Wanted Fun - Autism Bedfordshire

For young people aged 10-17 we have evening youth groups called ‘Wanted Fun’.  These provide social opportunities for young people with Asperger’s Syndrome or lower level support needs.  Groups are set up at 6 venues throughout the county:

Bedford - Church Lane Community Centre, 147 Church Lane, Bedford, MK41 0PW

Flitwick - Flitwick Youth Hub, Coniston Road, Flitwick, MK45 1Q

Kempston  - Kempston Youth Centre, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8QP

Leighton Buzzard - Leighton Buzzard Youth Centre, Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3HA

Luton - Families United Network Centre, Unit 5, Britannia Estate, Leagrave Road, Luton, LU3 1RD

Biggleswade - Biggleswade Youth Centre, Mead End, Biggleswade, SG18 8JU.

Each group provides 18 sessions per year and can cater for up to 12 young people per session.  The groups run fortnightly during term time with occasional outings during the holidays.

Wanted Fun provides a place where the young people can go to enjoy social and recreational activities and not feel judged for their social difficulties. The young people have lots of fun in a friendly environment which builds their confidence and self-esteem.

Each group has a different activity focus depending on the interests of the young people and what they want to do.  Often there are games, Wii, cookery, music and quiz nights.  

The young people also organise trips out which have included going swimming, ice-skating, bowling, eating out and visiting parks and museums. On these trips out they learn valuable life skills such as money handling, time-keeping, travelling on public transport and coping with crowds and noise.