The Suffolk Autism Social Club (SASC) is a safe space for autistic adults (18+) to socialize and mix with other autistic people. This is a friendly and relaxed environment where members can meet up to talk as well as participate in planned activities. There is no pressure or obligation for people to engage in activities, some people like to just sit and chat. We have tabletop, and board games available and some people like to bring their own. There is background music and drinks available throughout the evening.
Past activities include gaming evening, movie night, quiz night, drawing and sketching, disco, and parties. The club sometimes hosts talks and invites guest speakers from local organizations and community groups. Members often share their own interests and hobbies, activities are decided in advance by our members, and anyone is welcome to bring along new ideas.
Experienced facilitators and volunteers are on hand to make people feel welcome and listen to members. They can provide information and signposting if it is required. There is often a social worker from the Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) NHS autism diagnostic team present and a practitioner from Leading Lives Short Term Enablement (STE) service.
The group meets between 6 and 8pm on the first Friday of every month at Rushmere Community Hub, Ipswich, and you are welcome to bring a friend or support worker with you.
There is no charge to come along to the club, but we do ask for small donations so we can provide beverages and other supplies.
To find out more, contact info@leadinglives.org.uk and put Suffolk Autism Social Club in the subject box. If you want to speak with someone, contact: Boo Dendy 07717302626.
We regularly review the service with members and hold a yearly club centered review. Some of the things members have said include…
As the club grows from strength to strength we hope to offer, as asked by our members, future evenings on Comics, Gaming, mixed event for different groups of people, film nights, discos, community based groups and to continue to develop with feedback from members.
Rushmere Community Hub is next to Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, IP4 3PD. Highlighted in green on the map below.
There are several buses that will bring you close to the community hub, however there is between an 8 – 15-minute walk from the closest stops to the hub.
Bus Routes 64, 65, 66 and 66A run from The Old Cattle Market, Ipswich Town Centre to Playford Road.
