Local support
Find information about local support groups and services. As well as the groups listed below, there is also a directory of local services for ADHD and autism.
Local support
Update: Changes to autism support services in Kent and Medway
NHS Kent and Medway has extended the contract with Advocacy for All to provide community support services for autistic people until March 2027. This is to bring the contract in line with other providers of services to autistic people in Kent and Medway while we work with people with lived experience and other partners to review the services and how they meet people's needs from April 2027.
Local support groups
Local support groups for neurodivergent people
East Kent Autism & ADHD social is a social group in East Kent for adults who are Autistic and/or have ADHD.
Mixmatched is a creative arts organisation that mainly operates in Canterbury and Margate. It runs a range of events such as monthly performance nights and creative workshops. As well as being neurodivergent+ led, MixMatched aims to be neurodivergent accessible regarding ethos, space and performers.
ND Harbour runs peer support groups in Canterbury. There are three groups per week: one for autistic adults, one for adults with ADHD (you can attend either or both) and one for parents of neurodivergent children.
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet is a community group helping local neurodivergent adults meet their peers in safe spaces.
Neurodiverse Dads and their Kids is a group for dads to talk about their own or their children's conditions and to seek support in a safe environment free from judgement. They have a Facebook page and meet in Tunbridge Wells.
Square Pegs Arts offers accessible opportunities to take part, perform, learn, enjoy and work in theatre, music and the arts. They empower learning disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people of all ages across Kent and Medway to shine in their own way.
Local support specifically for autistic people
Kent Autistic Trust supports people who have significant developmental and communication needs within various community settings including registered homes, specialist and intensive supported living, community day resource centres, family support service and support groups.
Local support specifically for people with ADHD
Canterbury Adult ADHD support meetup provides an opportunity for ADHD adults to support each other in a relaxed environment.
ADHD Sheppey provides a hub for understanding, support and celebration.
Local support specifically for people with learning disabilities
The Hop, run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, is for adults with a learning disability, or anyone who is caring for an adult with a learning disability.
Kent County Council offers support for people with learning disabilities, including the Kent Enablement Service (KES).
Mencap has local groups across Kent that can provide advice, support or just be a place to make friends.
Click on the names below for more information.
Folkestone Hythe and District Mencap
Invicta (Maidstone) Gateway Club