Useful Links

General Autism Spectrum websites and forums

Autism Berkshire works in partnership with organisations across Berkshire with the aim of providing the best possible services for people living with autism and their families.

Local Offer provision from councils

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, all local authorities must publish a Local Offer guide, detailing what support is available for families of children with special educational needs. For details of Local Offer provision in your council area, click on the relevant link below.

Health Services

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust – www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk – runs the CAMHS and Adult Diagnosis services.

The trust has a dedicated website for its services for Children, Young People and Families – https://cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk

The following Local Healthwatch organisations monitor health and social care services on behalf of patients and service users:

The NHS in Berkshire has published a booklet to support young people in times of emotional distress.

The Little Blue Book of Sunshine comes in two versions, one for the east of the county and one for the west, giving details of help available in each area.

Click on the links to download them:
East (Bracknell, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead)
West (Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire)

Education Information Advice and Support Services

Previously known as Parent Partnerships, these are statutory services offering information, advice and support to parents and carers about special education needs (SEN). They can go into schools to support parents and carers over educational, health and care matters.

Other education websites

Further education courses, tailored for individuals with special educational needs, are offered by:

Employment

  • Access to Work is a Government scheme to help the disabled and people with mental or physical health conditions. Grants for equipment and other support are available in some circumstances –https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
  • Adviza provides a single point of access for all 13 to 19-year-olds to help them prepare for the transition to work and adult life – www.adviza.org.uk/who-am-i/young-person/
  • Dimensions offers support into employment for people with learning disabilities and autism – www.dimensions-uk.org
  • Graft Thames Valley aims to eradicate barriers to employment for disabled or disadvantaged people struggling to find a job – www.graft.org.uk
  • Incluzy is an inclusive disability jobs website, with lots of useful information and guidance for employees and employers – incluzy.com/
  • The National Autistic Society offers employment and training advice for autistic people who are looking for work – www.autism.org.uk
  • The Shaw Trust provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances –  www.shaw-trust.org.uk
  • A Guide to Workplace Bullying, by Amy Forester, offers advice and information for people who may be experiencing bullying or discrimination at work – www.autoenrolment.co.uk/guides/workplace-bullying
  • Spectroomz is a site that links up prospective employers with autistic freelancers who find it easier to work from home and avoid the stress associated with traditional workplaces – www.spectroomz.com

Benefits

Other websites

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld has launched the Victims First website to help victims of crime. It includes information and advice, including signposting to services to help victims of crime to cope and recover from the impact of the crime.

The Stop Loan Sharks project aims to combat unlicensed illegal money lending and to protect vulnerable people from exploitation.

The project has published a guide on how to spot if someone may be being exploited by loan sharks. It is designed to help health and social care professionals but contains information that parents, carers and friends may also find useful. A 24-hour Helpline is also available on 0300 555 2222.

Click here to download the guide.