Support The Bear Group & Cheer on Our Dragon Boat Team

Since 2007, The Bear Group has been a vital social lifeline for autistic adults in Berkshire. Meeting every Wednesday evening at The Bear Pub in Maidenhead, the group provides a safe, welcoming space where people can connect, build friendships, and receive support from peers and Autism Berkshire staff. Set up by Helen Harris, the group has run for nearly two decades and is known for its warmth, consistency, and community spirit.
The Bear Group isn't just a weekly meet-up — it’s a support network, a community, and for many, a lifeline. Over the years, we’ve shared beach trips, summer barbecues, pantomime visits, and — during COVID — a year and a half of virtual meetups that kept people connected when they needed it most. We meet 50 weeks a year, every year, without fail.
But now, due to widespread funding cuts, this cherished group is under serious threat. Without urgent financial support, we face the devastating possibility of closing our doors. We cannot let that happen. The Bear Group provides an essential service — a space where autistic adults can simply be themselves, feel understood, and find belonging.
I’ve had the privilege of being involved for over a decade — first as a volunteer, then as a member of staff, and now as the lead facilitator, taking over from my mum at the start of this year. I’ve seen firsthand how important this group is to so many lives.
Please consider donating whatever you can to help us keep this group going. Every penny will help us continue providing this safe, vital space — and ensure that The Bear Group remains a place where autistic adults can thrive, connect, and be heard.