Information Now
Newcastle City Council
Provided by Newcastle City Council, Adult Social Care and Integrated Services

Autism and local support services

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how they experience the world around them. It’s not a learning disability, but around half of autistic people may also have a learning disability. 

You may find autism referred by others as: Asperger’s,  Asperger’s syndrome,  Autism Spectrum disorder or condition, someone who is on the autism spectrum or neuro-diverse.


Help and support in Newcastle

If you or a member of your family is autistic, there are organisations in Newcastle that can provide advice and support:


Adult Social Care

People who are struggling with day to day activities such as moving around your home, cooking, eating, washing, or caring for someone can get help from Adult Social Care.

Adult Social Care at Newcastle City Council can talk to you and give you information or advice. They can put you in touch with local services and help to arrange:

The Adult Learning Disability and Autism Team is part of Adult Social Care at Newcastle City Council. They help adults with a learning disability and their carers. To use this service you contact Adult Social Care at Newcastle City Council and have a needs assessment to get help from this team. If you have eligible care and support needs they can then:

  • talk to you about your needs
  • plan your care and support with you
  • make sure that your support is working for you
  • work with other professionals who have been asked to support you
  • help to protect you from abuse (this is known as safeguarding)
  • work with Childrens, Education and Health Services to help young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, move to Adult Social Care services
  • promote the rights of people with learning disabilities and/or autism

Moving from Children’s to Adult Social Care

Children’s Social Care supports families with children and young people under the age of 18. They work with families to make sure that children and young people are safe, healthy, and have the support they need to grow up happy and well. When you reach the age of 18, Social Care services are usually provided by Adult Social Care.

You will start the move to Adult Social Care between the age of 16 and 18. This is known as the transition from Children’s to Adult Services. There is not a set age to move to Adults Social Care. Everybody is different. It will happen at the time that is right for you. To help plan your move to Adult Social Care you will be offered a Transition Assessment, also known as a Needs Assessment.

Read more about moving from Children’s to Adult Social Care on InformationNOW


Local information, advice and support

Autism Friendly Newcastle is a local community group who want to make our city more welcoming and accessible for people with autism.

Better Days offer training about learning disabilities and campaign for improvements and inclusion.  They run the Safe Places scheme and offer leisure activities including tennis and garden tidies.

Big River Bakery is a community bakery and cafe in Shieldfield. They support autistic people and people with learning disabilities to learn to bake. To help people to get ready to find a job. They bake and sell fresh bread, pies, pastries and cakes. Pay what you feel for food on Wednesdays. They’re a Winter Wellbeing Hub where you can spend time with a hot drink and keep warm in the city.

Disability North give information and advice on disability equipment and activities, benefits and Direct Payments as well as advising on many other aspects of disability and signposting to other sources of help.

Journey Enterprises provides life-skills and employability training for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. You can self refer to this charity which has hubs in Newcastle, Blyth, Hexham and Bishop Auckland. Activities include arts and crafts, catering, drama and puppetry, music and dance, IT, horticulture, woodwork and health and exercise.

KeyRing supports autistic adults and people with a learning disability.  They encourage people to make links to their communities by becoming part of the network.

North East Autism Society (NEAS) support autistic people and people with learning difficulties and disabilities in the North East. They offer personalised services such as: education, day services, supported employment, residential care, supported living, respite short- break services and family support.

The Toby Henderson Trust offers sensory profiling, specialist counselling and support for the whole family. They’re based in Northumberland.

The Josephine and Jack Project provide courses for people with learning disabilities to help them make their own choices about life and love.

Daisy Chain Project provide specialist advice and guidance to neurodiverse young people, adults and their families. They offer virtual support and have a National Autism telephone helpline.

Rescare supports families who have loved ones with a learning disability. They are run by families for families. They have a telephone helpline where you can ask questions about being a family carer, health and social care, education, housing and more.

Bottle in the fridge scheme helps store your personal and medical information in your fridge door, so it can found quickly by emergency services, if you have an accident or sudden illness at home. This simple and free idea could help to save your life.


