A Winchester autism support group enjoyed a visit from Winchester & Chandlers Ford MP Steve Brine on Wednesday 10th April, as they discussed families coping with autism.
Winchester Autism Group (WAG) was set up in October 2011 by Winchester parents Sam Parsons and Phin Silberrad to support local parents and carers of children on the autistic spectrum In Hampshire.
Sam and Phin said: "The Winchester Autism Group is close to our hearts and its members come together to support each other through the day to day struggle of caring for a young person on the autism spectrum. We offer information, advice and support to help people access services and provisions in Hampshire that will help their young people achieve better outcomes in their lives.
"Many of our members have often felt desperate and isolated by autism but have commented on the positive impact the group has had on their families and the relief at finding other people in the same boat as themselves.
"We were privileged to have Steve Brine join us at this month's coffee morning. Steve is one of the vice-chairs of the All Party Autism Group in Parliament and has shown his continued involvement in autism and special educational needs in our local community and in Parliament. The families we support were delighted to have the opportunity to share some of their experiences with Steve Brine to raise awareness of the issues the families continue to face on a daily basis in Hampshire. "
Steve Brine said: "I was delighted to be able to drop in for a chat, particularly as I well recall the birth of WAG back in 2011. The drive that Sam and Phin show is quite remarkable, and local families affected by autism are extremely well served locally as a result. Since becoming the MP in 2010 I have had so much contact with families affected by issues, largely education based, related to children on the autistic spectrum and it's been so great to help where I could."
Back in 2011, as the group was starting out, Steve linked Sam and Phin up with local PR group Remarkable, who took on the task of creating branding for WAG.
Steve continued: "I am very much looking forward to seeing WAG go from strength to strength, it is a really important local resource that is sadly the only support for some families. I will be continuing to offer my full support through my work in House of Commons on the all-party group and locally as well."