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
Reasonable adjustments come from a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010. Schools must remove barriers for disabled pupils by making practical, appropriate changes that allow them to access learning like everyone else.
I had the pleasure of presenting alongside brilliant speakers and the CANDDID study team on the “Knowing ME!” neurodiversity profiling tool, currently being developed across Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Live Well Newsletter will be published bi-monthly to provide you with latest updates and information. It is also your opportunity to get involved, have your say and improve our Live Well/Local Offer Cheshire West Website.
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