A charity with a long history of working in Salford and Greater Manchester is urging families to take advantage of the service they provide.
The I AM Autistic Society works to instil independence, wellbeing and confidence in the autistic community through a range of tailored sessions.
They work closely with families, carers and guardians to help ensure that young people with autism can access the support they need.
Founded in 1968 as the Autistic Society of Greater Manchester Area, the charity started when a small group of parents came together to create local support.
Over the decades, it has developed into a trusted local organisation, built on strong community values and lived experience.
The charity offers 1-to-1 coaching, group activities, and family support, creating a safe space for learning, socialising, and developing life skills.
By members having a supportive network, this helps them feel understood and less isolated.
Nick Foster, the CEO, said: “The thing I love about I AM, and that’s very different to any service I’ve encountered, is that we do long-term support”.
He adds that the Salford programme, funded by the council, is still relatively new but gaining attention: “It is really starting to pick up because people are starting to see it on social media.
Wendy Griffin, Team Leader at I AM, highlighted the focus on social connections: “We’re helping people build healthy friendships and relationships.
For many in Salford, programmes such as youth clubs, social groups, and wellbeing support offer opportunities that aren’t widely available elsewhere. This has helped individuals from Salford and the Greater Manchester area establish routines that enhance their quality of life.
Currently, the charity has around 140 members and aims to reach 250 in the next three years. Nick explains that “to carry on being able to do the work we are doing is a big goal for us”.
