The Usual Place in Dumfries are partnering with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to bring their ‘Good Connections’ project for autistic adults to an even wider audience across Dumfries & Galloway by using local Fire Stations as venues.
‘Good Connections’ will be at Stranraer Fire Station on Tuesday 8th October from 10am to 2pm. Attendees can drop in at any time to meet with organisations including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Wigtownshire Stuff, Dumfries and Galloway Council Lifelong Learning,LGBT+, Dumfries and Galloway Council Employability and Skills Service and Social Security Scotland. They can also talk to staff from The Usual Place, some of whom have lived experience of autism.
Launched in November 2023, ‘Good Connections’ links autistic people into services, activities and opportunities for employment. Funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Inspiring Scotland, ‘Good Connections’ welcomes anyone who has a diagnosis of autism, identifies as autistic, or provides informal care to an autistic person. Visitors can have a warm introduction to some of the small group of organisations who have been invited to come along to each event to chat, connect, listen and find out about the relevant services and support available.
Lived Experience Trainer from The Usual Place Luke says “This is a good opportunity for The Usual Place to work alongside the Fire and Rescue Service, promoting local organisations in a space where people feel safe.”
Good Connections Project Coordinator Alison Ball said “We are delighted to be able to bring Good Connections out to the community and into spaces that are familiar to local people. We are very grateful to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for providing their spaces, which will enable us to hold even more events and reach a wider group of people.”
Lucy Donaldson, Station Commander at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer our support to such a fantastic community initiative in Dumfries & Galloway. Good Connections is a wonderful project which will continue to benefit autistic adults across the area, and we are very proud of our contribution to this. We hope many more people can be supported by this programme in the future and look forward to seeing it grow in success.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about Good Connections for Autistic Adults should come along to one of the events or contact Joanna or Alison at The Usual Place on: 07599 104 975, [email protected] [email protected]
