Glossop to host new adult autism support group

Autistic adults in Glossop are invited to attend an information session about a new support group due to start in February. This is an extension of meet ups that already happen in New Mills and Buxton. 

A need for the group was identified by Dr. Zohra Jafri who is a GP at Sett Valley Medical Practice and Lead GP for improving health inequalities in the High Peak. After completing research into autism and related health inequalities, she found that some autistic adults feel that there is a lack of appropriate support, and they may experience social isolation. This can impact on both mental and physical health. 

Dr Zohra said, “I received a lot of feedback from autistic adults who explained that they would like to connect with other autistic adults but felt there was a lack of provision to enable this. This led to the plan to set up the Autistic Adult Support Group in the High Peak. The hope is that the regular weekly meetings will provide a supportive, friendly environment to enable members to connect and share experiences. This will hopefully improve social connectivity and lead to improvements in wellbeing and health." 

Zohra approached Zink, based in Buxton, and New Mills Volunteer Centre who agreed to host the groups in 2025. These have been so beneficial that the idea is expanding to Glossop in 2026. 

The groups have been designed with input from a focus group of autistic adults and using feedback from the wider autistic community in the High Peak. The meetings will take place on Mondays at The Bureau in Glossop.  

Lucian, the Autistic Adults Meet-up Co-ordinator from Zink, said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to extend the group to include Glossop. I hope it will offer support to autistic people based around Glossop, and that it will enabling networking, friendship and mutual support.” 

An information session about the Glossop Adult Autism Group meet ups will be held at The Bureau on Henry Street on Monday 9th February from 4-6pm. Interested adults can drop in and there is no need to have an official diagnosis. For more information email: lucian@zink.org.uk