We are delighted to launch our partnership with Autism Hampshire to support delivery of a new Autism and ADHD Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service launching across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this April.

Autism Hampshire has been awarded the 3-year contract by the NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB). The service has been designed to transform early support for autistic and ADHD adults in Hampshire.

With neurodivergent adults typically facing greater mental health challenges than others, Solent Mind has always sought to provide appropriate support to meet the needs of this community.

While Autism Hampshire will lead on delivery of this new service, Solent Mind will provide safe, welcoming and accessible spaces for it to take place.

Our Southampton wellbeing centre, and other centres if needed, will host the IAG team from Autism Hampshire. This will give service users a familiar, community-based environment where they can access information, advice and guidance, as well as the opportunity to be referred into our own mental health services if required.

This new provision brings together Autism Hampshire, Hampshire Mind (encompassing Andover Mind, Havant and East Hants Mind, and Solent Mind), and AIM Isle of Wight. The partnership is designed to ensure that services are locally rooted, inclusive, and, with an emphasis on lived experience.

Solent Mind’s involvement will ensure the IAG service support is easy-to-reach, and within trusted community spaces, enhancing both engagement and long-term wellbeing outcomes.

Cheryl Claxton, Head of Community Services at Autism Hampshire, said: "We are incredibly proud to be leading this service in partnership with organisations who share our commitment to co production and lived experience. This model allows us to build on our current services, while expanding support to include ADHD and ensuring autistic and ADHD adults are at the heart of shaping services that truly meet their needs."

Sally Arscott, Solent Mind CEO, said: “At Solent Mind we are committed to expanding our reach, and this new service offers vital support for neurodivergent adults in the region. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Autism Hampshire to ensure that the service is accessible and welcoming for those who need it.”

The new IAG service will include 4 community hubs, a region‑wide digital and telephone support offer, and a neuro‑affirming approach that provides help regardless of diagnosis status.

For more information, visit Autism Hampshire.

To find out about Solent Mind's range of mental health services, visit: Our services | Trusted mental health services in Hampshire