SWAN Places groups are our monthly in-person meet-ups which run all across Scotland.
They are facilitated by autistic volunteers and are informal social groups to spend time with other autistic women and non-binary people in your local area, share information and experiences, and support one another.
We recently asked one of our volunteer facilitators Michelle, to help record a video about what happens at our SWAN Places groups, and they’ve shared their experience with us:
"Before this month’s Stirling meet-up, I sat down with SWAN’s volunteer coordinator, Mandy Williams, for an informal chat. Our aim was to create a video answering common questions about attending our SWAN Places social meet-ups and explain what to expect and how to join.
Our intention was to record a short conversation about our in-person meetings and provide a handy how-to guide for anyone considering coming along to our meetings.
Setting up a small camera, we pulled up a couple of chairs and clip-on microphones to answer some questions, like the purpose of the groups and what to do if you wanted to come along.
As a volunteer, I can’t stress enough that we are delightfully informal! These meet ups are socially orientated chats. Run by volunteers, I like to think of us as a ‘lived experience’ group providing peer support.
All of us have one thing in common – at one point we are all new to SWAN and go to our first event (whether in person or online). Perhaps you have heard about SWAN from a friend of a friend, stumbled across resources online or been directed by a health professional as part of the diagnosis process.
Our diagnosis journey or the road to finding our autistic selves is daunting and this might look like one more step into the unknown. Trust me on this, we’ve all wondered if going to the meeting will work out alright for us.
We've just introduced a new booking system on Eventbrite to make it really easy for anyone who wants to come along to get all the information about their local group, help to manage expectations of the groups and improve communication.
As we go into winter, we may see adverse weather or people being off sick. As a volunteer, I have worried about this in the past, so now we can contact everyone who's booked directly if a meet-up is ever cancelled or rescheduled.
I hope this small video will help to alleviate some worries and answer some questions. Most importantly, we are always available via email – so don’t worry about getting in touch if you need support for coming along or have any questions beforehand.
You are welcome at the group, and this is one social event where you are in control and can participate within your own limits. Absolutely no pressure, just like-minded people and company."
- Stirling SWAN Places Group Volunteer Facilitator
- Watch our video to find out more and we hope to see you at your local SWAN places group soon!
- You can find the Eventbrite booking links, and volunteer contact emails, under the listings for each local SWAN Places group.