A D U L T S E R V I C E S G U I D E Supporting autistic adults to have the opportunities to lead independent and fulfilled lives
01234 350704 WHY WE ARE HERE
We believe that autistic adults should have the opportunity to lead an independent and fulfilling life and we work tirelessly to empower our members to achieve just that. We have developed a range of services to facilitate this mission based upon our member's feedback.
Our members told us that the options available for autistic adults without a learning difficulty can be very limited, as they often do not qualify for support. In response, Autism Bedfordshire began to develop a range of services for autistic adults in Bedfordshire who are at risk of social isolation but do not qualify for statutory support.
Since then we have continued to grow and adapt to an increasing demand yet our vision has remained the same: to empower autistic adults across Bedfordshire. are run across the county for able autistic adults, these EVENING groups are supported by at least twMo EmMemPHbeISrs SoOf tLhUeT aIOduNltS services staff team. The groups meet regularly at the same venue enjoying a range of leisure activities that the group SOCIAL has planned to do. These groups are particularly valuable to members who feel socially isolated or require structure and support to engage in a social environment. Currently, we GROUPS run: A fortnightly group for 18-25-year-olds in Bedford A fortnightly group for over 25’s in Bedford A monthly group for over 35’s in Bedford A monthly all age group in Leighton Buzzard A monthly all age group in Luton A monthly all age group in Ampthill A monthly all age group in Biggleswade (BRAND NEW) A monthly all age LGBTQ group online A monthly all age female voice group online A Monthly Comedy Night A Monthly Family Quiz Night
are run in Luton, Bedford, Leighton Buzzard, Biggleswade, Marston Moretaine and Ampthill with each group being DAYTIME supported by a members of the adult services staff team.The group in Luton alternates between a lunch group and walking group on a Friday afternoon whilst the Bedford, Biggleswade, SOCIAL Marston Moretaine and Ampthill groups enjoy a walk or a bite to eat at a local cafe or resturant. These groups are GROUPS particularly valuable for members who want to socialise but are unable to attend our evening groups or are looking for more structure in their week. E M P L O Y M E N T S U P P O R T
Our employment support is designed for autistic adults who are looking to enter the employment market within the next 18 months. The program is designed to fit around the individual’s strengths, needs, and aspirations to ensure every person who enters the program is not only closer to the job market but more confident and independent when they leave it. Features Individuals will have access to confidential 1:1 support during their meetings Individuals will be provided with their own assessment plan and action points which will be renewed each time we see them We work with individuals in a variety of ways to ensure their needs are met, which includes discussions and the observation of practical tasks We run various employability courses throughout the year and individuals will be given the opportunity to attend one of these courses What individuals will learn We help individuals develop the skills and confidence they need on their path to employment. We do this by: Searching for a job Help in completing an application Writing a CV Writing a cover letter Preparing for an interview Helping individuals learn how to communicate effectively with work Colleagues Support with disclourse
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COURSES AND WORKSHOPS Our Skill Development Courses are designed to help autistic adults develop communication, employment, social, and life skills needed to be a part of the local community. To enable the group to work well both together and as individuals, the size of the group is limited to seven and all individuals are assessed to understand their suitability. Courses usually take place for one day a week over a six to eight-week period with course topics designed around the needs that are presented to us.
Previous courses have included:
Money management Understanding my Autism Pre-employment and volunteering Mindfulness and Wellbeing Customer service in the workplace Travel training Social and communication skills Building confidence in social situations Increasing resilience in the community Healthy lifestyles Cooking Customer Services BENEFITS AND WELFARE SUPPORT
Social security benefits are financial payments. Some benefits are paid to meet basic living costs, some are paid for specific expenses such as rent, other benefits are paid if you meet certain criteria such as being in full-time work.
There are dozens of different benefits and many have complex rules. We are now able to offer one-to-one confidential support sessions in person or online to help you start to find out which of those benefits might be relevant to you.
What we can help with... Completing benefit forms Check over forms you have completed General benefit advice Help with Mandatory Reconsideration (if a benefit has been refused) Representation at tribunal Debt advise and support Managing your money and budgeting
Benefits we are able to advise on... DLA (disability living allowance) PIP (personal independence payments) Universal Credit MY FUTURE MY FUTURES IS A NEW AND EXCITING TRANSITION SUPPORT SERVICE THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO HELP YOUNG AUTISTIC ADULTS (18-25) AND THEIR FAMILIES TO NAVIGATE THE CONFUSING WORLD OF ADULTHOOD. Our My Futures team supports young people and their families, to build sustainable long- term solutions to their support and care needs, focusing on enablement and independence. All work is person-centred and is led by the young person and their families in developing their support plan, enabling them to achieve their aspirations and be part of their community.
My Futures will also be offering a 3-week intense summer program aimed at taking the first steps to independence helping young autistic adults prepare for adulthood. Activities will include:
Money management Self Advocacy and knowing your rights Travel training Healthy Eating and cookery Friendship skills Building confidence and self-esteem
The My Futures support team will be hosting a parent/career conference every year and facilitating monthly drop-in sessions helping parents/carers better understand what support is available when transitioning into adulthood, topics that will be covered:
Social Care needs assessment Advocacy and rights Benefits Moving into Employment Post 18 Education Options for those with and without an EHCP plan Wellbeing and Health advice Steps to independent living Supported Living Helpline: Monday - Friday 09:00-17:00 - Information, advice and guidance on all matters relating to autism. Website: www.autismbedfordshire.net - Information on our services and access to key resources. e-newsletters: Autism Bedfordshire circulates information via different e-newsletters. Please contact us if you wish to receive any of these:
Pathway - general charity and local information Grapevine - Children’s Services Orchard - Adult Services Staff and Volunteers information
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/autismbedfordshire twitter@autismbeds
Membership: In order to access our core services you will need to become a member of Autism Bedfordshire. For further details please visit our website.
MEET THE ADULT SERVICE TEAM
Lisa Bowes Sharna Raine Adult Skills Tutor Adult Services and Support Lead Manager
Helen McHugh Sam Brown Emily Cullum Faye Homan Sally Cripsey Rachael Champion Employment Employment Adult Skills Tutor Admin and Senior Support My Futures Engagement Support Officer and Support Support Officer Officer Support Officer Officer Officer