Mental health support

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind offer free advice and support to people living in Newcastle. They have a mental health support service for autistic people and people with ADHD. You can get one to one support and attend a regular social group which meets in Gateshead. They run 5 week training courses where you can learn more about ‘Autism and me’ or ‘ADHD and me.’


National information, advice and support

BILD work with people with lived experience to influence a more inclusive society. They run projects that may interest you – such as, ageing with a disability or communication, dementia and a learning disability.

Contact is a free telephone helpline and online support and advice for families with disabled children. They provide:

  • A to Z of medical conditions and support available
  • information on local support groups to support each other by sharing experiences and advice
  • help to families to campaign, volunteer, fundraise and shape local services to improve life for themselves and others

National Autistic Society provides information, support and a range of useful services.

Respond is telephone helpline available to autistic people or people with a learning disability, their friends and family, who have experienced or been affected by institutional abuse. The helpline offers emotional support, practical advice, signposting and information giving. Regular counselling sessions are also available.


Financial support

Newcastle Welfare Rights Service provide information and advice on benefits that you may be entitled to.

Citizens Advice Newcastle offer a support service which includes reviewing correspondence.  Attend one of their drop in sessions for advice.


Parents and carers

Newcastle Carers offer support, advice and guidance to people who look after someone with learning disabilities. They also run a monthly autism support group.

Families 1st 4 Additional Needs support people and families who care for autistic people, people with learning disabilities,  Neurological Diversity and other additional needs (including mental health issues) in and around Newcastle.

Skills for People run Positive Behavioural Support workshops for parents/carers of autistic children, and children with learning disabilities. The workshops help parents or carers understand and support their child’s behaviour, thinking about strategies and developing a plan that focusses on good quality of life for the child and parent/carer. They run Parent and Carer coffee mornings, drop in sessions and family meet ups so you can find out more about support available and talk with others with shared experiences.


North East Autism Hubs

There are 4 North East Autism Hubs supporting parent and carers of children before, during and after being diagnosed with autism. They help families with children under 7 years old living in Newcastle at:

North East Autism Hubs
Nunsmoor Centre, Studley Terrace. Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5AH
Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Lane, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1LZ
Byker Sands Family Centre, 19 Raby Cross, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2FF
Fawdon Community Building, NE3 2SN (site of North Fawdon Primary School)

At the Autism Hubs you can get support, training and advice. You can book a place, to take part in the sessions:

  • One-to-one appointments: for families to discuss any issues in confidence.
  • Supporting your autistic child workshop: learn more about practical strategies to use in everyday life

Visit their website to book a session or contact [email protected] or phone 0191 410 9974 to book a session at a Hub.


Support to get your voice heard

Your Voice Counts is commissioned by Newcastle City Council to provide the Independent Mental Health advocacy services including: IMCA, IMHA, Advocacy under the Care Act and RPR services in Newcastle.

Connected Voice Advocacy runs a Community Advocacy Service, offering long term one to one advocacy support for vulnerable adults in the city.

Read more about advocacy services


Short breaks and day centres

Shared Lives is a Council run service for autistic adults and who need overnight support and supervision.

Castle Dene offers a short breaks. There is a cost for this service.

Welford Centre is a day centre for adults complex needs. Service users must be referred by a Health or Social Care professional following an assessment.

Journey Enterprises has a Day Centre in Newcastle where they provides activities, life-skills and employability training for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. Activities include arts and crafts, catering, drama and puppetry, music and dance, IT, horticulture, woodwork and health and exercise. You can contact them directly. Transport is available. This is a local charity. There is a cost for this service

Read more in our supported living or housing services for people with learning disabilities or autism article.


Health information

Easyhealth is a website for people with learning disabilities where you can find health information with simple words, pictures and films.

LD North East provides a number of health cards free for anyone.  The range includes: blood pressure, pain and symptoms, health services, urine and stools, diabetes and blood tests, women’s health, mean’s health.

There are a number of specialist services run by Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust.

It is important that services offer reasonable adjustments for people with autism. This includes:

  • annual health check
  • support for cancer screening programmes
  • health passport
  • hospital passport
  • Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). You should receive your CVI along with an Easy Read covering letter

Specialist Health Services

Adult Autism Diagnostic Service – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) provide autism diagnostic assessment for adults over 18 and under 65 years, who are not already receiving NHS Services who:

  • have difficulty with change
  • display lack of social connection

You can refer yourself or refer on behalf of someone else, either by phone or letter

Neuro Development team at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust will help you towards diagnosis and further support

Children’s Speech and Language service at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust  supports autistic young people to communicate better.


