Support for Parent Carers of Autistic Children
Autism West Midlands has received funding from Forward Carers to provide two years of services specialising in support for Parent Carers of autistic children in Birmingham.
Jo, who is an Autism Specialist Advisor with the charity said:
“As a parent of autistic children some of the most valuable support has been sharing with other parents and learning from each other’s experiences. This project is a fantastic opportunity to do just that, whilst also benefiting from the support and advice from specialist staff at Autism West Midlands.”
The service will offer information, advice, and guidance around a variety of challenges faced by Parent Carers. This could include support in learning more about autism, sensory issues, navigation of both health and educational systems and a multitude of other issues affecting Parent Carers. Parent Carers will be able to access individual 1-1 appointments for up to one hour to receive information, advice, guidance, and signposting.
NEW Free Support Groups in Birmingham
Starting in January 2024, four support groups for Parent Carers will be available free of charge in different areas of the city. The support groups will enable Parent Carers to benefit from themed group sessions and develop peer support networks. Each session will include specialist autism related topics (based upon the needs of the group) with helpful takeaway resources.
You will be able to meet with other parents, share ideas, celebrate achievements and offer mutual support. The support groups will also provide social opportunities so Parent Carers can participate in activities of their choice such as lunches out and wellbeing walks.
What you can expect from these support groups:
- Guest speakers
- Focus upon wellbeing
- Embracing neurodiversity
- Support, advice and guidance
- Light refreshments
The support groups will take place on weekdays from 10.00 am – 12 noon in the following areas: Moseley, Sutton Coldfield, Handsworth and Northfield.
| Location | Day | Dates | Venue | Registration Link |
| Handsworth | 2nd Tuesday of the month | 16 Jan 13 Feb 12 Mar | Rookery Children’s Centre, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Handsworth B21 9QA | https://ow.ly/3GkL50QkzAa |
| Moseley | 2nd Thursday of the month | 11 Jan 8 Feb 14 Mar | Moseley Arc, Moseley School & Sixth Form, Gate D, Springfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9NW | https://ow.ly/Uwvy50QkzCL |
| Northfield | 2nd Friday of the month | 12 Jan 9 Feb 9 Mar | Northfield Baptist Church, 789 Bristol Road, South Northfield B31 2NQ | https://ow.ly/e0Uz50QkzFV |
| Sutton Coldfield | 2nd Friday of the month | 12 Jan 9 Feb 15 Mar | Square Peg Activities, 37-39 Gate Lane, Birmingham B73 5TR | https://ow.ly/hAyL50QkzEz |
Support for Fathers of Autistic Children
A support group just for Dads will take place on the last Thursday of every month from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm at the head office of Autism West Midlands in Kings Norton. The first session will be on Thursday 25 January.
This is a great opportunity to meet other dads, access information and resources and find out about what Autism West Midlands has to offer. An autism specialist advisor will be on hand to provide support and refreshments will be provided.
You can contact amandap@autismwestmidlands.org.uk, or register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dads-group-tickets-773605945207
