Hamelin is an Essex charity supporting autistic people and adults with learning disabilities to live independent, meaningful lives. We help people build confidence, develop life skills, access employment, form friendships and feel part of their community, creating opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Our journey started in 1979 when local families, unable to find the right type of provision for their disabled children, decided to set up a charity to help other families in the same position. As those first children grew and developed, so did the charity, starting to support adults and delivering a wider range of services.

Today we offer services that aim to integrate people in their communities, tackle loneliness and develop skills that reduce current and future reliance on social care services. We know that individuals have wildly varying life goals and that what works for one person will not always work for another. We’re very serious about playing our part in reducing social inequity and offer bespoke support in the fields of health and employment, where neurodiverse and disabled people are especially disadvantaged.

As we move into the future Hamelin will continually redefine care, to best meet the needs of the people we support.

If you feel inspired to get involved or want to ask us a question, please reach out to fundraising@hamelin.org.uk.