NHS South Yorkshire and Barnsley Council are launching the borough’s new All-Age Autism Strategy for 2025 - 2030 on Thursday 24 April at a drop-in event at Barnsley Metrodome.
The strategy has been developed alongside local health and care organisations and professionals, with feedback from people with lived experience of Autism at every step of the way.
Members of the public are invited to the drop-in to the event at any time between 10AM - 6PM at the Rigby Suite, Barnsley Metrodome, where they can find out more about the six themes that the strategy is built on.
The new borough-wide approach focuses on the six commitments for children, young people and adults with Autism, these are:
- Improving understanding and acceptance of Autism within society
- Improving access to education for children and young people with Autism, and supporting positive transitions into adulthood
- Supporting more people with Autism into employment
- Tackling health and care inequalities for people with Autism
- Building the right support in the community and helping people accessing inpatient care
- Improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems
Ian Walker, Senior Responsible Officer, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Dementia and Autism at NHS South Yorkshire, Barnsley Place said: “Over the past year, we have been gathering the views and experiences of people with lived experience of Autism, as well as professionals who work in the field. This includes children, young people, adults, parents, carers, and the professionals who support them. Their feedback has been crucial in shaping our new borough-wide strategy.
“The strategy has been developed collaboratively with people with lived experience of autism, parents and carers, local organisations and professionals reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
“The vision of this strategy is to create a Barnsley that is truly autism friendly, where every individual can have the same opportunities as anyone else to live rewarding and fulfilling lives whatever their age.”