SIGNAL is a support group for autistic children, young people and their families established in 1993 by parents of autistic children in the borough of Lewisham, South East London. From the original 20 families we are now 300
We try and improve the quality of the lives of our autistic children through providing access to activities such as trampolining and swimming and trips for families to socialise in a non-judgemental environment. We also run a weekly group for autistic teenagers.
We also provide opportunities for parents to socialise and share their experiences of local resources so that families are able to navigate through the complex education and health systems in order to get the best for their child and young person.
We have monthly workshops with speakers who are invited to come to talk to SIGNAL members about relevant topics. We aim to invite speakers who are themselves autistic wherever that is possible.
Over the period of the COVID-19 we have had to adapt how we work, putting all our activity online. We have found that this has actually made some of our activities more accessible to members and will continue to deliver some activities online once we are able to meet in person again. We also secured funding for heavily subsidised counselling, delivered by the Deborah Ubee Trust
As a response to the Black Lives Matter movement becoming more prominent SIGNAL trustees have taken some time to reflect on how the charity can better support black families in our community. We are currently considering the best way forward and will keep you updated.
If you’d like to chat to someone before attending an event, or to find out more about joining, please get in touch – go to Contact Us for details.