Autism Hub Chester
Jo Southall • Jun 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
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to parent carers who have taken the time to fill out our 2024 survey. We understand the frustration of sharing lived experiences without seeing an impact. We have read hundreds of comments from survey participants, and each one has touched our hearts. We want to assure parent carers that their voices have been heard and fed back to leaders in the Council and the SEND Strategy Board. As a result, there is a commitment from those at the very top to address concerns working in equal partnership with parent and carers. We will keep members and the wider community updated as we take recommendations from the survey into actionable steps with professionals and key stakeholders. PCF Survey 2024 Summary Report: 1. National backdrop 2. Demographics 3. Overall Themes 4. Comparison with 2022 5. New question analysis 6. Support 7. Co-production and culture 8. Conclusion 9. Recommendations is available here...
Watch our online event to hear from professionals presentations and responding to parent questions. For parents and carers of children and young people who need additional support in education, health and social services.
Read our March Newsletter for our latest news, links to Easter activities and lots of information and signposting.
A FREE group for all Parents and Carers. Come and discover 'Live Well' - Meet the professionals who support your child, also a Mental Health Services Update
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
You can view the presentation from November 2023 and learn about the SEND Team - Roles, Responsibilities, Attendance, Exclusion and Alternative Provision.
Read our December newsletter for information, updates and SEN signposting to services and support.
Slides available to download from our SEND Law Training Session last month.
Events, latest news and information for parents and carers from PCF in our newsletter from November.
Take a look at The Cheshire & Warrington Careers Hub latest newsletter for further information and find out more about their parent and carer sessions below.