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A child digging in the sand at the water’s edge on a calm beach, on a RAGS coach trip to Walton-on-the-Naze

Romford Autistic Group Support

Supporting families with autism in Havering & Essex since 2003

A volunteer-run charity for autistic children, young people and their families. Friendly sessions, days out and people who understand.

Who we are

RAGS was founded in 2003 by a group of Havering parents who have children with an autism spectrum disorder, and we became a registered charity in 2009. We provide support, activities, and events for families with children on the autism spectrum — because every person with autism has potential to fulfil.

Our office is open two days a week, term time only, for membership forms and enquiries: Monday and Thursday, 10am–12pm, at the FIG Educational Building.

RAGS is run by volunteers only — the trustees are also volunteers.

More about RAGS

Welcome to Romford Autistic Group Support

  • Are you a young person with Autism/Aspergers?
  • Do you care for someone with Autism/Aspergers?
  • Do you have concerns about your child's development or behaviour?
  • RAGS offers a support network for families who have a member with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition or who are seeking a diagnosis.
  • We are the only independent parent-led support group based in Havering for families in Havering.
  • Our board of Trustees is made up of local parents and experienced professionals in the field of autism.
  • RAGS welcome families that may not meet the criteria for support elsewhere. We believe life is challenging enough without having to fight for your concerns to be heard because of a failure to tick someone's box.
  • RAGS are self supporting, we rely on donations, fundraising & membership subscriptions.
  • Autism is a condition that impacts on the whole family. RAGS welcomes siblings to our activities because we believe they have special needs too.

Upcoming events

Brunch Hour with RAGS

Friday, 30 October 2026

10am The Hub Cafe, 11 Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, RM3 0QA

↻ Weekly, Fridays, term-time only

Brunch Hour with RAGS

Friday, 6 November 2026

10am The Hub Cafe, 11 Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, RM3 0QA

↻ Weekly, Fridays, term-time only

Brunch Hour with RAGS

Friday, 13 November 2026

10am The Hub Cafe, 11 Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, RM3 0QA

↻ Weekly, Fridays, term-time only

View all events

What families say

A lifeline for our family

“RAGS has been a lifeline for our whole family. The support, advice and activities have made such a difference to our son and to us as parents. We no longer feel alone.”

Parent of a 9-year-old member

Finally, people who understand

“When our daughter was diagnosed we felt completely overwhelmed. RAGS gave us a community of people who truly understand. The activities are brilliant and she loves coming.”

Mother of a teenage member

Brilliant local support

“I had no idea there was such brilliant local support available. RAGS connected us with other families, helped us navigate the system, and our son has made real friends here.”

Father of an 11-year-old member

Latest news

Event

Partyman World: Half-Term Spooky Special

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Members ONLY Partyman World event, with an extra-spooky half-term theme. Dress-up encouraged! Times are emailed to Members.

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Event

Watercolour Session at Tapestry

Friday 16th October 2026 10:15am to 1pm A relaxed watercolour session for parents and carers, held at Tapestry in Harold Hill. - All art supplies provided - A safe, relaxing space for parents and carers - A wellbeing activity to help you relax and recharge - No experience needed, just come and enjoy Free lunch included. Watercolour sessions run on the third Friday of the month. Email RAGS for more information.

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Event

Partyman World — Members Event

Members ONLY Partyman World event. Times are emailed to Members.

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Science Museum’s “Night Owls” and “Early Birds” for Autism.

A Private Autism Session at the Science Museum. Some of our Members had a great time at the Science Museum last Saturday. Here are some photos that they were ha

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NEW for 2023 ! SUMMER DAY TRIP

Coach Trip to Walton on the Naze Wednesday 26th July 2023 Tickets £5 per seat Choice of 2 local Pickup Points: Large Roundabout Rosewood Avenue, Elm Park and th

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Many fantastic gifts collected for our Christmas Timbuk2 event on 23rd December

A mini ‘Supermarket Sweep’ in Sainsbury’s today 15th November 2019 many fantastic gifts collected for our Christmas Timbuk2 event on 23rd December. A generous d

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All news

Our supporters

Stay updated

Keep up with the latest RAGS news and events.

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Help Us Support Families

Every donation helps us provide activities, events and support for families with autism in Havering.

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