Room One, an information and support service for autistic people, has moved to a bigger location in Portsmouth.
The space – now at Spithead Resource Centre, Montgomerie Road, PO5 1EB – is a one-stop shop for autistic and neurodivergent adults aged 18+ in the PO1-PO6 area, their family and friends, and the professionals supporting them.
The team offers information and advice about living independently, socialising and referrals to other services if needed.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, officially opened the new venue. He said:
“Room One is run by autistic people for autistic people, and because you don’t need a diagnosis to access the service, people are getting the support they want without needing to rely on a formal diagnosis.
“We first launched the service in summer 2022 and in the last year, we’ve delivered more than 500 sessions for autistic and neurodivergent adults. To be able move to bigger premises after two years and offer even more one-to-one support and group sessions is testament to the service and the fantastic work the team are delivering in our community.”
Room One was initially developed in partnership with autistic and neurodiverse people as part of a co-production steering group to re-model the community support available for autistic and neurodiverse adults in Portsmouth. It is now run by staff with their own lived experience of autism and neurodivergence and aims to support adults across the city.
One of the adults who has used Room One was struggling with mental health and was regularly accessing crisis services to seek support. They wanted to improve their wellbeing and requested support from a provider that understood neurodivergent needs, as well as help in moving to supporting accommodation – which the team were able to help with.
Now, they are settled in accommodation and attending regular groups, their wellbeing is much improved, and they are no longer contacting services for help.
They said: “I was struggling to manage for a long time before getting help from Lorraine at Room One. Her understanding of neurodivergence is a major factor in why her support has been so useful, and she has supported me in increasing my independence when I was previously struggling to care for myself.
“She has helped me with managing daily routines, food intake and shopping, self-care and communication. She has helped with communicating with other services and advocating for my needs, which has been instrumental in getting me appropriate housing and support. Without Lorraine’s help, I don’t think I would have survived my last mental health crisis.”
Room One operates Monday to Friday. Opening times and group sessions vary.
To attend a one-to-one or group session or request support, please contact Room One on roomone@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 07533 607 473.
