Help shape the future of autism services
Local residents can help shape the future of services for people with autism as part of a series of online sessions, which launch next week.
The Dudley Autism Partnership Board, which represents Dudley Council, Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), service users, carers and the voluntary and independent sector had planned to hold an event during autism awareness week earlier this year to ask people to comment on its new autism strategy, which sets out a plan for autism services until 2025.
As the event had to be cancelled at beginning of lockdown, the board is now inviting people to take part in online sessions to have their say about what they think should be prioritised.
People can also complete a short online survey where they will be asked a number of questions including what they think the priorities are, what they think is already working well, what needs to be improved and what gaps are there in current services.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:
“As we begin the recovery process following the coronavirus pandemic, it’s so important we learn from what’s happened over the last few months and ensure any shift in priority is reflected in our strategy for delivering autism services.
“People have had a lot to cope with in recent months and I want to make sure we give every person with a vested interest the opportunity to work with us and to help shape and guide our services as we look to the future.”
The online sessions are being co-ordinated by Dudley Voices for Choice and will be held on:
- Tuesday 11 August 10.30 to 11.30am
- Thursday 10 September 1 to 2pm
- Wednesday 7 October 6 to 7pm
- Monday 9 November 1 to 2pm
- Tuesday 8 December 6 to 7pm
For more information about these events call Dudley Voices for Choice on 01384 217057.
To complete the autism survey go to - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dudleyautismstrategy
To view the current autism strategy go to - https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/care-and-health/adult-health-social-care/support-to-stay-independent/specialist-support-services/autism/