Welcome all – members old and new – and here is a round-up of information and news for OCTOBER.
We are also focussing on employment for this month which I hope which we hope you will find useful and of interest.
Latest News
Sheffield Carers Roadshow
We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Sheffield Carers Roadshow on Thursday 5 October. Sheffield Carers Centre will be partnering with Sheffield Young Carers, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Sheffield City Council, plus the national carers charity Carers UK to raise awareness of the support available for carers in the city. We’ll also be joined by Carers Trust and 30 other local organisations on the day.
See attached flyer for full information
Looking for help with finding a job?
Hidden Disability Job Fair
Discover employment and training opportunities for adults with neurodivergent conditions.
Tuesday 10 October at The Showroom Workstation, Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX. 12.30pm until 2pm
https://autismplus.co.uk/employment-support/hidden-disability-job-fair
The Autism Centre for Supported Employment
offers skilled and experienced guidance for individuals with autism to find placements (unpaid) and paid employment within Meadowhall Centre, Sheffield City Centre and beyond. The aims are:
To find paid work and work experience placements for working aged adults who are on the autistic spectrum.
Give specialist support to our clients as well as advise and support their employer so that each individual gets the best out of the experience.
Break down barriers so people who have autism will be recognised for who they are as individuals.
https://ac4se.org/
Autism Plus
Autism Plus has several programmes to assist autistic people with employment including:
Preparing for Work: Employment support for young adults with SEND (18 to 24)
Access to Work: Fully funded support to individuals in employment, including those in apprenticeships and internships.
One Off Sessions: Sessions aimed at individuals who may need a little extra guidance and support every now and then.
See this link for more information https://autismplus.co.uk/employment-support/individual-support
Local Supported Employment (LSE)
Local Supported Employment (LSE) helps individuals with autism into work. LSE is new programme that is already making a huge difference to individuals with learning disabilities and autism, who are looking for paid employment. The programme is part of Opportunity Sheffield, the employment and skills service at Sheffield City Council.
Not only do our LSE Job Coaches help individuals overcome barriers to employment, but they also support them throughout their journey once they have found permanent employment.
Local Supported Employment helps individuals with autism into work
Need some In Work Support? Spectrum-e
Spectrum-e offer disability specialist ‘in-work’ support to individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and ADD, physical disabilities and long term health conditions.
Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service SOHAS
SOHAS The first step to getting one to one support and advice when your health is impacted by your working environment. The service we provide is free and confidential and is accessible for anyone who lives or works in Sheffield who have any type of health issue. We give advice either face to face or by Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp or over the telephone.
Help needed with research into Fabricated or Induced Illness as an autistic parent:
I am now recruiting participants for my PhD so if you know any autistic parents who have been accused of fabricated or induced illness (FII) as an autistic parent please can you share this post with them. Please see attached flyer for more information about this.
Potential participants can email me at Murphysh@edgehill.ac.uk
Sheffield Parent Carer Forum events
Information session: Autism and anxiety
WHEN: 12:30pm – 2:00pm Tuesday 3rd October
Adult: Free
WHERE: Lowedges Community Centre, Gresley Road, Sheffield, S8 7HN
Information session: Sensory issues and behaviours that challenge
WHEN: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Friday 6th Oct
Adult: Free
WHERE: Darnall Family Centre, 563 Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 4RA
Information session: Autism and food
WHEN: 12:30pm – 2:00pm Tuesday 10th Oct 2023
TICKETS: Adult: Free
Please book your place at https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/events/
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP activities – autumn programme
These sessions are open to children and young people (0-25years) with a learning disability and their families to enjoy together. Please note that parents/carers must stay with their children at all our activity sessions.
What’s on offer:
Swimming at Hillsborough Leisure Centre
Taekwondo sessions at the English Institute for Sport (EIS)
Trampoline at Hillsborough Leisure Centre
Please see attached information sheet for more info and how to join the sessions.
Get involved – adults
· Adult Autism Peer Support Group (Zoom)
For autistic adults 18+ only – will meet online over Zoom on the following date from 7pm until 8.30pm: Wednesday 18 October everyone welcome – new members too! This is a Sheffield Autistic Society group and meets on the second Wednesday of the month,
Please contact Helen for more information at helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk and she will send you the joining details if you wish to come along. See attached for group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.
