The group acts a space for those to make friends and meet up.

A free monthly drop-in group for people with learning disabilities and autistic people has launched in Newham – offering a safe space for people to speak out and make friends.

Voice and rights charity VoiceAbility is hosting the Speak Out Newham drop-in group at Chargeable Lane Resource Centre on the second Monday of every month, running from 1pm to 4pm.

It’s a chance for people with learning disabilities and autistic people to speak about issues affecting them, be listened to and have their voice heard in local decisions.

The first hour – 1pm-2pm – is dedicated time for people with a learning disability and the last hour – 3pm-4pm – is for autistic
people, with 2pm-3pm for both communities.

Tina, who is autistic, attended the Newham drop-in last week and said: “The VoiceAbility meeting was exactly what was needed, thank you. I will be back for the next one!”

The next Newham drop-in session takes place Monday 9 January from 1pm to 4pm. You can just turn up, but to find out more contact Trish Moody at trish.moody@voiceability.org or on 07770 012 959.

VoiceAbility also provides a wide range of free advocacy services in Newham to support people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. For more information visit voiceability.org/newham or call the helpline on 0300 303 1660.

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