Creating a welcoming space for autistic adults

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust has helped the brand-new West Cheshire Autism Hub get ready for its virtual launch.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust has helped the brand-new West Cheshire Autism Hub get ready for its virtual launch.

The Autism Hub will be a welcoming space for autistic people to visit and access services, such as post-diagnostic support, supported volunteering and internship opportunities, social and community group activities and much more.

Organisations from across west Cheshire that deliver autism services are involved in the project, which is supported by the likes of CWP, Cheshire West and Chester Council and NHS Cheshire CCG.  

While the Autism Hub will eventually be based at The Bluecoat in Chester, it has had to launch virtually for the time being because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

CWP has been working closely with the Autism Hub in the background ahead of the virtual launch, with plans to move into The Bluecoat in the coming months once it is safe to do so.

West Cheshire Autism Hub aims

• Keep autistic adults and their families at the heart of everything it does.
• Explore innovative ways of working in partnership to create a valuable service.
• Value everyone equally, respecting their individual differences.
• Work proactively to meet the needs of autistic adults and their families and raise its profile across west Cheshire.

Clair Haydon, consultant occupational therapist and lead for the adult autism team said: “All of us within CWP’s Adult Autism Team are thrilled to be working alongside our NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector colleagues, to launch the Autism Hub, a much needed local resource for autistic people and their families/supporters in West Cheshire.

“We are hopeful that the Hub will be a place for autistic people and any people that may be supporting them to receive advice, information and support and will provide a support network to minimise risks associated with isolation, social anxiety and depression.

“We are very excited at the potential opportunities for closer working that should improve the lives of autistic people in our area.”

The West Cheshire Autism Hub is now active on social media.

• Twitter account
• Facebook account

If anyone wants to get involved with the West Cheshire Autism Hub, or has any questions about the project, please email: karen.mcguinness@westcheshireautismhub.co.uk.