Staffordshire partnership set up to support Autism in the community

An exciting new initiative aimed at raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Staffordshire has been set up.

The Autism in the Community Partnership has been established to provide support and advice on ASD in the community. It is made up of representatives from a range of organisations including: Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Jigsaw, The National Autistic Society, Staffordshire Parent Partnership, The North Staffordshire Asperger/Autism Association (NSAAA) and Autism West Midlands.

With thanks to £10,000 of funding from the National Lottery's `Awards for all' grants scheme, the Partnership is planning a series of free training sessions to take place across the county later in the year. Initial sessions are taking place in June and July.

The sessions will offer practical tips on understanding Autism and Asperger Syndrome and are targeted at staff within a variety of community groups and organisations including: Clubs, Brownies, Guides, Leisure Centres, basically any organisation wishing to find out more about ASD or anyone who works with children and young people with ASD.

These will take place from 6.45pm - 9.00pm at various venues in Staffordshire. Details are as follows:

Date

Venue:

Thursday 12th June

The Voluntary Services Centre Union Street

Burton upon Trent Staffs DE14 1AA

Thursday 19th June

Blackfriars School Hall Priory Road Newcastle

Staffs ST5 2 TF

Thursday 26th June

Flash Ley Centre. Hawksmoor Road

Stafford ST17 9 DR

Monday 30th June

Dove studio Alleynes High School Oulton Road

Stone Staffs ST15 8DT

Tuesday 8th July

Wombourne Community Centre Church Road Wombourne

WV5 9 EZ

Tuesday 15th July

Dosthill Boys Club, Cadogan Road, Dosthill Tamworth

Places are limited and need to be booked in advance.

For further details and to book places please contact: Carol Walters on 07881 876749 or via email: carol.andrew@virgin.net

County Councillor Peter Beresford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "The development of this partnership for Staffordshire is excellent news. It will help to generate further awareness of ASD and of the support which is available to children and young people with ASD and their parents/carers. We have received positive feedback from parents and professionals who attended a pilot event in March.'

For further information on the `Autism in the Community Partnership', please contact: Debra York on 01785 356830 or email: sss.service@staffordshire.gov.uk.

The Children and Young People Scrutiny and Performance Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th June at County Buildings, Martin Street, Stafford.

Page Last Modified: 12/06/2008 09:08:30

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