A peer support group for autistic people who have experienced mental health challenges has spoken out about the “vital” role it plays in people’s lives.
Speak Out Newham, in Newham and run by national advocacy charity VoiceAbility, creates a safe space for autistic adults to connect, share experiences and support one another.
The group has been raising awareness during World Autism Acceptance Month by highlighting the importance of lived experience and peer-led support.
Since its launch, the group has been meeting at the Resource Centre on Chargeable Lane in Plaistow and runs every second Monday of the month from 12.30pm to 2pm.
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Trish Moody, a facilitator for VoiceAbility, said: "Because many services are closing, there is very little free support in Newham for people with autism and mental health needs to come together and support one another.
"We listened to the attendees of our Newham drop-in (open to people with learning disabilities and autistic people), who told us there is a real need for a space where people can speak openly and connect with peers who understand their experiences."
Peer support worker Bella Miles, who was diagnosed with autism later in life and has personal experience of mental health challenges, described peer support as "all about people coming together through shared lived experience".
Ms Miles said: "What makes it so powerful – and so crucial – is that it’s mutual. It’s not about one person being the expert and another being 'helped'.
"Everyone brings value through their own experiences, and that creates a really empowering dynamic where people feel less alone and more confident in themselves."
She emphasised the importance of peer-led environments for autistic people.
Ms Miles said: "It’s so important because, for many autistic people, mental health challenges aren’t the exception – they’re very common. A lot of that comes from living in a society that isn’t really designed for neurodivergent people, which can create ongoing stress, barriers, and sometimes trauma.
"There’s also a lot of overlap between autistic traits and conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD or personality disorders, which can sometimes lead to people being misunderstood or misdiagnosed."
She also noted gaps in professional understanding.
Ms Miles said: "There’s still a real gap in neurodiversity training across parts of the mental health field. That can mean professionals don’t always recognise how mental health presents in autistic people, or how to adapt support in a way that’s actually accessible."
The peer group offers an alternative approach.
Ms Miles said: "It offers something different – a space where people feel understood without having to explain or justify themselves, and where their experiences are recognised as valid."
The group welcomes any adult who is struggling with their mental health and is autistic, self-diagnosed as autistic or is exploring/considering their own autism and wants to learn more.
No booking is required. Attendees can go to Resource Centre in Chargeable Lane, Plaistow on the second Monday of each month between 12.30pm and 2pm.
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