From hairdresser to coordinator: One woman’s journey with Autism Hampshire

6th October 2025

Inspired by her young daughter, Georgie joined the Autism Hampshire team earlier this year - and has already been nominated for two awards recognising her hard work.

Georgie Russell, Autism Hampshire’s newest Serendipity Groups Coordinator, began the role in May.

Her daughter, who was diagnosed as autistic at the age of three, was the driving force behind her decision to change careers.

Georgie said: “My daughter is autistic and through her I wanted to help create safe spaces for autistic people because they are still quite few and far between.

“My daughter inspired it more than anything. After going through the diagnosis journey with her, I learnt as much as I could.”

Before joining Autism Hampshire, Georgie worked as a hairdresser. She explains that there is one similarity between hairdressing and being a Serendipity Group Coordinator… The ability to put someone at ease. Talking to them and enabling them to get involved should they want to.

Since starting her new role, Georgie has loved working with the members of the Serendipity Community Groups.

“I have loved it. Members are great, they have been really welcoming,” said Georgie. “We have a lot of fun at the groups. There are points when I’m like ‘I can’t believe that this is my job now’.

“It’s really lovely to get so many different perspectives. They have had some really varied experiences which is really interesting. They have all been brilliant.”

Georgie’s commitment and passion were clear when, alongside Carley Brazier (Autism Specialist Trainer - External Training), she was named employee of the month in July.

They were nominated after they both represented Autism Hampshire at the Basingstoke Disability Awareness event in June. Together, they spoke with more than 65 people about autism, answered questions, and raised funds for the charity.

Then at the end of September, Georgie was shortlisted at Autism Hampshire’s annual staff celebrations for Newcomer of the Year.

“I really wasn’t expecting the award,” said Georgie. “It was really lovely to be appreciated. I’m still finding my feet a little bit. I’m just happy that the work I’m doing is appreciated as I very much appreciate being here.”

Georgie and the Serendipity team are currently looking for volunteers to help out at the Serendipity Community Groups for a few hours each month. You can find out more about Serendipity Community Groups here.