Mayor of Tenbury celebrates ASPIE and Aid for Asperger’s coming together

please also see Phil Wilkinson-Jones in the Worcester News 30 April 2026

After working in partnership for many years, ASPIE, and Aid for Asperger’s have come together, and as part of this next step, we’re proud to have a shop presence in Tenbury Wells helping raise awareness of the wide range of support ASPIE Worcester offers.

Aid for Asperger’s was founded by Mrs Margaret Palmer and her family in memory of her grandson, Adrian. Following Adrian’s tragic death, the Palmer family established Aid for Asperger’s to recognise the vulnerability of autistic adults and their need for appropriate support. The shop has since served both as a community hub and a source of charitable funds.

Joining forces brings our two like-minded communities into one, with a shared aim: providing vital and all-encompassing support to autistic adults and their families. By working together, we can reach more people and create stronger local connections.

Having a charity shop in Tenbury Wells gives us a welcoming, visible space in the community. It’s somewhere people can drop in, find out more about what we do, and feel comfortable asking questions or seeking support. It also helps shine a light on the full range of services ASPIE Worcester provides – opportunities for socialising, peer support, group art therapy and drama and an award-winning football team. Importantly, autism specific counselling pe and post diagnosis and for a range of other debilitating issues to avert depression and crisis.

As Margaret has said ‘adults on the spectrum have been let down by society for so long.’ ‘This is an opportunity to extend our reach in a real, everyday way,’ said Julia Micklewright ‘The shop gives us that chance – it’s not just about awareness, it’s about being accessible and approachable. This is an exciting step forward, but at its heart, things remain the same – supporting autistic adults with understanding, friendship and acceptance. If you’re nearby, do come in and say hello, at the shop or at ASPIE’.