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.

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

The service draws on the collective strengths of local organisations Coventry and Warwickshire Mind and Act for Autism, working in a collaborative partnership with Autism West Midlands.

The main aim of the new CASS service is to be responsive to local need – providing better targeted support in the community. CASS aims to improve people's understanding of autism and contribute to greater lived experience – helping to support self-esteem, confidence, relationships and to improve emotional wellbeing and mental health

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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 Community Autism Support Service (CASS) by:

• Calling a dedicated local-dial telephone support line (024) 76 012333 – five days a week (Monday–Friday), 8am–8pm
• Browsing for the dedicated website www.casspartnership.org.uk  – hosting information, guidance and signposting links and online referral.
• Emailing navigation@casspartnership.org.uk      
• Updates and service news will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – search for @casspartnership

The service aims to:

• Improve the communities understanding of neurodiversity and help those who are autistic to understand themselves and to be able to celebrate their differences, be their authentic selves and flourish as individuals.
• Support people to manage and thrive at home, in education, in employment and in the community.
• Help individuals understand their own communication and interaction styles and their sensory preferences.
• Help improve people's self-esteem and confidence, manage relationships and enjoy day-to-day life.
• Support neurodivergent/autistic individuals with managing symptoms of low to moderate emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties.
• Provide an environment where all aspects of autism are recognised, accepted and respected.
• Offer parent, family and carer support through peer activities.
• Provide resources and signpost to other community-based support, as appropriate.
• Give particular support to transition-age young people, age 18–25 years.