We offer group Sessions for autistic teen girls aged 13-18 within or local to Woking, Surrey.


What does Appeer offer to autistic teenage girls?


Monthly Teen Group - this takes place on monthly Sundays in Woking. This is a social interest group for girls aged 13/18 and their parents and carers. Sessions run between 11am-1pm for rising 13s year olds - 15 year olds and between 2-4 pm for 15 to 18 year olds. 


Weekday Group - We run an Alternative Provision on Monday and a Tuesday morning in Woking for girls aged 13-18 years who are out of school or struggling in school. These groups are held in St. John's Village, Woking.

 

Ad Hoc Sessions - We run Ad Hoc Activity Sessions in Surrey venues, such as at horse sanctuaries, climbing centres and gaming cafes. These are open to autistic teenage girls within and local to Surrey.


Teens Exploring Work Programme - This annual programme to support autistic teenage girls connect, advocate for themselves in the workplace and gain work experience runs every summer. This programme is extremely successful, with our candidates going on to college, university and voluntary and paid work.


Online Sessions - Teens can join our regular Minecraft Sessions, which offer a valuable chance for autistic girls to connect with their peers. Young people are facilitated by an experienced member of staff and our Gaming Mentor.  NB: We are in the process of scheduling our Online Sessions. Dates will be available after October half term.


Monthly Teen Group - Key Information


Who is the Group for?


These monthly group Sessions are for autistic (diagnosed or suspected) girls aged 13-18 and their parents/carers on monthly Sundays.


What is the aim of the Group?


We aim to provide a space for autistic girls aged 13-18 years and their parents and carers to connect with their peers to help ease social isolation. 


What will happen in each Group and how long will the Sessions be?


The groups take place on monthly Sundays.  They run between 11 am - 1pm pm (ages 13-15) and 2 pm - 4 pm (ages 15-18).  We offer a variety of activities, including outdoor activities, a flexible break time with options available for girls to link with other group members or spend quiet time, and indoor interest-based activities including arts, crafts, cooking, tech and more.  Joining instructions and visual timetables will be sent 5 to 7 days before Sessions. We will include optional activities around being autistic, such as about sensory needs.  Each Session will involve 2 x 1 hour activities (outdoor adventure, arts/crafts, animals and interest-based sessions) with a facilitated break with some optional crafts and snack making in one room and a facilitated quiet room available for those who prefer to enjoy a break in silence. 


A room with tea/coffee and a Parent/Carer facilitator will also be available for parents/carers to receive signposting, advice or just a nice chat.


Who will be running the Groups?


The Groups will be run by our Teen Programme Manager (Maternity Cover), Nicki,  supported by at least 6 specialist staff.  The parents and carers will be supported by one of our experienced Parent/Carer Facilitators, normally Jo/Sally.  If you have any questions please email nicki@appeer.org.uk.


Where will the Group be held?


The Monthly Teen Group is held at a quiet school site in Woking.  This setting includes the whole site, including Forest school, outside fields, courts and play equipment, a cooking room, a drama auditorium, dining rooms, classrooms and more, which enables us to plan diverse and exciting activities.  There is dedicated parking and it's only a mile from Woking station.


Times and Dates


Autumn Term 2024 dates:   15th September, 13th October, 3rd November, 1st December 2024


What is the cost and how do I book?


Sessions cost £36/£18 concessions (incl. of VAT).


In order to book on to a Session you will need to complete our application form here.  As per our General Terms & Conditions, cancellations of at least 7 days prior to the event will be entitled to a full refund.  We regret no other refunds can be given.


Places are booked on a monthly basis, so you can just book and pay for the Sessions you are able to attend.  If requested, we will do our best to enable girls to be with the same girls they were with the last time they attended, as they develop links with others, so that there is familiarity and consistency as far as we can manage.  The day after any group has run, priority bookings will be made available to those who have attended this group previously.  The Priority Booking Window will be open for 7 days and then be opened up to new families. 


How can I ensure my daughter gets a place every month? 


The advance booking period will be open for a week. After that, spaces will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We will of course do our best to ensure that we can provide consistent and authentic peer groups for the girls where we can and will manage any admissions according to our Admissions Policy.


Please note, our current programmes have been designed to support those who are suspected or diagnosed as being autistic, who may also have other neurodiverse conditions. In the future we hope to expand our activities to support those with other neurodiverse conditions  who aren't autistic too, e.g. ADHD.

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