What do past/current members say about APG?
"APG meetings have been a real turning point in my year. Being diagnosed with autism was really hard for me and I felt more lonely and ashamed than ever, as if there was something “wrong with me”. I was completely friendless. But meeting other people struggling with the same issues and succeeding anyway, students who were tolerant, open-minded, and friendly helped me a lot to re-built my self-esteem and confidence. People are not judgmental and genuinely nice and supportive.
The frame of the ‘topic cards’ felt quite artificial at first but is actually a very pleasant way to break the ice and discuss topics that I would be too shy to bring up such as doctors, social and dating life.
It is very motivating and I am always on a joyful mood on Tuesdays because this hour allows me to have a social experiences that are not distressing at all. Thanks a lot !" (1st year, female)
"APG has been a really good space to come to and just talk about my experiences as an autistic person with other people who understand and relate to a lot of what I am talking about. It’s nice to have that hour in my week where I don’t have to worry about socializing well and can just relax and hear how other people, who are very similar to me, are getting on. UCL was definitely missing this sort of group so I am glad that Kana set the APG up. Even though we are not all the same, it’s still fun to hear about how we differ and what everyone does with their week. It’s an extremely welcoming environment and I look forward to it every week. There are even prompts to help us along with topics so that we don’t have to worry about knowing what to say every time we go. It’s a very easy and understanding place to settle into. APG has led to some very strong friendships even outside the group meetings and I look forward to it growing even more than it already has!" (3rd year, female)
"I always look forward to the APG meetings to talk to and meet people who I know are like me. We have a lot of fun conversations and I've meet a lot of cool peoplefrom different backgrounds. It's difficult to find people like us so I've really enjoyed having a place to talk about our particular issues in a non-judgemental way." (4th year, male)
"APG has, for me, been a valuable opportunity to meet new people. As a first year, its good to meet other autistic people, some of whom are also experiencing Uni for the first time, but also people who have been through there first year. I can rely on APG for both support, but also advice from people with more experience of Uni than me." (1st year, male)
"APG has been a relaxing time at the end of the day where I feel no pressure to be someone I'm not. We have shared our very personal experiences including mental health, but even then I could feel safe in doing so. Knowing that there is a space for students like us has been comforting. Furthermore, I cannot be more thankful for the precious friendships I have developed through APG." (postgraduate, female)