SSD 23 11 Autism - Information and Advice Service

The Derbyshire Autism Information and Advice Service will be available to residents of Derbyshire County and Derby City for the first 2 years, and it will provide two main functions, Autism information, advice, and signposting Autism awareness raising and the development of a Derbyshire Autism Engagement Network Autism Information, Advice, and signposting elements of the service will include, Different contact methods, including, a free telephone helpline, an out of office voicemail, an email enquiry service, and a social media presence on various websites with methods of contact. Information resources relevant to autistic people (aged 16+) and their families, support networks, and carers Maintaining a database of local provision across Derbyshire within the statutory and voluntary sector A website providing a range of information, advice, and downloads in various forms of media (such as written and videos), covering topics such as, Employment and training related issues Rights and reasonable adjustments Access to Adult Social Care support, including accessing a carers assessment The Autism Diagnostic pathway and pre and post diagnostic support Support for parents and carers Voluntary Sector support and social groups National organisations such as the National Autistic Society The autism awareness raising and the development of a Derbyshire Autism Engagement Network element of the service will include, Engaging with a variety of universal and targeted services to provide autism awareness raising, including within Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council. Monthly drop-in sessions within varied locations, attending each of the Derbyshire County districts at least once per year Monthly ad-hoc autism information and awareness sessions, as requested by Public Sector services Monthly face-to-face parents and carers autism information and advice session held at varied locations, attending each of the Derbyshire County districts at least once per year Autism awareness raising sessions for Public Sector services, to include a guide to communication and support approaches for autistic people in different fields of work To support the Autism Alliance of autistic adults and their families, parents/carers, professionals, and other support services to help shape future autism services. An annual face to face autism information and advice event during World Autism Acceptance Week The contract has a maximum annual contract value of 100,311.63 for the fixed term only 2 years, which will cover Derbyshire and Derby City, however any possible extensions used may exclude Derby City until further funding is confirmed and may therefore have a reduced contract value.