspirations?

Aspirations is a service which provides a comprehensive range of support, as well as social and creative activities for people with Asperger Syndrome / Higher Functioning Autism aged ten and above - there is no upper age limit.

Who do we work with?

Aspirations supports people who:

·         Are aged 10 and over (no upper age limit); and have been diagnosed with a higher functioning Autistic Spectrum condition (e.g., Asperger Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism)

·         People who could reasonably expect such a diagnosis

What services do we offer?

• Resource Centre day support and classes
• Youth Clubs
• Group Support
• Sporting and physical activities
• 1-2-1 Support and outreach support
• Independent Travel Training
• Short break holidays
• School / College holiday activities
• Training and support for others working with someone with Asperger Syndrome / Higher Functioning Autism

Resource Centre

Our Resource Centre is based at the Head Office in Stretford. We provide a range of activities including adult day support, classes and youth clubs at the centre. The centre includes computers and internet access, music, arts and crafts room, games rooms, counselling room, training suite and a resource library. Our trained staff are always on hand during Resource Centre sessions to provide information and support, helping people to engage as fully as possible with the activities and other service users.

Youth Clubs

We run shorter (3 hour) targeted Resource Centre sessions for our younger service users, aged 10-18.

Group Support

Staff run group sessions (usually up to six members and two staff but can be bigger both in numbers and staff ratios) which mainly take place outside the Resource

Centre and run for around 3 hours. They are usually based around social interaction activities, such as ten pin bowling, shopping, cinema trips, pub nights, meals out and other mainstream activities. Groups include our Girls Groups, younger aged small groups and our over 18’s group.

Sporting and physical activities

We run physical activities in groups of varying sizes to support the physical wellbeing of our service users. Activities include swimming, football and hiking.

1-2-1 Support

Trained autism specialist staff members will work with a single service user, supporting them to perform practical tasks such as attending a medical appointment, holding down a job, being able to attend college or a learning experience, using public transport, cooking a meal, money management, accessing advice services, accessing social and leisure activities, living independently.  This is a tailored service, and is flexible enough to meet each client’s needs. The service is designed to give our clients greater social and life skills, as well as greater independence.

What do service users get out of Aspirations?

All our services are aimed at helping our service users gain new skills and live more independent lives.

As autism is a complex disability affecting social communication, social interaction and imaginative thinking the social interaction provided through Aspirations generally is just as important as the more practical skills we support clients with.

How do I find out more and make a referral for Aspirations support?

Initially, please contact:

The Aspirations Project Coordinator

Phone: 0161 866 8485

E-mail: aspirations@ asgma.org.uk