About Us

We are a charity that facilitates social connection among people that identify as autistic aged 16+, in and around Bristol.

Our aim is to help reduce social isolation and encourage positive relationships by facilitating a wide range of social group events.

We are pleased to say we have become a very important part of many autistic people’s lives.

Diverse social groups up meet in public venues in and around, Bristol.

Diverse groups offer a relaxed, low-key and a friendly atmosphere where people can enjoy being around others whilst being themselves and going at their own pace.

Our friendly and trained neurodivergent staff will be there to greet you, and to be on hand if support is needed. We try to offer as much accessibility for your needs as possible

Diverse's chair of Trustees are Andrew Powell, Kay Robertson and Iain Sanderson. Helen Eaton is our Senior Operations Manager and we are supported by a skilled and hard working team.

To find out more, to join one of our groups, assist with volunteering or with fundraising and donations, please contact us at: hello@diverseuk.org

Our History

Diverse started as a small pub group in the late 90s, and later cinema and cafe groups began.

Andrew Powell, the founder of Diverse, knew how important these groups were to people and so a few years later we started a nightclub event, an art group, a picnic social, board games social, then we grew to bowling, karaoke and day trips.

We now run over 20 groups each month, with plans to add more.

We also run the Sensory Calm Space at festivals and events starting in 2022. During 2026 you can find us at Download. RHS Badminto, Forwards Festival and more!

By providing these safe and calming spaces at large events, we help to promote inclusion in the music and events industry and create a neurodivergent friendly area for those who may otherwise not be able to attend without us.

We authorised and regulated by The Charity Commission for England and Wales - registered Charity number 1170255.

The group is voluntary and not for profit. We promote equality and anti-discrimination practice as defined under the Equality Act 2010.

The National Lottery Community Fund

Diverse UK is Disability Confident Committed

8 Teewell Hill, Bristol, BS16 5PA