Somerset Autistic Spectrum Disorder – Directory of Services for individuals and their families March 2017 1 Page Contents Introduction National Support . Websites, helplines, research, information Somerset information and advocacy services Somerset support and social groups for adults Somerset support and social groups for Children and Young People Family, carers and friends Education, employment and volunteering Leisure Other Social media Somerset key general information and advice services 2 Page Introduction This directory has been produced in response to the Somerset Autism Strategy and on behalf of the Somerset Autism Strategy Group. The Group recognise the need for children, young people and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, friends and carers to have access to a quick reference guide to support and advice services. This directory is not exhaustive but aims to be a useful resource. The information contained in the directory is correct at the time of development but can be subject to change at any time. Disclaimer The inclusion of groups or organisations in this directory does not necessarily mean that we recommend them or that they are approved by Somerset County Council or Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group. We advise you to take the usual care before approaching or buying any service from any of the listed organisations. Your Comments We would like to hear your views and comments about this directory. If you have any feedback or would like to highlight any details which are incorrect or out of date, please contact our carers champions, Claire or Charlotte. Other formats This directory can be produced in a variety of formats. Please contact our carers champions, Claire or Charlotte. 3 Page National organisations Autism Alliance A network of specialist autism National www.autism-alliance.org.uk charities. Advice and support to small Website groups. Autism Independent UK Offers training, research and National www.autismuk.com information Website Child Autism UK Information and helpline for parents, National www.childautism.org.uk families and schools Helpline 01344 882248 Ambitious About Autism Charity for children and young people with autism. Provides services, raises awareness and understanding and National www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk campaigns for change. [email protected] My Voice is a website for young 020 8815 5444 people aged 16 – 25 years with content created by young people. Autistic Intelligence Group of worldwide experts by International www.autisticintelligence.org experience who share academic 07971 471617 research and knowledge about autism Aspergers Syndrome Promotes awareness and understand National www.aspergersfoundation.org.uk Foundation of Aspergers Syndrome [email protected] Aukids A social enterprise producing a Cost £16 each year www.aukids.co.uk magazine every three months [email protected] providing information, encouragement and support for parents and children. Autism Spectrum Australia Website offering information, International www.autismspectrum.org.au resources, research and support 4 Contact a Family Information, advice and support. National www.cafamily.org.uk Page Brings families together, campaigns. For families with disabled 0808 808 3555 children National Autistic Society Autism Helpline National, confidential www.autism.org.uk 10am-4pm Monday to Thursday support on autism for 0808 800 4104 9am – 3pm Fridays anyone affected by or researching autism. Also Email enquiry forms factsheets and discussion forums Somerset information and advocacy services Autism Somerset Website providing updates on local, Somerset www.autismsomerset.org.uk regional and national news, policy and developments about autism Autism Wessex A regional charity providing Somerset, Dorset, www.autismwessex.org.uk information/advice for people Wiltshire, Hampshire [email protected] affected by autism, adults with Info and advice 01305 213135 autism, parents, carers, professionals Somerset Community Care Specialist advice, advocacy and Somerset www.sccm.org.uk Matters casework under community care [email protected] Legislation. Legal advice on NHS, 01823 282538 social care and disability rights Somerset Choices Website giving access to information Somerset www.somersetchocies.org.uk and advice on adult social care and health and on a range of support services from the public, private, voluntary and community sector. SWAN Advocacy Advocates with specialist knowledge, Somerset Providing IMHA, IMCA, Care Act, www.swanadvocacy.org.uk/somerset/ Generic 18years plus, Independent [email protected] Health Complaints Advocacy, Paid 03333 447928 Representation and Dementia 5 Advocacy Service. Community Catalysts