Children's autism hub expanding support thanks to additional funding

The extra funding means the Hub is also able to offer information, advice and support for families at the pre-diagnosis stage and who are on the pathway awaiting an Autism assessment.  

Families can access the service if their child or young person is 0-18 years old and  lives in Telford and Wrekin.

The Hub is funded by Telford & Wrekin Council and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. 

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “The support provided by the Telford Children’s Autism Hub is incredibly important for children, and their families, following diagnosis.

"It provides people with vital information and help to meet their specific needs.

"However, we know that some children with SEND can face considerable waiting times for their assessments, so we’re really pleased to be able to fund this extended offer to ensure children and their families are able to access the support they need while they wait for a diagnosis.”

Telford’s Autism Hub is delivered in partnership with Telford and Wrekin CVS as the lead provider, Autism West Midlands, and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Jeni Kuczynska Chief Executive Officer Telford and Wrekin CVS said: “We are delighted to share the news that our commissioned Telford Children’s Autism Hub project is now opening to those families who have a child on the pathway for an  Autism Assessment.

"The dedicated and talented team will expand to be able to ensure the service can meet the demand for new referrals and delivery will be tailored to themes presented, a true person-centred service.

"This offer now bears consistencies with the Telford Adults Autism Hub who have seen first-hand the importance of support along the journey. We are really excited to be able to work with you and your family.”

Jayne Stevens, Strategic Co-ordinator PODS Parent Carer Forum said: "We are ever thankful for any additional services to support families who are undergoing Autism assessments or wanting more information and advice. We're  pleased that parent carers voices have been heard in the development of these services." 

Based at Hazledine House in Telford Centre, the Hub provides peer support for  families, activities for children, young people and their families, training, individual advice sessions and workshops. It enables children and young people who are  awaiting an assessment, or with a diagnosis of Autism, to aspire, develop and have access to community centred support.  

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet member for Children, Young People,  Education, Employment and Skills, said: “It’s fantastic to see the launch of the new pre-diagnosis service at the Telford Children’s Autism Hub.

“The hub provides extensive services to help those children and young people living within the Borough of Telford and Wrekin who have already been diagnosed with  autism.  

“But now, with the pre-diagnosis service, the hub can help those in the early stages, before the formal assessment and diagnosis process begins.

“This means the hub will be able to support more children and young people and their families across our Borough, which I welcome.” 

The Hub works in partnership with other services to ensure children who are on the pathway or have a diagnosis of Autism receive the best support available, including the Adult’s Autism Hub to ensure transition from childhood to adult service provision is smooth and consistent. 

An official launch event will take place in early February to promote the service to families living in Telford and Wrekin.