A Hull-based charity that provides support and advice for people with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome relaunched as an independent entity with a wide ranging programme aimed at helping people across East Ridings with the condition.
Matthew’s Hub, founded in 2014 by the Humberside FiND charity, delivers advice, education, work placement assistance, advocacy and social networking opportunities for some of the estimated 4000 adults living with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Included within the charity’s new remit is delivery of their bespoke ‘Journey to Employment’ training programme for DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) clients with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Matthew’s Hub is also in discussion with other public sector bodies about possible autism awareness training delivery.
Gill Poole of Matthew’s Hub explained: “We have developed five work streams; the DWP work programme, autism awareness training, diagnosis of autism, advocacy and safe space for socialisation.”
Ryan Berry of Matthew’s Hub commented:
“This is all about relaunching Matthew’s Hub as an independent charity, promoting awareness of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and encouraging inclusion. We are now masters of our own destiny.”
Around 1 in 100 people live with autism around the world. Within the Hull and East Ridings region there are between 2900 and 4300 autistic people with an IQ of 70 or abovelower. Around 80% are male and that is reflected in the 270 ‘members’ involved with Matthew’s Hub.
Simona Rizzardi, founder of Matthew’s Hub and mother of Matthew Batty, a young man on the autistic spectrum who sadly lost his life in Hull in 2009, commented:
“This represents a brilliant new chapter for the now independent charity and a great legacy for the memory of Matthew.”
For more details visit www.matthewshub.org.uk.
A short Youtube video profiling Matthew’s Hub can be viewed below;