Social and leisure activities

Alan Shearer Activity Centre offers a short break facility for children and adults with autism. As well as short break accommodation, the centre has sensory rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, specialised seating cinema, and organised activities.

Arcadea offer art and creative activities at their HUB. They have a day service Monday to Friday and run a Youth Club on Wednesday evenings.

City Library hold a Quieter hour from 10 to 11 am on Saturdays.

Chain Reaction supports older people (over 55) to live independently at home. They can help you take part in groups and activities in your community. They can help you to start new friendships.

Children North East run social support groups for young people. The groups are:

Masquer-Aid peer support group for people who have recently found out they are neurodifferent or are waiting for a diagnosis. Their Gaming group meets on Fridays in Newcastle. This group is for people over the age of 16.

FAB Group for young people aged 11 to 25 with Special Educational Needs. The group meets in person every month in Newcastle to make friends and share experiences. They run online meetings too.

Cornerstone Benwell work with autistic people in the west end of Newcastle. They run weekly activity group and a monthly social group for people with learning disabilities. Their activities include art, cooking and drama.

Friends Action North East support autistic adults and people with learning disabilities to meet new people and make lasting friendships. They offer supported social activities and one to one mentoring supporting adults to develop friendships, learn friendship skills and be more active in their community

Liberdade Community Development Trust run an arts venue and café from Gosforth Civic Theatre.  It is an inclusive space for performance, music, cinema, and community activity at the heart of Gosforth that aims to break down misconceptions of autism while also being a space where everyone can enjoy their café, get involved in a class or go to a show.

Newcastle Libraries have a range of books called ‘Pictures to Share‘. These books combine pictures and text for adults in a meaningful way and can help stimulate conversation between families, professionals and dementia sufferers. These can also be used with stroke sufferers, as well as autistic adults, people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.

Ouseburn Farm has farm animals, a café, orchard, garden, shop, small animal room and much more. They support autistic people and people with learning difficulties, disabilities or  mental health problems to take part in farming activities and volunteer placements.

Pathways 4 All is a parent-led charity offering social and leisure activities.

Quadrant Leisure run weekly activities for young people with special educational needs aged 14 to 25 at their Hubs. Autistic people and people with mild to moderate special needs or learning disabilities can take part in their sessions in Newcastle:

ReCoCo: Recovery College Collective have courses available for autistic people including a creative arts group, cinema buddies group, and a games and chat group.

Skills for People work with and support disabled people and their families. They offer a range of activities including a Help and Connect service to help people to connect with their local area, fitness and life planning. They run a support group All Autistics Accepted.

Slow Museums or Slow Shopping sessions allow you to enjoy these places at a slower pace, with fewer people and less noise.

Twisting Ducks offer arts and drama for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.


Education and employment support

Support is available in Newcastle to take part in training, placements and to prepare for employment. Read more in our article on Support to prepare for work.

Newcastle City Learning offer a range of courses including independent living and life skills, English, Maths, cookery and employability.

Supported Employment Service at Newcastle City Council help people who have barriers to employment find and stay in work. They help people to think about their career goals and how to achieve them. They can help you to:

  • understand existing skills and how they’re useful to the jobs market
  • write a CV and apply for jobs online
  • get ready for interviews
  • choose and gain qualifications
  • stay in work
  • take part in work experience and placements at Natures Landscapes and FoodWorks

Education and Services for People with Autism Ltd (ESPA) is based in Sunderland their services include:

  • independent specialist Further Education College
  • residential care
  • supported living
  • home care
  • floating support
  • transition services
  • day opportunities
  • supported internships

DiversityNE offer support to autistic people and other neurodivergent conditions to find a job by matching them to work placements.

Bill Quay Community Farm are a 27 acre farm with a range of animals. They run a day service for adults with learning disabilities, autistic people and adults with special educational needs (SEND). They offer placements for adults with learning disabilities and alternative education sessions for home schooled children or children not in mainstream education. Children can work towards qualifications in maths, English, animal care and facilities management. There is a cost for day and education services. You can visit the farm for free.

