A NEW group is helping instil confidence in West Dorset adults with Asperger’s syndrome.

The Wessex Autistic Society has set up a new drop-in group in Dorchester to offer adults with autism the chance to meet up and offer each other support.

The society is also due to start up a session in Weymouth as it expands its operations in the west of the county.

Community support service manager Nicky Woolley said: “It’s a chance for them to interact with each other and talk to our staff about any concerns they might have.

“We can either offer guidance or ideas as to where they can get guidance. We also hope that they will build up relationships and may want to do other things with each other away from the group sessions.

“We also run activities – one thing we are looking into a digital photography course, so they can use new skills and interact with other people as well as each other and enable them to fit in.”

Mrs Woolley said the sessions were filling an important niche for adults with autism and the first couple of sessions had been well received.

She said: “There is nothing out there at the moment for adults with Asperger’s.

“There is some provision for children but there is nothing really for social interaction on a casual basis for adults.”

The Dorchester group hold sessions every other Wednesday from 2pm to 4.30pm, with the next session on March 3.

The Weymouth group starts on Wednesday March 12 at the Old Town Hall from 10.30am to 1pm.

Contact the Dorchester team on 01305 213130 or send an email to nwoolley@twas.org.uk.