ADULTS with Asperger Syndrome, a group from Okehampton and surrounding areas, has a new social group running at the Ockment Centre.

At their meeting on Tuesday, May 16 around 14 people met up over refreshments including home made cakes.

Wendy West, the chair of National Autistic Society Tavistock and District Asperger Group, welcomed Karen Percival from Okehampton United Charities, who provided the group with funding.

Wendy said: ‘I want to thank the Okehampton United Charities for generously providing room hire funding in the coming year. Without them, this group just would not run and we are grateful that they responded so quickly to our request for help. Staff at the Ockment Centre have also been really helpful to the volunteers setting the group up.’

Leader of Adults with Aspergers Syndrome, volunteer Alan Thompson, explained: ‘Until the group started, each member had no idea that there were others in the area with Asperger Syndrome.

‘Hopefully, anyone else over 18 with, or waiting for, a diagnosis might also wish to join us, get to know the other members, share information and provide support for each other if needed.

‘Carers are welcome to come for the first couple of meetings to provide support but the group is intended to be a get-together for those with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

‘We just ask that contact is made before coming to a meeting in order to provide the best experience possible for everyone.’

More information can be found on the website, www.nasbranch.org.uk/tavistockanddistrict, or by emailing tavistockanddistrict@ nas.org.uk.

There is also a phone for text and voicemail messages on 07436 544 233.