A World-Wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems, who now want to help others by providing mutual support and a forum where experiences and anxieties can be shared.
They hold regular meetings encouraging any affected person to attend so they can learn to adopt an honest and consistent approach towards the addict and bring him/her to realise that he/she needs help to live without drugs.
A nationwide advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction that works closely with rehabilitation centres and outpatient clinics throughout the United Kingdom and the admissions team to match your addiction with an appropriately placed rehabilitation centre.
They offer free advice on both private and free service options available and give a selection of treatment options for you to consider to help you make an informed choice and decision in choosing the best treatment for you or your loved one’s specific needs. They even walk you through the entire rehab process so you can fully understand how rehab works before you commit to a decision on it.
A Liverpool-based parent ran charitable organisation that offers support to substance misusers and their families, helping them to achieve a better quality of life. Started by four parents in 1999 who realised that there was no service like this available to affect families.
They offer a free Confidential Services including advice, support, counselling and training in a space where people can grow and flourish. You can phone them or see them in person.
A Nationwide charity providing free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health through support in a way that’s right for them either face to face in their local service or online.
They will work with you to put together a plan to help you change how you think and feel about your alcohol or drug use. This plan provides opportunities to do 1 to 1 support for confidentiality, group support to share experiences, doing a detox or help with going to rehab.
A team of highly skilled clinicians based in Merseyside with a combined 25 years' worth of experience providing a multi-disciplinary autism assessment service for children, young people and adults.
They provide respectful, neurodiversity affirming autism assessments from the comfort of your own home drawing on autistic led research and publications to ensure that all the ways in which autistic experience can present is captured and considered such as masking. The assessments are done either through remote appointments nationwide or through face to face appointments for those within the Merseyside area.
A private occupational therapy company based in Manchester offering services around the North West and North Wales and remote services across the UK The service can even be done in Welsh. They work with children and adults in all manner of different settings and with a wide range of different conditions aiming to provide an efficient and effective occupational therapy service, responding quickly to client needs to ensure they are provided with the opportunity to meet their potential.
They offer an autism assessment service which is available to children 3 years and over, young people and adults. As part of the assessment they will assess the person’s sensory needs and will call you within 2 days of the assessment to confirm a diagnosis. They will also be able to offer therapy sessions aimed at developing people’s motor skills, sensory needs, confidence and independence skills, social skills and self-esteem.
A private paediatric occupational therapy service based in Manchester, offering services within the North West to provide Occupational Therapy services across schools, home and in their clinic space based in Stockport. They are a passionate and driven team with a broad range of experience who are committed to working with families, schools and other professionals to provide goal focused, holistic care for our clients.
They work closely with autistic people and the family to assess the person’s posture, stamina, transition to new activities, play skills, need for personal space, responses to stimuli, gross and fine motor skills, aggression and social interactions. They will use this information to develop a treatment plan to improve the person’s interactions within their environment.
The biggest autism event in England, hosted in London, Birmingham and Manchester . It is ran partnership with the National Autistic Society where if you’re looking for information, in need of direction pre or post diagnosis, are facing daily challenges with autism, or approaching significant transition points (going from primary to secondary school, for example), then this is the place to go.
At the show, there are 100 hours of talks by actual autistic people and professionals. There are clinics and workshops along with hundreds of specialist products and services to meet who can help you. All content in the event is free to access and CPD certified for professionals.
A charity that uses their expertise and lived experience of autism to create powerful solutions and opportunities for the autistic community to be empowered and equipped to advocate for themselves, by improving access to support, education, employment and social opportunities so they can reach their full potential and build a more independent life for themselves.
They run autism conventions 2 times a year, one in Cardiff and the other in Llandudno. These conventions are packed with exhibitors showcasing their products and services, seminars on topics that matter, and give autistic people the opportunity to meet with other individuals, families and professionals to help you get the help you need.
A nationwide charity group that hosts exhibitions all over the UK for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and the people who support them. to bring people together to find the best solution for every situation, to help fulfil each person’s potential, and to help change lives.
They host free exhibitions in an inclusive, vibrant space where people are supported on their journey by bringing people together to find the best solution for every situation, to help fulfil each person’s potential, and to help change lives. At the exhibitions you can find exhibitors showcasing their products and services, seminars on topics that matter and opportunities to try out equipment, products and participate in the activities taking place throughout the day.
