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To take part in the autism strategy consultation, people have a number of options:

•Fill in the survey – on the Council’s website or request a paper copy of the survey to be delivered to your home, by emailing autismconsultation2022@telford.gov.uk  

•Contact Autism West Midlands on telford@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or 01952 454156 to request a one-to one session to give your feedback

The draft five-year autism strategy has been developed by the Council and its partners following extensive engagement activities (through virtual sessions, online questionnaires) with 230 people - including autistic people and their families as well as carers, support workers and professionals working with autistic people. 

In putting together the draft strategy, the Council asked autistic residents, as well as those supporting them, on their views on a range of topics, such as “Health, Wellbeing and Care”, “Getting Out and About”, “Education, Training and Employment” and many others. 

Councillor Andy Burford (Labour), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult social care and health, integration and transformation said: “We want autistic people of all ages to live in a borough where they are equal and active members of their communities, where they can develop to their full potential and have full access to the services they need. We are on their side! 

 “At the end of last year, through a pre-consultation with Autism West Midlands, we have sought the views of autistic people (on what’s important to them and what they aspire to have), that has helped us develop a local, five-year forward-planning autism strategy. 

“We are running a borough-wide consultation to get feedback on the autism strategy, to make sure the plan developed does make a positive difference for autistic people, their families and carers. 

“The key areas that have been identified for this feedback are: 

•Being heard

•Raising awareness and acceptance

•Inclusive and flexible services

•Employment. 

“The autism strategy consultation is open until 2 January 2023 and is a significant step towards a more inclusive community in our borough.

“We want to get as many views as possible from autistic residents, their families and carers.  To take part in the consultation, go to www.telford.gov.uk/autism “

Andy Hill, Community Services Manager at Autism West Midlands, said: “We very much welcome the autism consultation launched together with Telford & Wrekin Council.

“It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from autistic residents, their families and carers across the borough about what we need to focus on to best support them to live healthy, active and independent lives. 

“We are inviting people to have their say if the 2023-2028 autism strategy works for them and if they believe it can make their lives better.”

Anyone with questions on the Telford and Wrekin’s autism strategy consultation can contact the Council’s autism support team on autismconsultation2022@telford.gov.uk 

For more details about the five-year borough-wide strategy for autistic people, visit www.telford.gov.uk/autism