Directory of micro-enterprises Somerset For further information contact Rhys Page providing a range of practical, one to Davies 07595 411945 one support, home support, social Charges will apply [email protected] and leisure opportunities. Somerset support groups Coping with Aspergers For people with Aspergers Syndrome Bridgwater and through Support (CATS) or carers. Social group, visits, walks. surrounding areas [email protected] First Wednesday each month 7.30pm United 07747127334 Reformed Church, West Street, Bridgwater Minehead ASC/Aspergers For people on the autistic spectrum, Minehead Cathryn or Peter Support Group people with Aspergers Syndrome and Meet first Saturday each their carers month, 10 – 11 or 3 – 4, [email protected] Reading Room, 17 Please email before attending Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UB Open Storytellers Offer a range of day services, Frome area www.openstorytellers.org.uk courses, workshops and People with learning 01373 471171 events/activities including Friends difficulties , people with [email protected] Meet-ups, Sensory Book Club additional communication needs Yeovil Aspergers Drop-In Social group. Range of activities, Yeovil www.autismwessex.org.uk Group (Autism Wessex) information and advice. Newsletter Adults 18years and over [email protected] for members. Meets every two weeks 01305 213135 Somerset National Autistic Social group for parents, carers, Somerset Society Social Group young people and adults with Autistic Monthly meetings at [email protected] Spectrum Disorder Henhays Centre 07411933054 The Hub Micro enterprise work groups. Work Yeovil www.thehubyeovil.co.uk and training opportunities for young Age 14 plus with 01935 429277 people with additional needs in a additional needs [email protected] range of locations and businesses. 6 Page Somerset support groups and services – children and young people The Unstoppables Young person’s champions group. Mendip An opportunity for children and Ages 10 – 25 years [email protected] young people with special educational Meet first Thursday 01823 359868 needs each month, Shepton Also Facebook and Frome Fee Bridgwater Rising Stars Weekly stay and play group for Bridgwater children with additional needs Ages 0 – 5 years Text Gem Salter Meets Sydenham 07887666184 Children’ Centre Escape Support Group Support group for the whole family Somerset www.escapesupportgroup.com where there is a child with additional Children and Young [email protected] needs. Social activities, trips, People 01823 442160 swimming, theatre and age-specific Membership fee events. Frome Autistic Support Coffee, chat and support Frome Contact Sarah 07977913339 for dates Team Meets Bridge Children’s [email protected] Centre, Haysdown First School Children’s Autism Outreach Team works with children, young Somerset 0300 1232 224 Team (CAOT) people, parents and carers to support 0 – 13 years with a and empower. Provide strategies diagnosis of autism when appropriate and aims to increase social opportunities. Somerset Autism Friends Set up by parents who attend CAOT Somerset Facebook but also open if your child has not yet 0 – 13 years got a diagnosis 7 Short Breaks Team Opportunities for children and young Somerset 01823 358117 or Page people with a disability or a learning 8 – 18 years For a referral pack Somerset Direct 0845 need to spend time away from their 345 9122 principal care giver and give Newsletters and parents/carers a break from caring. calendars of activities Family, carers and friends Somerset Parent For anyone caring for Somerset www.somersetpcf.org.uk Carers Forum children/young people with any Ages 0 – 25 years [email protected] disability and/or additional 01458 259384 or 07543 680365 need. Aim to empower and See website for involve parent carers to have details of support Facebook Groups their say in order to influence groups in local and national decision Bridgwater Finding your Way making. Directory of Services Chard http://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingYourWay/ for parents/carers on website. Frome Training. Wells For Dads only Wincanton http://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingYourWaydads/ Wellington Yeovil Bridgwater Parents Support Group for parents of Bridgwater and [email protected] Support Group children with autism, Villages 07846934113 Aspergers, learning disabilities, 2nd Wednesday each complex needs month 10.00 – 2.00 Claire Cole 07704405324 Sydenham family Centre Early Bird Licensed Training programme for Somerset [email protected] Team (National Autistic parents, carers and children Delivered through 0808 800 4102 Society) CAOT Mendip Autism Support Support to parents and carers Mendip [email protected] Group (MASG) of children with