A hub for children with autism and their families is being developed in Telford and Wrekin
Telford and Wrekin Council, in partnership with Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is funding and developing a Children’s Autism Hub – a service providing information, advice and guidance to families whose child has been diagnosed with autism.
Telford Children’s Autism Hub is delivered in partnership with its lead provider Telford and Wrekin CVS, Autism West Midlands and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Parent Carers’ voices provided by Parents Opening Doors (PODS) are helping to shape the services of the hub.
Telford Children’s Autism Hub is based at Hazledine House in Telford Centre and is open to all children and young people aged 0-18 and their families, who have a diagnosis of autism.
The services of the hub are being gradually developed, with the hub offers peer support, activities, training workshops and other opportunities for autistic children and young people and their families.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Labour), Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I am delighted to see the Children’s Autism Hub funded by our Council and “Telford and Wrekin CCG” starting to take shape in our borough.
“It will make a difference for our children with autism and their families, by offering access to local support services as well as opportunities to meet with other families who experience an autism diagnosis.
“The Children’s Autism Hub is a fantastic example of partnership working – in developing the services provided by the hub, our partners have heard from families with autistic children across the borough as to what matters to them and how we can make their life easier.
Debbie Gibbon (Chief Executive for Telford and Wrekin CVS) said: “We are excited to be leading this exciting new service for families across Telford.
“We are working in partnership with other services to ensure children diagnosed with autism receive the best support available. Our adult’s autism hub will work closely with the children’s team to ensure transition from childhood to adult service provision is smooth and consistent.”
Jayne Stevens, Strategic Co-ordinator at PODS (Parents Opening Doors) Parent Carer Forum said:"In working with partners to setup the Telford Children's Autism Hub, we heard from local families who shared their experiences, to make sure the Hub's services meet their needs.
“We want to reassure families that we will continue to represent their experiences as the wider Autism pathway and offers are developed".
Claire Parker, Director of Partnerships, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCG said: “We are delighted to be working together with Telford & Wrekin Council and local partners to create such a vital service, where children and young people with autism and their families are well supported, benefitting from a range of services in one place.”
To access the Telford Children’s Autism Hub, families need to be residents of Telford and Wrekin. They can find out more about the support the Hub can offer on Telford Children’s Autism Hub website or by calling 01952 262062
Pictured (left to right): Julie Collins (Childrens Service Manager – CVS Children's Autism Hub), Cllr Shirley Reynolds (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families), Kerry Mclafferty (Parent Rep/PODS), Jayne Stevens (Strategic Coordinator POD), Caroline Lake (Parent Rep/PODS)
