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
Introduction from Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families. Includes updates and stories from SEND services at CWaC.
In order to keep you up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, we have created a new BLOG area on our website. Here are some of the latest updates…..
Looking for ideas, activities, and support over the summer holidays? Check out the Cheshire West & Chester Summer Holidays Padlet – a growing collection of resources and opportunities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At our AGM on 16 July, we looked back on a busy year of parent voice and co-production – and shared important updates on SEND transport.
Nine months after the first summit, the Second SEND Summit 2025 brought together over 150 professionals, parents, and carers to reflect, connect, and drive forward real change for children and young people with SEND.
As part of the ‘Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools’ (PINS) project the Parent Carer Forum has presented each of the 4 mainstream primary schools that took part in the project in 2024/2025 with a box of resources to be used as a library by children, parents, and teachers.
The PINS project is now underway throughout England and the Parent Carer Forum is working together with 4 schools in Cheshire West and Chester.
Cheshire West & Chester are bringing together parents, carers, young people, schools, and organisations across Cheshire West to shape the future of school uniform policies, making them fair, affordable, and supportive for all families.
The Centre for Autism Neuro Developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDDID) study team are evaluating the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool pilot and would really value your views.
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!