A Derbyshire based independent school for day and residential students aged 5 to 20 years with Autism and Developmental Language Disorder.
Alderwasley provides with a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which takes into account each student’s needs as identified on their EHC plan. The timetables and study pathways are individually tailored to need, ability and aspirations whilst also giving them the opportunity to develop the skills they will need in adult life.
A lifestyle management service to young disabled university students who require 24/7 care and support, to become completely independent, allowing them to take control of their care.
Clients tell Ask Jules what they want and the service finds it. For example, you can recruit and employ your own PAs who are qualified to provide both student support and personal care while you study, they not only support you academically but personally as well.
One of the leading providers of specialist education and residential care services in the UK offering expert specialist education for children and young people aged 5 to 25 with a range of conditions and special education needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.
Aspris Children's Services offer a broad curriculum, with the choice of both academic and vocational courses in a variety of subjects (up to A-Level standard) whilst also engaging students in independence programmes through therapeutic and supportive and residential environments which help students achieve their academic, independence and social goals, so that they can become successful adults.
A Lancaster based Specialist Post-16 Designated College offering pathways for special school leavers and other students as they Prepare for Adulthood.
Beaumont College offers different pathways depending on the needs of the their students. These include Access to Learning for people who want to go into further education, Skills for Life and Work for those who want to go into employment and even the Communication and Interaction pathway which focuses on cognitive abilities and communication skills.
A Liverpool and Bolton based social enterprise business that aims to improve the quality of life of all those they support, so that they may become confident and independent members of the community by provide a range of care, education and therapy services for children and young people with Special Needs such as Autism.
The Birtenshaw Group have a specialist school for people aged 3-19 in both Liverpool and Bolton. They also have a specialist college in Bolton for people aged 16-25. They run children’s homes that can also offer respite care and offer adult supported living that also offers an enrichment day service also in Bolton.
A national specialist college based in Doncaster providing education and learning opportunities for people with specialist communication needs, including deafness, autism and learning difficulties.
Communication College Doncaster offers a wide range of programmes for students who want to gain job and life related qualifications, gain independence and develop their social skills through various pathways. The work pathway provides a distinctive, industry-focused learning environment for students, whilst the life and living pathways are designed to maximise personal and social development.
Derwen College is a specialist college based in Shropshire offering residential and day placements to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aged 16–25 to give them the opportunity to learn vocational and independence skills.
Students at Derwen College have a choice of pathway areas, with subjects including: Business Support, Horticulture, Hospitality, Retail&Enterprise, Performing Arts, Sales&Marketing and Sport&Fitness. The college has a restaurant, cafe, garden centre and charity shop which all offer vocational experience opportunities for students. Outside of this, residential students live the on-site student accommodation working with staff and other students to learn independence and social skills.
A Surrey based school for girls aged 11-19 with communication and interaction needs, offering a curriculum that addresses the gaps in students’ prior learning from primary school to build success in their secondary education.
Limpsfield's curriculum allows for a slower pace of learning, more time for core subjects (English, Maths and Science), frequent opportunities for re-learning and learning skills outside the classroom such as managing anxiety and developing resilience.
A Birmingham based national specialist residential FE College and charity that supports a diverse range of student abilities and needs aged 16-25 offering an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support - their curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students.
The college offers a broad range of study programmes that are tailored to ensure each student receives the educational, therapeutic and support services that they require, helping them achieve their aspirations for adult life. Class sizes are small and support levels are high - ultimately, they have a great mix of students and provision which adds to the inclusive atmosphere of QAC.
A nationwide educational charity offering exciting outdoor learning environments, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autism and other learning difficulties.
All students are taught and cared for through Ruskinmill’s research-based method, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE). A curriculum based on PSTE will be designed to enhance a student’s gross and fine motor skills, balance coordination, social skills development and also improve their academic skills in literacy and numeracy. Practical Skills Therapeutic Education uses the simple but profound model of hand, head, heart and place, to explore the benefits to an individual’s development.
An Oxfordshire based school for boys aged 11-19 which offers a broad and balanced curriculum, at each Key Stage, which reflects the interests and aptitudes of students and supports pathway planning for a wide range courses whilst also offering therapeutic support such Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology and Massage.
