History of Hampshire Autistic Society
Hampshire Autistic Society was founded by the late Mr and Mrs Philip White MBE and a group of local parents of children with autism in Southampton in the mid-1960’s. Monies were raised and in 1971 the Society purchased a property in Belmont Road, Southampton opening it as Hope Lodge School with 6 children attending.
In 1976 the Society purchased Anglesey Lodge in Alverstoke, Gosport which is now used as a day centre for those adults residing in one of our 5 adult units. It also offers day places for adults outside of the Society. The school progressed and in 1992 moved to a new site in Bitterne Park, Southampton. Belmont Road was retained as a weekly boarding unit for some of the children attending the school. The Society has since added one more weekly boarding facility for up to 6 students and most recently, at the beginning of this year, a termly boarding unit for up to 5 students.
In 1996 the Society opened a Further Education unit for post-16 students at the higher end of the autism spectrum or with Asperger Syndrome.
In 1997 the Society established its own independent Head Office from which the overall business of the Society is managed.
Other services that the Society has built over the years include a strong Outreach and Information Department, Seminars with national and international speakers, Domiciliary Care and Supported Living and a Summer Respite Scheme for students.
Officers of the Society
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President: |
The Lord Ashbourne |
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Vice Presidents: |
Mr Michael Mates MP Dr C Rolles BSc. MB, ChB, FRCP Mr T J C Waterson |
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Fundraising President: |
Mr Lawrie McMenemy |
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Directors - Trustees: |
Mrs P Quan Arrow (Chairman) Mr A Edmonds (Treasurer) Mr G Shields (Secretary) Dr C Hardie Mr D Ng Mrs B Rendell Dr H Slater Mr J Robson Mrs C McCauley |
