The idea
Through our existing work we have identified a significant increase in demand for our services since the pandemic and the impact this has had on our families. More and more are in crisis and desperate for someone to listen to them who have first hand knowledge and genuinely understand.
More parent/carers are engaging virtually and funding will enable us to increase capacity to meet this demand.
We will offer:
free virtual advice clinic appointments - helping families with strategies around challenging behaviour, anxiety, school refusal, sensory and sleep difficulties etc.
In addition, families who are in financial hardship are often unable to purchase the items their child would benefit from, such as seamless socks, compression sheets, white noise machines, weighted blankets, theraputty, blackout tents, lighting etc.
We will offer the relevant and appropriate items to those families identified, increasing the young person's welfare and decreasing the impact upon mental health.
What we'll deliver
- Free advice and support clinics delivered by family support workers
- Sensory items for the young person as identified
Why it's a great idea
We are a lived experience community interest company not for profit, and this gives us a unique understanding of the difficulties families face when caring for a young person with autism.
Parent/carers will have access to the practical specialist information and advice they need, making a positive difference to their child's life.
Parent/carers are more confident and less isolated.
Parent/carers mental health is improved.
Children with autism will achieve better outcomes due to their parent/carers being supported.
Children with autism will have the sensory tools required to improve their health and wellbeing.
Steps to get it done
- Start marketing the project in the local areas.
- Start taking referrals from agencies/organisations
- Start taking self-referrals
- Start purchasing the sensory items required
- Commence free, bespoke advice clinics to clients
- Deliver sensory items needed to identified families
