The Hive Avon Limited

Who we are

The Hive Avon is a charity that works alongside autistic and learning-disabled adults helping them to lead more independent lives. We believe that all people with a learning disability/autism should be included in their community, feel valued and lead more fulfilling lives. Primarily working in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, we support 300 service users a year (plus their families/carers), providing a range of daytime and evening services aimed at increasing independence to a level that is appropriate for each individual, and supporting families with dependent sons, daughters and relatives.

Our culture and values

Why Our Work Matters

Awareness and understanding of learning‑disabled and autistic people remains limited. Many individuals experience:

• Social isolation and few opportunities to participate in mainstream community life
• Heavy reliance on family or carers, often due to over‑protection
• Underestimation of their abilities and potential
• Exposure to hate crime in public spaces and online

These barriers restrict independence, confidence and wellbeing. Our work exists to challenge these inequalities and create opportunities for people to thrive.

What We Do

We only deliver services that are not available elsewhere, ensuring our work fills genuine gaps in local provision. Our key projects include:

• Drop‑In Centre: A safe, welcoming social space to meet friends and build confidence
• Education Programme: Tailored learning opportunities that develop life skills and independence
• Peer Support & Social Events: Reducing loneliness and building community connections
• Family/Carer Support: Individual guidance, information and practical help

Our ambitions are rooted in a core belief: autistic and learning‑disabled adults have the same rights to choice, education, housing, health, employment and civil participation as everyone else.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Hive Avon Ltd’s purpose is to work with people with a learning disability to enable them to lead full lives. Our vision is a world where everyone with a learning disability has an equal right to choice, opportunity and respect, with the support they need.

 The Hive Avon Ltd believes its purpose and vision can only be achieved if we make full use of the talents and resources of all our employees and volunteers. We aim to be a diverse organisation, where individual differences are recognised and valued and where discriminatory attitudes or practices are challenged.

Diversity refers to the broad range of visible and non-visible differences that characterise people. Some of these qualities include race, age, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion/community background, political belief, sex, disability, appearance, sexuality, responsibility for dependants, marital status, HIV status and work style.

The Hive Avon Ltd believes that if we have a diverse workforce, we are better equipped to meet the needs of service users from diverse backgrounds and with individual needs.

 In particular, we are committed to encouraging and supporting people with a learning disability to play an active role as staff, volunteers and on the Management Committee.