Ours is a holistic peer approach, so we don't just provide activities and space for autistic girls and women.  We support their parents and carers too.  We aim to offer a dedicated space for parents and carers to connect at all our in-person Girls and Teen Sessions.  We have specially trained and experienced staff (also parents of autistic daughters), who gently facilitate these Sessions.  It's very light touch - we help the conversation flow and offer advice and support where needed.  Most of all, this is an opportunity for you to realise you are not alone and to share experiences with others.

"I loved the chance to talk to other parents and not feel like I was boring/burdening them by talking all things autism as I might with friends or family.  I think I got more from it than I ever expected to."

Mum from a recent Girls Group.

Parent and Carer Support at our Monthly Girls and Teen Groups

Who are the Sessions for?

Our Parent/Carer Sessions are for parents and carers of autistic daughters aged 7-18 who are attending the Monthly Girls or Teen Group.  These girls may already have a diagnosis of autism or are on the pathway to assessment or whom you may suspect are autistic. 

What is the aim of the Sessions?

We hope that meeting other parents and carers who have autistic girls this will reduce social isolation and enable you to connect with others with shared experiences.  We also aim to offer peer support, advice and signposting from our experienced facilitators with lived experience themselves.

What will happen in the Sessions and how long will they be?

The Parent and Carer Sessions take place at the same time as the Girls and Teen Groups.  They are for 2 hours.  You will be able to chat to others, have a cuppa and a biscuit, catch up on work, sit quietly or access our library.  Read about a dad's experience at our parent carer sessions here.

Who will be running the Sessions?

The Sessions will be gently facilitated by one of our experienced Parent and Carer Facilitators.  This is normally either Sally, Jo M, Kira or Cathryn. If you would like more information, email our Parent Carer Programme Manager Cathryn on cathryn@appeer.org.uk.

Where will the Sessions be held?

The Sessions take place in Woking at the same venue as our Monthly Girls and Teen Groups.  We have two dedicated spaces for the parents and carers:

At the Monthly Girls Group:

• The Old Dining Room - This is a lovely oak-panelled cosy room with a fireplace and plenty of seating.  This is where you can get a cuppa and a biscuit and chat to other parents and carers.  We arrange the groups in such a way that you will be speaking to those with daughters whose autism presents in a similar way to your daughter or are of a similar age.  Parents and carers are able to connect in this space, sharing experiences, tips and stories. 

• The New Dining Room - This is where we have our quiet space where you can go and read or just have some down time.  We know not everyone likes to join a large group, so we provide this quieter area for those who would like to have some space to themselves.  As parents and carers of autistic young people we often don't have a lot of this kind of time, so please always feel free to use the quiet space to read, catch up on life admin or just sit peacefully.  If you would prefer to be on your own we also provide a quiet space in the school's reception area, away from the main groups.

Times and Dates:

Monthly Girls Group - Summer Term 25

22nd June, 13th July

Monthly Teen Group Summer Term 25

8th June, 6th July

What is the cost and how do I book?

If your daughter is attending the Girls or Teen Group there is no cost for you to attend the Parent/Carer Session at the same time.   

Ad Hoc Sessions

During our Ad Hoc activities like the horse sanctuary visits, gaming or ceramics cafe sessions, we will always aim to provide a space for parents and carers to connect while the girls and teens enjoy their activities.  We are often able to access a cafe or area at the venue where we can serve teas and coffees.  We will always let you know in advance what the parent and carer offering is.  When we run Ad Hoc Sessions for new joiners, we will always have an Appeer Parent/Carer Facilitator available to guide you through the Session.  If your daughter is attending the Session there is no cost for you to attend the Parent/Carer Session at the same time.

Weekday Groups (Alternative Provision)

We encourage parents and carers to stay for the Weekday Group if they are able.  We offer a dedicated space for parents and carers to connect, have a cuppa, chat or catch up with work.  We have specially trained and experienced staff, who are also parents of autistic daughters, who gently facilitate these Sessions.  It's very light touch - we help the conversation flow and offer advice and support where needed.  Most of all, this is an opportunity for you to realise you are not alone.