Become an Autism Ambassador and help make a difference

This Autism Acceptance Week, Hampshire Autism Partnership Board is shining a light on the fantastic role Hampshire’s Autism Ambassadors play and calling for more people to sign up to the scheme

Mar 17 2023

Launched in 2015, the Autism Ambassador Scheme is a joint project between Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Autism Voice, Autism Hampshire, and the South Hampshire Branch of the National Autistic Society. The scheme is designed to build better understanding and acceptance of autism within local communities across the wider Hampshire area. Ambassadors help raise awareness of autism, identifying positive changes within organisations and environments that can support autistic people to live independent and happy lives. 

Ambassadors come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and are provided with full support and training to help them in their role. To date, more than 1,000 people have registered for the scheme. 

To find out more, go to Autism Ambassador Scheme for Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight (ascambassador.org.uk).

Councillor Fran Carpenter, co-chair of the Hampshire Autism Partnership Board, said, “The Autism Ambassador Scheme continues to go from strength to strength, enabling autistic people to have a voice.  

“Every autistic person is different and will have their own strengths and challenges. Many autistic people need extra time to process information, or may feel intense anxiety in certain situations, and find noise and bright lights painful and distressing. Autism Ambassadors help communities understand how they can make reasonable adjustments to support autistic individuals. 

“If you are passionate about making a difference, visit the Autism Ambassador Scheme’s website to find out how to take the next step. This scheme means so much to so many people.” 

If you are looking for support as an autistic individual or as someone supporting an autistic person, visit Autism Hampshire’s Information, Advice, and Guidance webpage.  

The Hampshire Autism Partnership Board comprises Autism Hampshire, the National Autistic Society, and Hampshire Autism Voice as well as other partners from the health, social care, and voluntary sectors.  

The Autism Ambassador scheme forms a key part of the new, comprehensive Autism Strategy for Hampshire as well as the Department of Health’s recommendations in the Think Autism strategy.