“We are back! Positive Path are hosting small scale socially distanced events in line with the latest government guidance. Check out our Events Page for the latest schedule right up to December”
TASTER EVENINGS LAUNCHED FOR NON-MEMBERS!Come along for a taster evening of funFriday 16th October 7-10pm RingwoodHalloween Event - themed crafts, games and buffet £20 per person.If you are interested in joining our members email jane@positivepathfoundation.org or call 01590 636200
About
Positive Path Foundation is a charity set up to support the development of friendship for adults with both learning difficulties and physical challenges from age 18yrs old and over. The areas covered currently are Hampshire and Dorset, with a view to expand in the future.
The Foundation organises social events that enables their members to meet new people, socialise, enjoy being out in the community and gain new friendship skills.
The Founder of Positive Path Foundation is Jane Atkinson, mother to George, a high functioning 22-year-old autistic young man. She struggled for years to find suitable disability social groups for her son and decided to set up the charity herself to not only benefit George but many others like him.
The Foundation also hosts workshops which help our members to gain the vital communication and life skills for our members.
Should friendships turn into something more, our staff are on hand to chaperone our members on dates, giving them a level of independence to grow their relationship while being kept in a safe environment. Emotional support is also offered to our couples.
Jane is also a therapist offering private counselling sessions to the members and their parents/guardians. Please get in touch for more information.
Meet the team
32.1%
In a study just 32.1 percent of people with autism had had a partner and only 9 percent were married. This contrasts with the statistics of the general population where about 50 percent of adults are married
"Five times as many males as females are diagnosed with autism.
The proportion of males, as opposed to females diagnosed with autism, varies across studies, but always shows a greater proportion of males."
— Fombonne at al (2011) found a mean of 5.5 males to 1 female
The foundation will put on regular social events such as discos, live gigs, bowling, cinema, theatre and eating out.
All events will be chaperoned by Positive Path Foundation staff but if you need additional support, you can bring someone along. All staff will have a valid DBS certificate, ID check and covered under the charity insurance.
Regular workshops will be open to all members who wish to attend. These will include cookery, and communication and friendship skills. We will also offer drama, fitness and wellbeing, travel training, money management and looking for employment. Some events and activities will be divided into two age groups: 18-35 year olds and 36 years and above.
We welcome all our members to make suggestions for events and workshops.
Joining Positive Path Friendship and Dating
If any of our members want to meet up outside of the events, we will provide a chaperone.
"85% OF YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL AND LEARNING CHALLENGES, AGED 18 TO 34, FEEL LONELY."
(Source: Scope, 2017)
Contact us for support, information pack, or general enquiries.
We are always available to advise and support you through the ups and downs of building friendships.