February's news and updates from Autism Hampshire
1st February 2026
Welcome to your February update. This month, we’re celebrating remarkable achievements from the people we support, our colleagues, and our wider community - including award wins and inspirational stories. Your support continues to make all of this possible, and we’re grateful to share these moments with you.
Discover who we are: Our new video
For more than 50 years, Autism Hampshire has been creating safe, supportive spaces for autistic people across our communities. None of it would be possible without people like you.
Our new About Us video shows what your support truly means: a lifeline for autistic adults who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
Your kindness and commitment changes lives every day, providing a place where people can be heard, valued, and supported.
Every contribution helps us continue this vital work. Watch the video below.
Get ready for Autism Acceptance Month!
Autism Acceptance Month is coming this April - and we’re excited to share a first look at some of the activities and events we’re planning across the month. Here’s what to look forward to:
- A Day of Purple - Thursday 2nd April: Kicking off the month in colour for World Autism Awareness Day - encouraging as many people as possible to get involved - at work, at home, at clubs or even out in the community.
- Sensory experience activities: Helping people better understand the autistic experience through interactive resources.
- London Marathon stories: Highlighting the incredible runners supporting Autism Hampshire and their own experiences.
- Inclusive recruitment focus: Showcasing how we support neurodivergent candidates - and encouraging others to do the same.
More details will follow soon. Keep updated on our website.
Our training team wins award!
We’re proud to share that our Oliver McGowan Training Team has won the Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Award at the Hampshire Changemakers Awards 2026.
Made up of 10 autistic and learning‑disabled trainers, and four facilitators, the team uses their lived experience to shape understanding and improve care. Their sessions are often described as transformational, helping professionals make immediate, meaningful changes in practice.
This award recognises their authenticity, expertise, and the powerful impact they are having across Hampshire. Well done to each and every one of them!
Read more about their work.
From member to award‑winning employee
A former Serendipity community group member - who went on to volunteer before joining the charity as Business Support Administrator - has already been named Employee of the Month!
Sam's inspirational story started after a late diagnosis of ADHD and being autistic. She first approached Autism Hampshire during a period of burnout and uncertainty, and gradually moved from group member to volunteer to staff member.
Understanding her neurodivergence has been transformative: “When you’re diagnosed late, you question your whole life - but you also get answers. I now know what causes burnout and how to manage my energy.”
Read her full story on our website.
Extraordinary 100‑mile challenge
Did you hear about Mike's seriously long distance run? At the end of December, Mike Austin completed an incredible 100‑mile run in 21 hours and 47 minutes to raise funds for Autism Hampshire, inspired by his five‑year‑old autistic son, Arthur.
Starting at Hilsea Lido, Mike completed 7.3 laps around Portsmouth and has already raised an amazing £13,600 thanks to support from family, friends, and colleagues.
Mike shared that Arthur’s courage motivated every mile: “Arthur faces more challenges in a day than I will likely face in a year… that’s what made me set this challenge for him.”
Read the full story on our website.
Make 2026 a year of adventure
If you’re looking for a goal that lasts longer than a New Year’s resolution, why not take on a challenge that creates memories - and changes lives?
Imagine standing at the peak after an epic trek, cycling through breathtaking landscapes, skiing fresh slopes, or paddling across calm, open water. Every step, mile, and moment helps support autistic people and their families.
Choose your challenge. Choose your date. Make 2026 unforgettable.
Explore all the adventure options here.
Let’s make this a year filled with purpose, connection, and achievement.
Mask off: Creative writing
A new creative writing group, Mask Off, has launched in Southampton. Offering a supportive space for neurodivergent women and non‑binary people who feel comfortable in a women‑centred environment. Led by writer Susan L Edser.
Dates: 16 January to 27 March
When: Fortnightly on Friday mornings, 10:00am–12:00pm
Where: October Books, Portswood Road, Southampton, SO17 2NF
Find out more and book your place on Eventbrite.
Join the Autism Hampshire community
We have a wide range of meaningful career development opportunities available across Autism Hampshire and Avenues Group.
If you’re thinking about your next step, this could be the perfect moment to discover a role where you can grow, thrive, and make a real difference.
Explore our current opportunities - your next chapter could start here.
Thank you for supporting Autism Hampshire.
With your help, we can continue making a difference in the lives of autistic people and their families in the local area.
If there is anything you would like to hear about but don’t see in our updates, please let us know by emailing marketing@autismhampshire.org.uk.