Autism Hampshire, part of Avenues Group, is delighted to celebrate the successful launch of four new Autism & ADHD Community Hubs across Southampton, Andover, Havant and Ise of Wight marking an exciting new chapter in neurodivergent support across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The launch events were a resounding success, bringing together autistic and ADHD adults, community partners, stakeholders and local services to mark the beginning of this important new service. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the teams, hear from lived experience speakers, learn more about the support available through the hubs, and connect with others who share a commitment to inclusive, identity-affirming care.

The events reflected exactly what the hubs are designed to be: welcoming, supportive spaces where neurodivergent adults feel understood, valued and empowered.

The Community Hubs form part of a wider Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service commissioned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB). Open to autistic and/or ADHD adults aged 18 and over, including those without a formal diagnosis, the service is delivered by Autism Hampshire in partnership with Andover Mind, Havant & East Hants Mind, Solent Mind and AIM Isle of Wight.

Each hub provides:

• One-to-one neurodivergent peer support sessions
• Peer support groups and co-produced wellbeing workshops
• Drop-in sessions and community outreach events
• Strengths-based, holistic support plans
• Access to information, resources and signposting

A defining feature of the service is that all hubs are staffed by people with lived experience of autism and/or ADHD. This perspective sits at the heart of the support offered, creating an environment built on understanding, authenticity and trust. Lived experience brings practical insight, relatable strategies and a strengths-based approach.

The Havant hub launch highlighted the power of partnership working and co-production. Bringing together organisations with shared values and a common purpose demonstrated what can be achieved when professional expertise and lived experience work hand in hand.

During the event, one member of staff shared a poem that beautifully captured the spirit of the collaboration:

"Two teams with different day-to-days, but hearts that beat the same bold way."

The partnership demonstrated what happens when organisations move beyond working in parallel and instead choose to collaborate, combining knowledge, experience and resources to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

"Because the magic wasn't in the talk, but in the way we chose to walk — together, not in separate lanes, but linking arms across domains."

This spirit of genuine collaboration will continue to shape all three hubs as they grow and evolve. The service has been co-produced with neurodivergent people and is built on strong partnerships that extend across organisational and community boundaries.

As the poem concluded:

"So here's to us, to what we've shown — that no one team can stand alone. But when we join, align, connect, we amplify, we all reflect."

With the launch events now complete, all four hubs are open and welcoming referrals and self-referrals from across the region.

The Information, Advice and Guidance service helpline operates Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with support available via telephone, email, online and face-to-face appointments.

Autism Hampshire would like to thank everyone who attended the launch events, our dedicated delivery partners, and all those who have supported and championed this service from the very beginning. The positive response has been overwhelmingly encouraging, and we look forward to seeing the difference these hubs will make in the lives of neurodivergent adults across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

For more information about the Autism & ADHD Community Hubs and the Information, Advice and Guidance service, visit www.autismhampshire.org.uk/how-we-can-help/adults/.