Summary
Next Steps Together was developed to support unpaid carers of autistic young adults aged 21-24 who were experiencing increased isolation and reduced support as their young person transitioned out of youth services. The project provided regular opportunities for carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, connect with peers and improve their wellbeing in a safe and understanding environment. The project delivered fortnightly peer connect sessions at the Perth Autism Support Hub, providing a welcoming and non-judgemental space where carers could meet, share experiences and build supportive relationships. These sessions included informal discussions, creative activities and opportunities for carers to shape the programme based on their interests and needs. In addition, carers took part in a range of social outings and activity days, including visits to Perth Museum, wellbeing walks, a guided visit to the Crannog Centre in Kenmore, creative workshops, an upcycling workshop, and a theatre trip to the Edinburgh Playhouse to see Annie. These activities provided meaningful breaks from caring responsibilities and opportunities to focus on their own interests and wellbeing. The project adopted a neuroaffirmative and co-produced approach, with carers helping to design activities and influence the direction of the programme. Through participation, carers developed stronger peer networks, increased confidence in their caring roles and reduced feelings of isolation. Many reported feeling better supported, more connected to others who understood their experiences and better able to sustain their caring role. A key achievement has been the creation of a supportive community of carers whose relationships and connections are expected to continue beyond the life of the project, creating a lasting legacy of peer support and improved wellbeing.
What Perth Autism Support SCIO has learned
A key lesson from this project was the importance of co-designing activities with carers. Allowing carers to shape the programme ensured that activities reflected their interests and needs, resulting in high levels of engagement and ownership. Carers consistently told us that they valued having a genuine voice in deciding what activities were offered and how the group developed.
We also learned that a neuroaffirmative approach is highly effective when supporting carers who may also be autistic themselves. By considering social, environmental and task demands, we created opportunities that felt accessible, welcoming and low pressure. Creative activities, wellbeing opportunities and peer support sessions worked particularly well because they allowed participants to engage at a pace that suited them.
One of the greatest successes was the development of strong peer relationships. While the project was initially designed to provide short breaks, it became clear that the opportunity to connect with people who genuinely understood the challenges of supporting autistic young adults was equally important. The peer support network that developed has become a valuable and lasting source of encouragement, advice and friendship.
A challenge identified was ensuring opportunities remained accessible for carers living in more rural areas or those unable to travel independently. We addressed this through transport support, local meet-ups and a flexible approach to participation. This highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to engagement wherever possible.
Overall, we learned that effective short breaks are not simply about providing time away from caring responsibilities. The most meaningful outcomes were achieved when breaks combined social connection, personal interests, peer support and opportunities for carers to focus on their own wellbeing.
Impact on beneficiaries
The project provided carers with meaningful opportunities to enjoy a life outside their caring role, helping them reconnect with their own interests, develop friendships and improve their wellbeing. Through fortnightly peer connect sessions, social outings and activity days, carers were able to relax, share experiences and access support from people who genuinely understood their circumstances.
Many carers reported feeling less isolated and more confident in their caring role. The peer support network that developed became a trusted source of encouragement and advice, helping carers feel more resilient and better equipped to manage the challenges of supporting autistic young adults.
One participant, P, described how the project enabled them to build meaningful connections, access opportunities they would not previously have considered and feel more supported in their caring role. Through regular participation, they developed greater confidence, improved wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging. P explained:
"I always come away feeling lifted. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of the network I've been able to access through this group."
These benefits extended to the people they care for. When carers felt more supported, connected and able to take time for themselves, they were better able to sustain their caring role, contributing to improved wellbeing and more positive family relationships.