Leeds Autism AIM Monthly Update: December 2021
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Hello and welcome to our latest monthly newsletter! In this update from Leeds Autism AIM, part of The Advonet Group, we have news on:
- Our monthly timetable of online groups
- Introducing the new AIM logo
- New Lottery grant to fund mentoring and peer support
- Our Seasonal Social
- Leeds City Council's autism lead's retirement
- Our Christmas and New Year opening hours
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Online Groups timetable: December 2021
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We're holding a Peer Support Group session on the 7th from 6pm-7pm. Our monthly Women-Aligned Group is on the 14th from 5:30pm-6:30pm. On the 21st, we are holding a Seasonal Social in place of a Peer Support Group from 6pm-7:30pm.
Due to the bank holidays later this month, we won't be running a Gaming Group or Coproduction Group session. Both will return in January.
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Online Groups mailing list
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If you are interested in joining any of our groups, we have a mailing list with information on how to join. If you would like to sign up, please click on the link below.
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Introducing… our new logo
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After acting on feedback from members of our staff team, steering group and our Coproduction Group, we have designed a brand-new logo for Leeds Autism AIM. It now features on our website, social media accounts and in some of our resources.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed their ideas to the logo and to everyone who has commented on it.
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New Lottery funding secured for next three years
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Starting early next year, Leeds Autism AIM will receive funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to resume some of our services next year. The grant, which will run for three years, will see our mentoring and one-to-one peer support return.
The funding will also enable us to do more work in other areas. Huge thanks to the Lottery for their continued support.
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On Tuesday 21st December, we’re holding a festive social group on Zoom. It will be led by autistic members of the AIM team and is for autistic adults (aged 18 and over).
It’s on from 6pm to 7:30pm and, as with all our groups, it’s free to attend. More info on the social and how to join in is available by clicking on the link below.
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Extra Christmas update: In two weeks’ time, we will be sending out another update. This will have links to some resources we’re producing to help get you through the festive period, including:
- A three-week Christmas and New Year calendar
- A booklet with information on support at Christmas
- Links to some of the #XmasAutisticLifeHacks we have produced over the past few years
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Good luck on your retirement, Helen!
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Last week’s Autism Reference Group was the last one organised by Helen Gee, Commissioning and Development Officer (Autistic Spectrum Conditions) for Leeds City Council. At the end of this year, Helen will be retiring after many years working for the Council and with Leeds NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Through the years, Helen has lent her support in the development of Leeds Autism AIM in so many ways and has helped autistic adults’ voices to be strongly heard through the Reference Group and Autism Partnership Board. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Helen from the very beginning on areas such as access to services, employment, health and mental health.
Thanks for everything you have done for autistic people in Leeds, Helen, as well as your support for AIM to develop. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
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Our Christmas/New Year opening hours
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During the three-week period covering Christmas and New Year, there are some days when Leeds Autism AIM and the Advonet Group will be closed. AIM will be closed from Wednesday 22nd December to Monday 3rd January. We will be back to normal on Tuesday 4th January 2022.
The Advonet Group’s office will be closed on Monday 27th December, Tuesday 28th December and on Monday 3rd January 2022. More information on our seasonal opening hours will be published on our Facebook and Twitter accounts in the coming days.
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Our Autism Health Access Project, working with the Leeds Student Medical Practice and The Light Surgery Primary Care Network, is still open to work with autistic adults registered with or living near either surgery.
The project team are working on new resources on communicating healthcare needs. These will be available soon. For more info on how the project can help you, please click here.
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LAA meeting at Civic Hall this evening
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Leeds Asperger Adults (LAA) are holding their monthly meeting for December in person this evening (Tuesday 7th December)! It's at Leeds Civic Hall from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. Leeds City Council have asked anyone attending the meeting to wear a face mask.
They are also planning a Christmas meal for anyone who would like to attend. If you are interested, please email Margaret Tait at jamestaituk@yahoo.co.uk. Restrictions pending, LAA's next meeting will be on Tuesday 4th January 2022.
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Council’s Omicron variant update
Last week, Leeds City Council published an update on the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, following announcements made by the government. It covers issues such as getting a vaccine, wearing face masks, international travel and isolating if testing positive. The update can be read in full on Forum Central's website by clicking on the link below.
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Admin and involvement job vacancies
The Advonet Group currently have two part-time jobs going. One is for an Office Administrator on 22 hours per week. The second is for a Client Involvement Worker, offering eight hours per month. The deadline for the first role is Thursday 9th December; it’s Friday 10th December for the Involvement role.
Please click below to find more info on both vacancies.
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LDPO’s 2021 AGM takes place this month
The Leeds Disabled People’s Organisation (LDPO) are holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 14th December. It will be online and will elect new officers to their Committee. The AGM is open to disabled people in the Leeds area and is free to attend.
If you want to attend the AGM, please click on the button below to email the LDPO.
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