The 'Professionals' social group had their first in-person meet up since lockdown this week and enjoyed a brilliant evening out at the pub having a meal and a drink together.

It sounds as though they had a lot of fun and were delighted to see each other in real life once again. The group are hoping to meet on a monthly basis from now on, with their next get-together a Christmas meal in December.

The 'Professionals' is part of the Our Voices Our Choices (OVOC) group which is open to anyone over 18 who has a learning disability or is on the autism spectrum. The group meets regularly via Zoom for activities such as the Aspens' Angels befriending group, and has started meeting up for regular in-person outdoor Zumba sessions once again. The group is co-ordinated by Aspens' Engagement Lead Janine Jacquin and the sessions are planned and organised by its members.

At the heart of everything we do at Aspens is our vision for an inclusive society where every individual on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities can thrive as part of their local community.  The Aspens' OVOC group, and the inclusive way it is run and the activities it organises, is a wonderful example of how we are working to achieve this vision. 

If you would like to find out more about the group, contact Janine at [email protected]