Future dates: 8 November, 13 December
Peer to peer support (Zoom)
These online only sessions are facilitated by Helen Purdie for the Sheffield Autistic Society. They will be an opportunity for individuals to check-in with themselves and to talk about their lived autistic experience with another autistic adult who is experienced in offering individual and group support in this way.
Sessions are free of charge and are for one hour – please contact helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
· Join the A Team!
We are a group of adults on the autistic spectrum who meet socially on a regular basis either just to enjoy ourselves or to learn something new or to improve our physical or mental health. Some of us are parents, some work for local employers or are self-employed, others engage in volunteering and other forms of work experience and others still are studying.
We have a number of regular activities which include a monthly meeting at a friendly city centre pub, a monthly walk in the area, a monthly art/craft event, a fortnightly snooker club and a monthly online social group. We send out a weekly newsletter to members about activities that are coming up and wider events in Sheffield.
For details of how to join please see https://sheffield-aspergers.org.uk/a-team-social-group/
· WAND – Autistic Women’s Network
WAND is an Autistic Women’s Network that is being established in Sheffield. If you are interested in joining the network please contact Sylvia Johnson s.m.johnson@shu.ac.uk
and she can give you more information and sign you up.
ACCTing Out Social Group
ACCTing Out is a social group for young autistic adults aged 18 and above. We run fortnightly activities normally on Tuesday evenings, to places like the cinema, to play pool, go for a meal, and more. The group runs supportive social opportunities that help young adults to get out of the house and participate in activities with friends and peers. The group aims to help boost the confidence and self-esteem of young adults, have a positive impact on mental health and build social, communication and life skills. Each ACCTing Out activity is led and supported by ACCT staff and volunteers
For details of how to join please see https://acctsheffield.org.uk/accting-out/
Mental Health Drop Hub in Sheffield city centre
A new drop-in Mental Health Support Hub has opened for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and want support. You can just turn up as there is no need to book. The staff team is available to provide emotional, social and practical support if you are in crisis or feel you are heading toward a crisis situation. They also offer help in creating staying well and crisis plans. They offer support in person, over the phone, or via video call. You can come just for a chat or to access one-to-one support and group sessions with our staff team. Help is available in person, over the phone and via video call.
The Hub is on Bank Street S1 2DS and open in the evenings 6pm –12 pm and 2pm -12 pm at weekends. See the attached leaflet.
Peer support – ADHD Adult Group
Face to face meetings upstairs at the NHS Walk In Centre on 75 Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 3PB. Second Wednesday of every month 6pm to 7.30pm.
For more details contact: ADHDPEERSSHEFFIELD@GMAIL.COM
Autistic friendly swim at Concord Sports Centre
An autism friendly session takes place on Sundays between 3.45pm – 4.30pm: Autism/Sensory Swim. Please see website for details of pricing and booking https://www.sheffieldcitytrust.org/venues/concord-sports-centre
Inclusive LGBTQ+ Café
A social meet up for neurodiverse/disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community. Email Kelly.scargill@disabilitysheffield.org.uk for more information.
Adult Autism Support Hub to open later this year
The aim of the new service is to develop and deliver drop-in provision offering support to autistic people aged 16 and above, and their (informal) carers and families. People will be provided with information, advice and opportunities to connect with community groups and support in a welcoming and safe environment. If there are any questions please contact the service directly using the contact details below:
Adult Autism Support Hub, Mobile Number: 07811 589909
Email: adultautismsupporthub.mhm@nhs.net Website: Mental Health Matters www.mhm.org.uk
Referred for a diagnostic assessment at SAANS? – latest waiting times
Please see the link below for information on the waiting times for an adult autism or adult ADHD assessment at the Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS) https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/services/sheffield-adult-autism-and-neurodevelopmental-service-saans
If you think you would benefit from a referral to this service you need to speak to your GP or health professional who is supporting you. If they agree that an assessment would be appropriate they need to complete a referral form.
