Autism Hub Chester
Jo Southall • June 26, 2022
At the West Cheshire Autism Hub, we provide free, personalised support to autistic adults aged 16 and above, as well as their family. This can be accessed whenever needed throughout their lifespan.
There are a number of areas of direct support offered by the West Cheshire Autism Hub, such as:
• helping alleviate loneliness and isolation
• encouraging self-advocacy and mentoring services
• autism specific advice and support, including pre and post-diagnostic support
• a variety of different activities and events.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Our staff team is made up of people with lived experience of autism and professionals with experience of working with autistic adults.
- You can consult with our staff in a welcoming environment, whether that be at The Bluecoat or virtually.
- We will help you identify the gaps and barriers you are experiencing to receive the support you need.
- We will strive to make information we give you clear and concise, providing written information wherever possible.
- We will be flexible in our approach and open to any reasonable adjustments you need.
WHAT WE DO
- Consultation, working with you to identify the help you need.
- Signpost to existing services offered by our partners.
- Help you navigate the various services on offer.
- Emotional support.
- Autism specific bespoke services.
- Support the wider autism community and families, such as parents, partners, siblings and grandparents.
- Through peer connections, offer the unique opportunity to chat with other autistic adults in the relaxed and friendly environment of the Autism Hub.
- Support the transition to adulthood as we have strong links with local schools and the University of Chester.
- Offer pre and post-diagnostic support. Our post-diagnostic, six-week course, which explores issues relating to adult diagnosis, is in development.
- Promote advocacy.
ACTIVITIES CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE
- Helens artsy sessions entitled ‘getting to know me’ (taking place via Zoom)
- Helens Christmastime artsy sessions (taking place via Zoom)
- Claire’s cooking sessions
- Virtual Reality (VR) – taking place at the hub on a Thursday
This month’s PCF newsletter is packed with updates, opportunities and support for SEND families across Cheshire West & Chester.
The Department for Education is consulting on Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) — and parent carers’ voices are crucial.
PCF (AGM) meeting with an update from the CWaC SEND Transport team on SEND Home to School Travel Assistance.
The SEND Commitment - SEND system works together. It’s a set of shared promises, created with families, professionals, and young people. Commitment across CWaC,
PCF Monthly Round-Up - This month, the Vice-Chair presented our 2026 Survey findings, 702 responses strong, to the SEND Partnership Board, chaired by Edwina Grant.
MyMind CYPMHS children and young people’s mental health services in Cheshire West and Chester.
MHST (Mental Health Support Team) schools, anxiety support, ADHD
The SEND Partnership Board independently chaired by Edwina Grant with senior stakeholders from across the system. PCF Vice Chair presented findings from PCF Survey.
Knowing Me Neurodiversity Profiling Tool. PCF CWaC’s Ongoing Role in a Tool Built With Families.
Introduction from Sal Thirlway, Director of Education and Inclusion, Cheshire West and Chester Council .
Parent Carer Forum for Cheshire West & Chester new blog post - Parent Voices - Luke Squires, a dad to three neurodiverse children, living with ADHD himself.