Number 6

• What they offer / teach

  Number 6 is a One Stop Shop offering free social opportunities and 1-to-1 advice and support (limited to three sessions) on employment, housing, benefits, and problem-solving around education, mental health and relationships. It runs drop-in sessions (Tuesdays 1-6pm, Wednesdays 1-4pm, Thursdays 1-6pm, Fridays 12-3pm and the third Saturday of the month 12-4pm) where registered service users can use the computer room, pool room, kitchen and free meeting rooms, plus a calendar of events and activities. A diagnostic service has run in some areas since 2019, though it does not accept self- or GP referrals.

• Ages served

  The service is for autistic adults aged 16 years old and over. The wider organisation notes some of its services start from age five, with most centring on support for autistic adults.

• Approach

  Support is post-diagnostic and person-centred, delivered through limited 1-to-1 appointments to develop strategies for specific situations and areas of difficulty, alongside informal drop-in access and group activities. Staff are largely unavailable during drop-in times, so specific issues are addressed via arranged appointments.

• Admissions

  Eligibility requires being 16 or over, having a formal autism diagnosis, no learning disability, and residence in Edinburgh, the Lothians or the Scottish Borders. Self-referrals and third-party referrals are accepted by email for post-diagnostic services, with an initial appointment arranged by phone, video call or in person; users must complete a registration appointment before using services. For autism assessment, people must ask their GP to refer them to the local NHS mental health team (or CAMHS for under 18s).

• Cost

  Number 6 provides free social opportunities and 1-1 advice and support.

AI-generated summary of Number 6's own website (source) -- not independently verified. Please confirm details directly with them.