The underlining principle is that your hobbies, interests and purposes can be used as a way of connecting with others, who share similar views in life. The idea is meeting new like-minded people by engaging in activities that you are already tuned into, rather than going to more broad activities or groups where conversations can be harder to follow. Some people might choose not going to a pub group as they will find more difficult to mingle as there isn’t a specific activity to focus on and to talk about.

Re-taking an old hobby or interest can be a good idea too, as well as exploring that interest that you always thought about but never had the opportunity to try. If you are unsure about what your interests are, the social prescriber can help you identify new potential activities to try too.

• Health and wellbeing, e.g. exercise or healthy eating groups     

• Learning, such as academic learning, music, language, cooking etc.

• Sporting activities – participating or watching sporting events  

• Support networks

• Social groups – such as film going, bowling, pub groups             

• Faith activities

• Arts, such as drawing, painting, craft, photography, drama, music         

• Working with nature, e.g. conservation projects

• Volunteering for a local organisation

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels.

The qualifications could help you:

If you’re eligible, you will not have to pay for your level 3 qualification. The government will pay the course fees.

•    an autistic person looking for work
•    an autistic person who is about to start a new role
•    a teacher or parent who would like to support someone to find work
•    employment professionals supporting autistic people eg DWP Work Coaches