Autism Hub Chester
Jo Southall • June 26, 2022
At the West Cheshire Autism Hub, we provide free, personalised support to autistic adults aged 16 and above, as well as their family. This can be accessed whenever needed throughout their lifespan.
There are a number of areas of direct support offered by the West Cheshire Autism Hub, such as:
• helping alleviate loneliness and isolation
• encouraging self-advocacy and mentoring services
• autism specific advice and support, including pre and post-diagnostic support
• a variety of different activities and events.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Our staff team is made up of people with lived experience of autism and professionals with experience of working with autistic adults.
- You can consult with our staff in a welcoming environment, whether that be at The Bluecoat or virtually.
- We will help you identify the gaps and barriers you are experiencing to receive the support you need.
- We will strive to make information we give you clear and concise, providing written information wherever possible.
- We will be flexible in our approach and open to any reasonable adjustments you need.
WHAT WE DO
- Consultation, working with you to identify the help you need.
- Signpost to existing services offered by our partners.
- Help you navigate the various services on offer.
- Emotional support.
- Autism specific bespoke services.
- Support the wider autism community and families, such as parents, partners, siblings and grandparents.
- Through peer connections, offer the unique opportunity to chat with other autistic adults in the relaxed and friendly environment of the Autism Hub.
- Support the transition to adulthood as we have strong links with local schools and the University of Chester.
- Offer pre and post-diagnostic support. Our post-diagnostic, six-week course, which explores issues relating to adult diagnosis, is in development.
- Promote advocacy.
ACTIVITIES CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE
- Helens artsy sessions entitled ‘getting to know me’ (taking place via Zoom)
- Helens Christmastime artsy sessions (taking place via Zoom)
- Claire’s cooking sessions
- Virtual Reality (VR) – taking place at the hub on a Thursday
Our Rep Jayne had the opportunity to attend the Community Champions Event in Warrington recently, representing our Parent Carer Forum with a stall. Here are some key takeaways:
Jayne – a Parent Carer Forum rep and Special Guardian to her nephew, who has ADHD, autism and developmental trauma. In this blog, she explains what Special Guardianship really means and the challenges families face.
Keep up to date on all of the works the PCF are involved in with our March newsletter.Here are some of the latest updates….
Finding the right social opportunities and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be a challenge. That’s why the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service provides free, inclusive, and engaging youth provisions across the borough.
Endorphins February News - available to download and read.
It’s almost been a year since Parent Carers spoke passionately at the Council Chambers about the issues in the borough about Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
Resources from the 2025 Parent/Carer Volunteer Training provided by the PCF. PPT Slides can be downloaded and viewed from Week 1-5 training sessions.
Critical insights and available resources to support families in Cheshire West and Chester from an informative session titled Transitions & Pathways took place to guide families navigating key life transitions for their children.
Want to learn more about preparing for transitions and pathways available?
Watch again from our March forum online - great resources and information.