CASS (Community Autism Support Service)

Posted on:

Autistic people in Coventry and Warwickshire, or those awaiting a diagnosis, are now able to access improved support through the all-age autism support service.

Residents in Coventry and Warwickshire who may self-identify as autistic, those awaiting an autism assessment and those with an autism diagnosis will have more choice in the emotional and practical support they are able to access. 

Building on the familiar existing CASS (Community Autism Support Service) provision, this service will see new elements introduced as a result of feedback from autistic people, their families and coproduction activity with local residents. 

The service will also be easier to access using a single ‘front door’ approach. This will mean that residents can access this all-age service through a single phone number and dedicated website, which is available now. 

The new Community Autism Support Service is commissioned jointly by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board. 

First contact with CASS will be with the Navigation Service – a single phone number and email with a dedicated support team, available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. The team will help with emotional support and, based on individual needs, they can signpost, provide information and, if required, identify further personalised support, as follows: 

    Non-urgent advice:

    Community Outreach service – an experienced Coventry and Warwickshire-based team, working with individuals to identify goals and provide group, one-to-one and themed support for children, young people and adults. 

    Peer mentoring service – available in the coming months, this new element of CASS aims to connect autistic people with trained peer mentors, with their own lived-experience, helping to support with daily routines, confidence building, and wellbeing support, exploring opportunities to engage in local activities and social and community groups. 

    Training and education – a hugely valuable programme of courses and webinars to suit all needs. Workshops, toolbox sessions and recorded materials help build confidence and improve understanding of autism. Drawing on lived-experience, all sessions and courses provide effective and practical support for day-to-day living, in the community, in school, and in the workplace.

    As well as signposting to other existing services, as appropriate to people’s needs.

    You can contact the CASS by: 

    • Calling a dedicated local-dial telephone support line 02476 012333 – five days a week (Monday–Friday), 8am–8pm
    • Browsing for the dedicated websitewww.casspartnership.org.uk – hosting information, guidance and signposting links and online referral.
    • Emailing [email protected]
    • Updates and service news will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – search for @casspartnership