It’s a practical and effective guide to give you and your organisation a greater chance of success.
All proceeds from the sale of this book support SJOG's ongoing work.
Available now on Amazon: amzn.eu/d/eZfd6Yb
Did you know we have a book?
We're Here to Help, written by SJOG's Executive Management Team, explores the valuable lessons they've learned from saving a 140-year-old charity.
#WorldBookDay
For more information, or to speak to the team, please email:
meryemcetinkaya@sjog.org.uk
heretohelp@sjog.org.uk
The next Northallerton session will take place on the 30th April, 1–3pm, at Northallerton Library.
Whether you’re seeking advice or simply want to meet others in the community, we’re here to support you.
Cheryl said, “This photo shows some (yes, some!) of the attendees from our Northallerton support group at the library.
We covered a multitude of topics, which really showed the need for this group to continue, and we’re so happy with the attendance numbers from our very first session.”
Led by Here to Help Project Officer Cheryl, the session brought autistic people and their families together in a welcoming, supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and access guidance, resources, and practical tips for everyday life.
A group of attendees gathered in a library during an autism and mental health support session, with chairs, a small table, and framed artwork visible.
The turnout says it all.
Last week, our Here to Help team hosted the first in‑person autism and mental health session in Northallerton, and the response showed just how needed this kind of support is.
#HereToHelp
Autism acceptance looks like creating workplaces where people feel comfortable, supported and able to thrive.
Jo, our Hospitality Coordinator, takes us around SJOG head office to show how we’ve created an inclusive, autism friendly environment.
#AcceptanceLooksLike #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth
When:
First Wednesday of every month
6–7.30pm
Where:
SJOG Head Office
The Exchange (First Floor)
The Old Exchange
Barnard Street
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 7DR
Reserve your seat by emailing:
meryemcetinkaya@sjog.org.uk
heretohelp@sjog.org.uk
Whether your child is newly diagnosed, on the diagnostic pathway, or you’ve been on this journey for years, these sessions are designed to support families with a wide range of needs.
These sessions create a supportive space to explore the link between autism and mental health, share experiences, and take away practical ideas to support autistic children and young people.
Group of people standing together in a meeting room during an autism and mental health workshop, with chairs and a clock visible in the background.
Supporting parents and carers of autistic children.
Last week, our Here to Help team welcomed parents and carers of autistic children to our monthly autism and mental health workshop at our head office in Darlington.
Hear more about the turnaround in our full podcast, now on Spotify and YouTube.
Spotify tr.ee/r7X55H
YouTube tr.ee/0Bfzv7
#LifeAtSJOG
Losing £1.8 million a year. Just 12 months to turn it around.
SJOG Chief Executive Paul Bott reflects on the tough times he faced when joining SJOG - and how the leadership team saved a 140‑year‑old charity from closure.
Hear more about the turnaround in our full podcast, now on Spotify & YouTube.
The session explored how future counsellors can structure therapy, refine therapeutic communication, and provide neurodiversity-affirming support within their work.
To learn more about Here to Help, visit the website: www.here2help.uk
Counselling students seated in a classroom at Newcastle College during a Here to Help training session.
Last week, the Here to Help team returned to Newcastle College to deliver further specialist training to Level 5–6 counselling students, focusing on autism and suicidality in therapeutic practice.
Graphic with the text “Autism acceptance looks like…” above a large question mark. SJOG Autism & Complex Needs logo appears at the bottom.
Tell us in the comments - what does autism acceptance look like to you?
#AcceptanceLooksLike #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth
Graphic featuring the SJOG Autism & Complex Needs logo and the heading “World Autism Day: A Reflection on a Life’s Work” by Dr. Lisa Alcorn. A portrait of Dr. Alcorn appears on the right against a dark blue background.
To mark World Autism Day, our COO, Dr Lisa Alcorn, reflects on more than 30 years of supporting autistic people and their families.
Read the full article on our website: sjog.uk/news.php
#WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth #WorldAutismAwarenessDay
This April, show your support for autism acceptance by exploring the toolkit, downloading and sharing resources, and sharing our social media posts.
Access the campaign toolkit here: tr.ee/0foB9b
Thank you for supporting our mission to increase autism acceptance across the UK.
To support this, we’ve created a campaign toolkit with free resources, including factsheets and social media graphics, for anyone who’d like to get involved. You can also learn more about SJOG and our work.
Our aim is to go beyond autism awareness by focusing on acceptance - helping people understand what acceptance looks like in practice, amplifying autistic voices, and encouraging positive changes in communities and workplaces.
Throughout April, we’ll be sharing their stories, perspectives, and advice to show what autism acceptance looks like in everyday life - in workplaces, schools, communities, and at home.
Graphic showing “Autism acceptance looks like…” with an arrow pointing to examples of campaign resources, including factsheets and social media graphics, all branded by SJOG.
Today we launch our Autism Acceptance Month campaign: Acceptance Looks Like…
This campaign has been co-created with autistic people, their families, and professionals. Their voices, insights, and experiences shape everything you’ll see.
#AcceptanceLooksLike #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth
Three glass vases filled with yellow daffodils arranged on a white table, with two bowls of wrapped chocolate eggs in front, set in a modern office space.
A big thank you to Leanne, our Chief Finance Officer, for bringing chocolate eggs and bunches of daffodils into Head Office for colleagues.
A thoughtful gesture appreciated by everyone 🙂
A desk setup showing a laptop playing the Life at SJOG: Doing Good podcast on YouTube, featuring two people seated in conversation. Next to the laptop, a smartphone on a stand displays the podcast on Spotify. In the background, a desktop monitor shows the SJOG website, reinforcing the connection between the podcast and the charity’s work.
It’s here! Episode 1 of our new podcast is now live!
Join Paul, Chief Executive and Jo, Hospitality Coordinator, as they chat about their journeys at SJOG, values, culture… and a few surprises along the way.
Watch and listen now:
Spotify tr.ee/r7X55H
YouTube tr.ee/0Bfzv7
#LifeAtSJOG
Professional? Yes. Serious? Not always 🤣
Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast will be available on Spotify and YouTube from the 1st of April.
#LifeAtSJOG
A box of SJOG-branded green cupcakes with a ribbon beside a mug of hot drink and a note.
Thank you to Defour Partnership for your support during the recruitment of our new Head of Older Communities, and for the thoughtful cake delivery.
A very welcome and much‑appreciated surprise for the team at Head Office 🙂
Autistic individuals are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide - a statistic we are determined to change!”
Thank you to Matt for taking the time to speak with the team about their important work.
If you'd like to learn more about Here to Help please visit our website www.here2help.uk
Project Officer Cheryl said:
“Our discussion highlighted the pressing issue of suicide rates among autistic individuals in the North East, as well as the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding in communications with autistic people.
Three people standing indoors in front of a framed painting, with the person in the centre holding a Here to Help leaflet.
The Here to Help team met with Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton West, last week.
The team shared the vision and impactful work of the Here to Help Project.
