Bristol Autism Support (BAS) is a peer to peer support charity for parents and carers of autistic children, either diagnosed or undiagnosed in Bristol. Our goal is to improve outcomes for autistic children by providing their parent/ carer with information and timely support whilst connecting them with other parents and carers.
2022 has been a big year for Bristol Autism Support. It was the year we turned 10 years old and the year that our founder Kate Laine Toner stepped down from the charity. It was also the year BAS was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary service which was recently presented to us.
1,439 attendees came to support groups, information sessions and family events
620 parents and carers received 1-1 support through our helpline and peer support service
BAS has seen a significant growth in our membership in 2022 rising from 622 members in January 2022 to 1,038 in December 2022. Our online peer to peer support network group now has 3,253 members.
What did you think of BAS in 2022?
Here is what some of our members said:
‘BAS have been my best support by far whilst going through the most difficult emotional times with my sons SEND. The most kindest, helpful support to me and my family when we felt so isolated and alone.’
‘The helpline was incredibly helpful at a time when I was really lost on what to do. But, I was reassured and signposted to support and given things we could put in place immediately at school’
“I would highly recommend BAS to other families I used to feel isolated and lost before attending their sessions. With their support I feel more confident and involved.”
“I have attended other webinars previously but this course is the absolute best. I have gained so much knowledge and tips and everyone is going through similar things to each other which makes it much easier to be open and non-one is judged.”
Find out more about what we do, who we support and what we achieved in 2022 in our impact report.
