Bolton Adult Autism Support (BAAS) is a grassroots charity based in Bolton working to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism. In June 2020, in recognition of our work, BAAS received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE of voluntary organisations!!

Our Vision is a society that accepts, involves and understands autistic people. Where all autistic adults and their carers feel they belong.

Our values go ACROSS the autistic spectrum:-

Acceptance
Connection
Respect
Openness
Sensitivity
Support

Our Ethos is one of total inclusion - 50% of staff, and 66% of our Trustee Board are neurodiverse. This inclusive approach is one we foster throughout the charity, and one which we have a long term commitment to. We collectively use our extensive lived experience to shape our service, ensuring that we focus our efforts where they are needed the most.

We currently support around 200 families through one, or more than one, of the below services:-

• A volunteer led one to one adult focused befriending service

• A welfare benefits advocacy service - we have a 100% success rate for Disability Welfare Benefit applications and First Tier Tribunal Appeals!

• Weekly group social events, facilitating recreational and life skills activities

• Monthly Carers Only groups, giving unpaid carers an opportunity to make peer connections in a supportive environment

• Promoting awareness in our local community through workshops and lectures, as well as regularly hosting student work placements from our local universities and colleges

On 13th April 2025 and in the month celebrating World Autism Awareness Day, we have a team of wonderful people from staff, Trustees, Volunteers and Service Beneficiaries who are joining with Bolton Wanderer's Football Club #bwfc to complete both their Community 10K and 2K races, and we are asking for your help to raise funds to help improve the social connectedness of even more Autistic Adults and their families through our Befriending Service and Group Events!!

Please help by making a donation to our cause and sharing our appeal with your contacts. Thank you for your support, it is really appreciated by Bolton’s Autistic community :)