Journey Enterprises provides life-skills and employability training for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. You can self refer to this charity which has hubs in Newcastle, Blyth, Hexham and Bishop Auckland.

Youth Employment Service North East (YESNE) is a local youth employment service working to reduce the number of neurodivergent young people who are not in work, education or training in or around the Tyne and Wear area. They work with autistic people, people with learning disabilities, dyslexia or Tourettes.

Twisting Ducks offer Drama Works, a creative employability training programme for people with learning disabilities and autism that uses drama techniques to explore transferable work skills

Newcastle City Learning – LDD provision offer a variety of courses and qualifications for people over 19 with learning difficulties and disabilities.


Staying Safe

Everyone should feel safe when living and enjoying life in Newcastle. Some extra support is available if you feel you need it.


Public Transport

The Nexus Travel Safe Guide gives advice and tips on how to travel around Newcastle safely.  You can also carry a Bridge card to identify that you need help.


At home

Protected Telephone Services and Priority Repairs are available to help support people with long term conditions and disabilities. This helps to make sure that your phone line is working, so you can use it to stay in contact with others and in emergencies.

If you feel that you need extra support at home there is a range of supported living, day centres and place for over night stays available in Newcastle.


When out and about

Safe Places

Safe Places are where autistic people can go to get help if they’re worried, have lost something, or just need reassurance from staff at the Safe Place. Safe Places will have a yellow sticker in the window or on the door. In the case of a hate crime, the Police will be called.

The Safe Places that you can visit are:


Hate Crime

It’s a criminal offence to target someone because of a personal characteristic, such as autism or a learning disability. This can include name calling, threatening behaviour online or in person, or someone hurting you. Support is available to help you report any hate crime. Read more about what is Hate Crime and how to report it on InformationNOW.


Abuse

There are different types of abuse and signs to be aware of. Types of abuse include: financial, physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

Contact Adult Social Care at Newcastle City Council if you are worried that you or someone you know is being abused or neglected in Newcastle. Read more about adult abuse and domestic abuse on InformationNOW.


Health conditions linked to autism

Autistic people may be more prone to certain health problems. You may find it useful to read the following sections on our website:

Other health conditions that can be associated with autism include:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Down’s syndrome
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Epilepsy
  • Fetal anti-convulsant syndrome
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Hyperlexia
  • Learning Disability
  • Visual impairment

About 70% of autistic people have a non-verbal IQ below 70. Overall, up to 50% of people with “severe learning difficulties” have an autism diagnosis.

You may also be interested in related research based at Newcastle University and in Autistica that focuses on adults with a late diagnosis of autism.


Accessible Information Standard

If you have a sensory loss or disability you are entitled by law to accessible information about your health care and support from the NHS and publicly funded social care services. For example this could include large print or a professional BSL interpreter at medical appointments.

Services must:

  • find out your information needs
  • record them in a set way
  • highlight them in your records so that staff meet your needs every time you use services
  • share your information needs with other services e.g. if you give details to your GP then these can be shared with any hospital service you maybe referred to
  • make sure you get support the way you need including when your needs vary. For example you may need to receive short letters in large print but need longer documents on audio.
  • ask on a regular basis if your needs have changed

Remember you can tell services this is your right to have your needs addressed and they have to do this by law (section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012)


Making InformationNOW more accessible

We are committed to making our information accessible at InformationNOW. You can change InformationNOW to suit your access needs

InformationNOW can be read aloud, translated into other languages, changed to text only and the size, colour and contrast can be changed. Open the ReciteME toolbar using the button in the right hand corner of the website to change your settings.


Useful pages on InformationNOW

You may find these articles on InformationNOW useful


Other useful information

  • Beyond Words is a charity that provides books and training to support people who find pictures easier to understand than words.
  • Inclusion North raises awareness of the barriers to inclusion for autistic people, people with learning disabilities and their families. They work to remove these barriers..
  • The Challenging Behaviour Foundation offers information and support for people caring for someone who has challenging behaviours.

 

Last updated: June 28, 2024

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