About
A group to enable social opportunities and activities for families and autistic individuals.
We are focused around building a strong community of support for autistics and the people that they count as their support. To help stop the isolation that is created by having a child on the spectrum. To give families and parents an opportunity to feel included, valued and not judged.
We use our combined knowledge and experiences as individuals in the 'autism community' to help each other.
We are also working towards creating opportunities for individuals with autism to have a space to feel included, to make friends and share interests without judgement.
A Bit of Background
Upper Hutt Autism Group was created in 2018 by Judi Huxedurp as a support meeting for local families. Judi based the groups model on the Sydney based charity ACN, where she volunteered and coordinated the Northern Beaches groups. She saw and felt the support, help and friendships the a group gave to it's members and wanted that here in Upper Hutt.
In 2024 UHAG became a registered incorporated charitable trust, with Judi as the Chairperson, Belinda Southcombe and Natasha Margrain the other trustees. Belinda and Natasha started their association with UHAG as members, but quickly saw the benefit that UHAG brought to not only the autism community, but the entire local community. This change doesn't change UHAG's core of supporting and creating amazing friendships but is more a proof that this has and is happening.
Our Story
Creating friendships and bringing back laughter.
We support the needs of our community through varied ways.
Provide support groups, social groups, kids clubs and information days
Use volunteers with lived experiences to run most of our activities, people who understand the needs and issues first hand
Connect people through a Secret Status Facebook page to communicate with the group, on a local area level, connecting with their local communities