Hampshire autism organisation develops ‘Being Me’: a transformative programme that offers Autistic young people space to value themselves

GROVE, a UK-based leader in neuro-affirming mentoring, is changing Autistic children’s self-esteem with ‘Being Me’, a specialist 10-week programme designed to address the significant lack of identity-focused support for Autistic young people. Led by a team of Autistic mentors, the online initiative moves away from traditional behavioural interventions to focus on self-advocacy and self-acceptance, providing a dedicated space for neurodivergent youth to explore their identities without the pressure to mask or conform to neurotypical standards.

Founded by Jess Garner, an Autistic former teacher with 17 years of educational experience and an MA in Autism, GROVE aims to fill a systemic void where support is typically only offered during times of crisis. The Being Me programme shifts the focus toward positive identity construction, helping participants understand their own neurodivergence through the lens of lived experience and affirming research. The curriculum is delivered in small, Autistic-only groups to foster a sense of belonging and reduce the isolation often felt by young people whose needs are misunderstood by mainstream systems.

The programme’s trauma-informed approach is built on three core pillars: Knowing Myself, Valuing Myself, and Being Myself. The sessions are child-led and strengths-based, designed specifically around validating neurodivergent communication styles and needs. This psychoeducational programme provides families with a new practical language to support their children, moving away from deficit-based models that prioritise ‘fixing’ behaviour in favour of genuine self-understanding and long-term wellbeing.

 “The Being Me programme was developed to provide a space where young people don’t have to be ‘less Autistic’ to be accepted. By connecting young people with Mentors and peers who share their lived experience, we are seeing a transformative impact on self-worth and the ability to self-advocate. We are not just helping young people cope with a world that doesn’t understand them; we are providing the experience and tools for them to value who they are.”  

—Jess Garner, GROVE’s Founder/Director 

GROVE is a specialist online mentoring organisation dedicated to providing a place where Autistic young people belong. With a team of 20 Autistic Mentors and a founder with nearly two decades of expertise in the sector, GROVE supports young people across the UK and internationally through neuro-affirming programmes of mentoring.