The Peer Support Service for parents/carers from Sheffield Parent Carer Forum
The Peer Support Service was created in response to feedback from parents of children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Sheffield. Feedback clearly showed that there is a lack of support both before and after a child receives a diagnosis. Although the funding for the project has a focus on autism and other neurodevelopmental needs, our service is available for ALL families, with or without a diagnosis. We will continue to work closely with families in Sheffield, listening to their ideas and concerns, using these to shape the service going forward.
If you would like a 1-1 appointment, please call our main number 0300 321 4721 and select option 1 for our Peer Support Service. Alternatively, please email peersupport@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk
Family Support Groups
Autism Hope Sheffield
We are a support group for parents and family members of children of all ages, with Autism Spectrum Conditions based in north Sheffield. We meet weekly to offer support, understanding, advice and friendship to each other (during term time). We have in person meetings with a cuppa, cake and chat and also zoom meetings if you can’t make it in person. We have regular guest speakers from organisations that can help and signpost to other services.
Contact Details: Email Address: autismhopesheffield@gmail.com Facebook: Autism Hope Sheffield Tel: 07968 984179 Web: https://www.autismhopesheffield.co.uk/
ACCT Sheffield
We run a wide range of in-person and online activity groups for autistic children and young people, parent-carers and whole family activities. We run several sessions each week, including multi-activity groups and specialist sessions focused on particular activities that children and young people attending ACCT has asked us to run.
Our regular activities currently include:
Acctivate – multi-activity in-person group for autistic 5-12 year-olds held on Saturday mornings (9.45am-12.15pm). Places available through Sheffield City Council’s referral process.
Teenage Club – in-person group for autistic teenagers aged up to 18, held on Wednesday evenings (7-9pm). Places available through Sheffield City Council’s referral process.
ACCT Academy Football Coaching – Friday evenings (6 -7pm) at Goals on Norfolk Park Road. Book a place by contacting ACCT.
Minecraft Club (Online groups) – facilitated by ACCT staff and run through a private server. For any age, every Saturday morning. ACCT has guest logins available for participants who don’t have their own. Book a place by contacting ACCT.
Dungeons and Dragons (Online groups) – facilitated by ACCT staff and run over Zoom. For teenagers and young adults. Every Monday evening or Saturday afternoon. Book a place by contacting ACCT.
Parent-Carer Meetings – ACCT runs fortnightly meetings, on Tuesday evenings, via Zoom, for peer support, information sharing and discussion of topics of interest and importance to parent-carers of autistic children and young people. Book a place by contacting ACCT. We also run workshops and training for parent-carers.
Places at Acctivate and Teenage Club are available through referral by contacting Sheffield City Council. All other activities are available directly from ACCT. Join ACCT as a member (it’s free), then contact us to book a place. More information about referrals and joining ACCT available here https://acctsheffield.org.uk/about/
Sparkle Sheffield
Sparkle Sheffield is a local registered charity that supports children and young people from birth to 25 with Autism Spectrum Conditions and other social communication difficulties. Founded and run by parents who have autistic children, we understand what life is like and how we can work together to improve our children’s and our family’s life. Sparkle Sheffield exists to support families with autistic children meet the challenges they face, feel less isolated, less frightened and more empowered. Autism affects individuals and their families in a wide variety of ways and the approach we use recognises these individualities.
Sparkle Sheffield aim to support and help individuals and families by providing:
• Opportunities for children and families to create a support network with others in similar situations – we regularly organise online and in-person events where children and families can meet others without fear of judgment.
• Providing support for autistic individuals: social groups, activities and forming friendships – we host regular events such as Ninja Warrior, swimming, cinema trips and other fun activities.
• Providing a circle of support for individuals to feel they belong and fit in, have friends and develop the strategies and skills they need to succeed in life.
