This past 
month has been all about connecting, building relationships and learning from the people we work alongside.
Over the bank holiday weekend I was in Hampshire visiting my son, and I also took the chance to have a coffee with Matt, Co‑chair of our Together4Change group. He suggested a café in a park as he remembered I love dogs, and the place was full of them. We chatted about all sorts, especially how much we’re looking forward to celebrating the group’s 5th birthday in person this October. Matt also told me about his busy role delivering Oliver McGowan training across England. Hearing him speak with such pride and passion was genuinely uplifting.
On 9th September I spent the day with ARC members MacIntyre in Warrington; a full, energising day that included visits to the friendship group at Warrington Wolves and the New Routes horticulture project. I met so many people who have worked for MacIntyre for over 20 years. That kind of commitment says so much about the values that make people stay. You can read more about my visit in my LinkedIn post.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been preparing our commissioning session with DHSC colleagues to share what is and isn’t working across England, work shaped directly by what members have been telling us.
We’re also delighted to have begun a new project focused on transitions for young people in the North East, inspired by the long‑standing transitions work led by ARC Scotland. The early stages are all about building relationships, sharing what we do and contributing to the work plan for the year ahead.
Next month I’ll be heading to London to join the Autism Alliance at their meeting with Baroness Louise Casey, and then in October to Milton Keynes for our Together 4 Change 5th birthday celebration.
If time allows, I’d love to visit other organisations too. Online meetings are always an option if that works better. Please do get in touch.
Sam Leonard
ARC England Director
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