Jenny, Steve & Leigh-Ellen

In January 2008 with the help of Big Lottery funding, Asperger East Anglia (AEA) launched a new Adult Services Team to provide advice, information, support, advocacy and training to individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS).

The team consists of Steve Bloomfield and Leigh-Ellen Dunstan who have recently joined AEA and Jenny Leake who was already working for AEA. Jenny has worked for the last 10 years supporting individuals with AS in education, training, the work place and pastoral activities as well as advocacy. During this time Jenny has supported many people as they move into further and Higher education, training, voluntary and work experience or paid employment. As Jenny explains her experience fits well with the new team. “My role has given me a good understanding of the needs of those with AS as well as a thorough understanding of employer's requirements and expectations and I have gained extensive experience negotiating and advocating with employers and educators on behalf of people with AS.”

Leigh-Ellen is originally from Canada and travelled and worked across Europe before settling in Norwich.  She became interested in learning difficulties while completing her Bachelor of Education.  Her time as a teacher in Canada and the UK allowed her to meet individuals with AS of all ages and backgrounds which eventually led her to AEA.  Leigh-Ellen explains what attracted her to the new post. “The new adult services project is an exciting opportunity to work with people on social skills and encourage peer support and social activities.  I have greatly enjoyed meeting many AEA members and I look forward to getting to know more of you.”

Steve's background was originally in business communications, however for the past ten years he has worked in mental health and in particular with people affected by eating disorders. He was for many years the official spokesperson for the national charity Eating Disorders Association (now called ‘BEAT') and he has recently worked with the hospice movement explaining the work of the hospices to the public. What excites Steve about the new team? “I welcome the challenge of de-stigmatising AS and look forward to developing a range of opportunities for people to develop their social skills alongside our work with colleges, employers and carers.”

The Adult Services Team aims to help people into further education, training, and employment, as well as signposting them to appropriate benefits and assistance with housing. They are planning initiatives across the county to help people develop their social, communication and relationship skills. Steve Bloomfield again… “To do this we need your help and your feedback, we want to start a group (or forum) of adults with Asperger syndrome as well as parents and carers of adults with AS who will comment on our ideas and help us plan our work in the future. We are especially keen to contact women who have AS as we are planning to set up a women's group later this year.

If you are interested in being on the forum please call us on 01603 598946, e-mail us at steve@asperger.org.uk or write to our new office address.”

     We Have Moved !!!!

We have successfully moved into Charing Cross Centre, 17-19 St John Maddermarket, Norwich.

For those of you who knew us in the early days, this is where we began. We are still in the city centre and our telephone numbers remain the same, as do all email contacts.