Most importantly – we have lots of fun in the process! https://sparklesheffield.co.uk/
SSENDIAS information sessions
Sheffield SENDIAS (Sheffield SEND Information and Advice Service) offer free online information sessions. These are for parents and carers of young people aged 0-25 with SEND. The sessions answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
There are various sessions available, which run in both the daytime and evenings covering topics such as:
– What is an EHC Needs Assessment
– SEN Support in Schools
– Checking a Draft EHC Plan
Details are at https://sheffieldsendias.org.uk/training-and-events
SEND Youth Clubs
Sheffield City Council Community Youth Services run the following youth clubs for young people aged 13 to 25 years with special educational needs and/or disabilities:
Leo’s SEND club: Monday 6-8pm, Centre in the Park, Guildford Avenue, Norfolk Park, Sheffield S2 2PL
S Club 5 SEND club: Tuesday 6-8pm, Milan Youth Centre, Longley Lane, Sheffield S5 7JS
Just turn up to your chosen club and a Youth Worker will help you to complete the registration form. For further information contact Community Youth Services on 0114 2057450 or e-mail youth.services@sheffield.gov.uk
Support for Carers
Sheffield Carers Centre is a local independent charity founded in 1993, that is also affiliated to the national Carers Trust charity. They provide a range of high quality services to unpaid adult carers in Sheffield. They can offer a range of support including:
Carer Advice Line: Call us for personalised expert advice on anything related to your caring role. One of the team is an Urdu and Punjabi speaker, and we use an interpretation service for other languages.
Carer Card: This offers discounts on a wide range of services, products and activities from local and national businesses; plus there is space to record two emergency contact numbers.
Carer Activities & Carers Workshops: Regular activities for carers to have a break from their caring role and look after their own wellbeing and a programme of workshops to help carers share experiences and learn new skills.
Legal Advice Clinic: Free 30-minute individual legal advice sessions with a legal expert, offering advice around topics such as wills, estate planning and power of attorney. Clinics are held on a monthly basis.
Carer Café & Support Groups: The Café is held every Friday and is a great chance to meet other carers. The Support Groups take place at various locations around Sheffield on a regular basis.
Community Connect: A telephone support service providing regular phone calls from volunteers to reduce social isolation and connect carers with their local community.
Emergency Planning: We provide information to help carers make an emergency plan if something unexpectedly stopped them from looking after the person they care for.
Carer’s Assessment: A carer’s assessment provides an opportunity to discuss the impact of your caring role with our Carer Advisors, who will discuss the support you might need and help put this in place.
Time for a Break Grant: Small grants for short breaks or activities that support wellbeing and help you take a break from your caring role. We’ll assess your eligibility as part of a Carers Assessment.
Information and resources: Easy access to a range of information and resources on our website from expert sources covering more than 20 topics to help with your caring role.
Digital Resources for Carers: Carers can access the free online ‘Digital Resources for Carers’ provided by Carers UK and Sheffield City Council, includes information, eLearning, resources, and the Jointly app.
Carers News: This free monthly E-newsletter provides up-to-date information about our services and activities, along with key news items that affect carers.
Details of all of the above are at: https://www.sheffieldcarers.org.uk/i-am-a-carer-so-how-can-you-help-me
Working in partnership for better services
What is the Sheffield Autism Partnership Board?
Sheffield’s Autism Partnership Board (APB) currently meets each month to improve the provision of services and support for autistic children, adults, their families and carers in Sheffield, including young autistic persons in transition to adulthood. Members include representatives from Sheffield City Council and local NHS bodies, community and voluntary sector organisations and services; autistic adults, their parents, carers and family members, professionals and other relevant organisations and individuals.
You can read more about the work of the APB on our website here https://sheffieldautisticsociety.org.uk/partnership/
Sheffield Autism Partnership Network (SAPN)
The Sheffield Autism Partnership Network is a Sheffield based consortium focusing on improving the lives of Autistic people and their families in our city.
It is a network of organisations (voluntary, community, public, private and statutory), Autistic individuals and their support systems (parents, carers, friends, partners, etc) who work with Autistic people, their families and carers. For information about the network, its member organisations and how they can help you and your support system see the website: https://sapn.org.uk
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Peer support group online guidelines July 2023.docx 16.5 KB
Family Support Group activities Autumn.docx 14.3 KB
Sheffield Support Hub – A5 Leaflet july.pdf 183 KB
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