June 5, 2023, Warwickshire County Council: New Community Autism Support Service launches to support people across Coventry and Warwickshire https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/4231/new-community-autism-support-service-launches-to-support-people-across-coventry-and-warwickshire
Autistic people in Coventry and Warwickshire, or those awaiting a diagnosis, are now able to access improved support through the all-age autism support service.
Residents in Coventry and Warwickshire who may self-identify as autistic, those awaiting an autism assessment and those with an autism diagnosis will have more choice in the emotional and practical support they are able to access.
Building on the familiar existing CASS (Community Autism Support Service) provision, this service will see new elements introduced as a result of feedback from autistic people, their families and coproduction activity with local residents.
The service will also be easier to access using a single ‘front door’ approach. This will mean that residents can access this all-age service through a single phone number and dedicated website, which is available now.
The new Community Autism Support Service is commissioned jointly by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.
Dr Angela Brady, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are excited about the launch of this new service. We hope it will prove to be a valuable resource for autistic people across Coventry and Warwickshire and improve the quality of support they receive. …
The service draws on the collective strengths of local organisations Coventry and Warwickshire Mind and Act for Autism, working in a collaborative partnership with Autism West Midlands.
The main aim of the new CASS service is to be responsive to local need – providing better targeted support in the community. CASS aims to improve people’s understanding of autism and contribute to greater lived experience – helping to support self-esteem, confidence, relationships and to improve emotional wellbeing and mental health. …
"The launch of the enhanced Community Autism Support Service marks an important milestone in our commitment to improving the lives of neurodivergent residents and their families throughout Coventry and Warwickshire. …
“As a local area, we are aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but our commitment remains unwavering. Through collaborative partnerships, we strive to foster a society that embraces and understands autism, emphasising the active participation of all community members in creating inclusive and autism-friendly environments."
Councillor Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Coventry City Council said:
“This new and improved CASS service is a great opportunity to help support and improve the lives of our neurodivergent residents and their families.
“We know that there is still much work to do, both to support those with an autism diagnosis and to support those without a diagnosis who are waiting for an assessment, but the new CASS service will focus on elements including working to improve self-esteem, confidence, relationships and emotional wellbeing and mental health.
“Coventry City Council is committed to making our society one that accepts and understands autism, and we need everyone to play their part in making our communities more inclusive and autism-friendly.” …
