About us
As a Swindon-based charity, we understand local services, challenges, and communities. That means our advice is practical, relevant, and rooted in real-world experience. We work closely with local organisations, health services and community partners to ensure autistic adults are heard and supported across Swindon.
Supporting Autistic Adults, Every Step of the Way
Navigating adulthood can be complex — especially without the right support. At DASH, we work alongside autistic adults to help them better understand their needs, build confidence, and access the services and opportunities that matter to them.
Our support is person-centred, respectful, and shaped by lived experience.
Too many autistic adults face barriers to support, employment, social connection and independence. Without the right help, this can lead to isolation, anxiety and poor wellbeing.
DASH exists to change that — by offering:
- Clear, accessible information
- Understanding, non-judgemental support
- Opportunities to connect and belong
Our values
Sincerity is important to the people we work with, so we will always fight stigma. We provide clear honest information – people can only get on with their lives if we are honest. We’re reliable and trustworthy. And we listen without judging. We are rooted in empathy, and our staff come from a position of understanding autism because many of them live it.
Annual strategy report
Whether you’re looking for support, want to volunteer, or are interested in fundraising or partnerships — there’s a place for you here. Join us in building a more inclusive Swindon for autistic people and their families.
Central Swindon offices
We are at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon SN1 1HE.
There is no ‘reception desk’ at Sanford House so please make an appointment with us before you travel. We may be with another person, we may be out on visits or we may be running an activity or group.
How to reach us
We are within a few minutes walking distance from the town centre.
Bus
Many bus routes stop in the town centre.
Train
Swindon railway station is not far from our office. If you travel by train, you can walk or take a short bus or taxi ride to reach us.
Car
There are several public car parks in the town centre near Sanford House. You may have to download an app to pay for parking.
Meet the team
Our team at DASH Swindon is here to support you. Each person has different skills and experience, but we all work together to help people feel welcome, listened to, and supported. Here you can learn more about the people you might meet when you visit us.
Sharon Beckett
Manager
Sharon has been with DASH for 3 years, having worked and volunteered in the voluntary sector for 30 years. She has an autistic grandson and is god-mother to an autistic adult.
Peggy Rosser
Information and Advice Worker
Has worked for DASH for 12 years as an Information and advice worker.
Enjoys painting, walking, visiting wildlife bird parks, cookery, charity shops and spending time with the grandchildren.
Dodi Paoletta
Role
Dodi has spent 25+ years championing autistic brilliance, with lived experience, learned wisdom, and my own neurodiverse sparkle.
Yvonne Nolan
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Yvonne is the newest member of the team, and is doing an amazing job setting up and running new groups and activities.
David Ahern
Chairman
David spent 25 years in the army serving in an armoured regiment. For the last ten years of his career he ran a prison charity teaching prisoners to read. He is now retired and lives in Shrivenham.
Oliver Selfe
Trustee
18 years in the voluntary sector, current Philanthropy Director at Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, loves mountain biking, gardening and running a local community box fit session.
Martin Styles
Trustee
Martin is a Forces veteran, and is autistic himself. He brings a huge amount of understanding to the Board.
Vusa Nsingo
Trustee
Vusa has been a trustee of DASH for 2 years. He works in the Health sector and brings IT expertise to the board of trustees.
Ways you can support us
Partner with DASH
If you are a business or organisation, partnering with DASH gives you theopportunity to make a positive social impact. Opportunities include:
- Charity of the year partnerships
- Staff fundraising and challenge events
- Payroll giving
- Sponsorship of projects or events
Volunteering With DASH
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. By sharing your time, skills, or experience, you can help make a real difference. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Supporting groups or activities
- Helping at events
- Sharing professional or specialist skills
Fundraise for DASH
Have fun helping us – we can support you with ideas, encouragement and resources. You could:
- Take part in a sponsored challenge
- Organise a community event
- Fundraise at school or work
- Celebrate a birthday or special occasion by raising funds for DASH
Lived experience at the heart of what we do
At DASH Swindon, lived experience is at the heart of what we do. Many of our team and community members have personal experience of living with Autism or supporting someone with Autism. This helps us understand the real barriers people face and shape our services in ways that are practical, respectful, and meaningful. We listen, learn, and work together to create positive change.
“Who knew? The difference between shutdowns & meltdowns”
“I have recently gone through the After Diagnosis Programme. I learnt the difference between shutdowns and meltdowns, I learnt that not everyone ‘is a little bit autistic’ that was so important to me and validated my diagnosis which I had to wait 3 years for. The course has made me more confident at work and I can talk to people at work now without massive anxiety. I have also used the techniques I learned at my card club and I now enjoy it much more and can stay for the whole session as I take sensory breaks and I know that ok now !”
“I'm much more knowledgeable about my autism"
“I did the 3 week program with DASH , If I am honest I did not know what to expect and wasn’t expecting to much. However I really enjoyed it and found it helpful.
I am now much more knowledgeable about my autism , I am volunteering in a cafe and I have joined one of the social groups where I hope to find friendships ”
What else can DASH help you with?
Test
Approx 30 words Do you want to know more about our services or maybe how you can support us? Fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you.