Space4Autism

Who we are

Since 2005, Space4Autism has been a lifeline for autistic people and their families across Cheshire East.

What began as a parent-founded, volunteer-run charity has grown into a thriving organisation supporting more than 10,000 members and delivering over 4,000 activities every year.

Our wide range of services is designed to support autistic people of all ages, as well as their families and carers. These include social groups for autistic children, young people and adults; parent and carer support; an autism-friendly community café; and a charity shop that provides valuable work experience and employment opportunities for autistic adults.

We also offer training and workshops, drop-in and outreach services, a sensory garden, a gaming room, and welcoming spaces available for private hire.

At the heart of everything we do is one simple promise:

We listen. We help. We care.

Our culture and values

Space4Autism believes that every autistic individual should have the opportunity to feel understood, accepted, valuedand included. Autistic individuals and their families should be listened to and have access to the right support, opportunities and community throughout their lives.

Space4Autism also believes in working with autistic individuals, rather than simply providing services for them. Their voices, experiences, strengths and aspirations should help shape the support and opportunities Space4Autism provides.

Core values

• We Listen — We listen to autistic individuals, their families and carers, respecting their individual experiences, needs and choices.
• We Help — We provide practical, meaningful support that helps people build confidence, develop skills, form friendships and access opportunities.
• We Care — We create a welcoming, understanding and autism-friendly community where people feel safe, respected and supported.
• Inclusion — We believe autistic individuals should have equal opportunities to participate, contribute and belong within their communities.
• Respect and individuality — We recognise that every autistic individual is different and value each person for who they are.
• Empowerment — We support autistic individuals to develop independence, confidence and choice, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Community — We bring autistic individuals, families, carers, volunteers, professionals and the wider community together, reducing isolation and building lasting connections.
• Opportunity — We create opportunities for learning, social connection, volunteering, work experience and employment, helping autistic individuals fulfil their potential.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Space4Autism is a Disablity Confident Employer, 

Space4Autism is committed to creating a fair, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to contribute, develop and succeed.

As an organisation supporting autistic individuals and their families, inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We recognise and value difference and are committed to ensuring that our employment practices are fair, accessible and free from discrimination.

We oppose discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation in all forms. We aim to ensure that no employee, volunteer, applicant or person working with Space4Autism is treated unfairly because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic or circumstance.