Chloe Stokes hired by Asperger's charity Aspie, in Sansome Walk, Worcester, as an autism adviser with Big Lottery Fund grant

Chloe Stokes now hosts a half-day weekly advice session for Aspie, a charity based in Sansome Walk, Worcester.

Ms Stokes, who used to volunteer at the charity, held the first Aspie Extra day on Monday, January 2.

Julia Micklewright, chair of Aspie, said: “The grant came through at the end of December. They decided the work we do is wonderful.

“I wanted to open an extra half day. These sessions are to help aspies access services.

“It will contribute towards our overheads. Aspie is a place they can come and get together and find friendship.

“It is about understanding Asperger’s in a neurotypical world.”

The charity gives aspies advice on how to speak to people - such as receptionists when visiting the GP or dentist.

“There is 25 month waiting time for diagnosis of Asperger’s. One in 45 people in the country is on the spectrum,” Ms Micklewright said.

She added that very few people are attending the new Monday sessions but around 45 people use the service every Wednesday.

Aspie Extra is open from 1pm to 5pm on Monday and the usual session takes place from 1pm to 9pm on Wednesday.

It costs £3 for a session and people can find the centre at 26 Sansome Walk, Worcester, WR1 1LX.

Other groups in Worcestershire have also received grants from the Big Lottery Fund.

Money was awarded to Upton upon Severn Scouts Group, Callow End Playing Fields Association, Where Next Association and South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club.

Where Next Association, based in Redditch, received £280,133 to fund their community hub to provide activities and training for disabled and isolated people.

Callow End Playing Fields Association was awarded £10,000 to pay for an all-weather path to enable safe access to the fields.

Upton's Scouts were given £7,500 to replace unsafe camping equipment and South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club, based in Evesham, received £9,987 to provide training for volunteers working in emergency situations.