A NEW Community Autism Support Service has been launched to support people across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Residents who may self-identify as autistic, those awaiting an autism assessment and those with an autism diagnosis will now have more choice in the emotional and practical support they are able to access.
Building on the existing Community Autism Support Service provision, this service will see new elements introduced as a result of feedback from autistic people and their families.
The service will also be easier to access using a single ‘front door’ approach. This means that residents can access this all-age service through a single phone number and dedicated website.
The new Community Autism Support Service is commissioned jointly by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.
Dr Angela Brady, chief medical officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are excited about the launch of this new service. We hope it will prove to be a valuable resource for autistic people across Coventry and Warwickshire and improve the quality of support they receive.
“By listening to feedback from families and working with local people to develop the service, we are able to provide autistic people, those awaiting diagnosis, and their families the support they need in a way that is easily accessible for them.”
The service draws on the collective strengths of local organisations Coventry and Warwickshire Mind and Act for Autism, working in a collaborative partnership with Autism West Midlands.
The main aim of the new CASS service is to be responsive to local need, providing better targeted support in the community. CASS aims to improve people’s understanding of autism and contribute to greater lived experience – helping to support self-esteem, confidence, relationships and to improve emotional wellbeing and mental health.
First contact with CASS will be with the navigation service – a single phone number and email with a dedicated support team, available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
The team will help with emotional support and, based on individual needs, they can signpost, provide information and, if required, identify further personalised support such as the community outreach service, a peer mentoring service or training and education.
For more information visit www.casspartnership.org.uk or call CASS on 024 76 012333.