Swalcliffe takes a Quality of Life approach to improving the lives of students meaning the school will be asked what they would like to do with their lives and will have all the support they need to work towards these goals. They are taught in small classes of 6 and will take exams throughout their 14-19 years rather than taking them all in Yr 11, to achieve the best outcomes possible as and when they are ready and without provoking excessive anxiety from completing all exams in one term.
An organisation based in Dorset, Sefton and Liverpool which can be likened to a small college with the aims of helping people between the ages of 16-30 with learning difficulties, low-level physical disabilities and/or low-level mental health concerns, to fulfil their potential within society.
SWRAC provides a range of educational activities to young adults to support individuals to thrive through real-life using a light-hearted and relaxed attitude toward learning that SWRAC have found helps their students feel at ease and confident when working with them this helps students progress.
A non-maintained (not controlled by Local Authority) special school, ran by charity West Kirby Residential School, catering to children and young people aged 5-19 who have complex special educational needs such as social/communication difficulties such as Autism. They aim to have young people to leave with academic qualifications and developed social, emotional and communication skills.
West Kirby School and College offers each pupil structured, supportive learning through an individualised, innovative curriculum developed with the aspirations and interests of the student at the centre of their education. They offer qualifications all the way up to A-Levels.
A Liverpool-based charity who champions neurodiversity and helps anyone affected by a neurological condition along with their carers to pick up the pieces so they can rebuild their lives and achieve their potential through practical help, emotional support, and social activities. Neurodiversity includes autism.
They support anyone based in the UK who has a neurological condition, and their family, friends, and carers too by offering confidence coaching, free counselling, help with finding employment, expert legal advice, social activities and helping carers plan for the future.
A Nationwide independent charity who believes in giving people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem so they don’t have to face these problems alone.
They offer quality, confidential advice from an independent and impartial service. This advice is free and can be given online, over the phone or in person at one of their many nationwide hubs. They can give you advice on benefits, work, money debt, housing, consumer rights, law, immigration and health/social care.
A St Helens social enterprise that provides free support for disabled people and people with long term health conditions, and support migrants to provide emotional and practical support with the focus being on employment.
They offer tailored 1-2-1 and peer support for disabled people and people with a long-term health condition covered by the Equality Act, their friends and family in a confidential, non-threatening environment. Their services include: help with college/job applications, volunteering, cv writing, counselling and finding work.
The independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Liverpool, here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care.
They are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, they want to hear about it. Where possible, they will let you know when changes are planned to services in the community and help you have a say. They will also encourage those in charge of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services.
Legal and financial advisors with a difference, based in offices across the UK and with an international presence as members of First Law International who believe giving the best possible advice is about more than knowledge and expertise. It means understanding the people you work with by taking the time to listen to what matters most to them.
They’re a full-service law firm, which means whatever advice you need or problem you have, they can help. This could be help with appointing a Deputy (someone to legally represent a vulnerable person who can’t represent themselves) or even Estate Planning such as Inheritance and Setting up Trusts (ensuring your wealth and property are safe so they can be passed on safely and legally to a loved one, especially if they are vulnerable).
An integrated clinic, within John Moores University, providing a range of support options to SMEs, multi-nationals, start-ups and not for profit organisations in the Liverpool city region. This could be expanding, taking your business in a new direction, or perhaps just support with a skills gap.
The JMU staff will first discuss with you: your business needs, the project length and dates to ensure feasibility and expectations. The staff will then match you with a student consultancy team (made up of undergraduate and masters students) who will work with you to identify solutions to the specific challenges faced by your business. These students can provide research and genuine innovative and fresh approach solutions to all types of problems and challenges.
A registered charity that supports and promotes young entrepreneurs (usually 18-35) in Liverpool to set up their own businesses: getting their fledgling business off the ground and reaching the next level by providing affordable subsidised office space close to the City Centre.
The process begins with MYST conducting a full audit of a business idea, with help to develop the business plan as well as support in the procurement of possible start-up funding. For those that successfully complete this phase, MYST will offer a workshop/office space, for a low monthly fee, with the unique advantage that you will receive timely, relevant and on-site advice supported by the Centre Manager and other external agencies.
A charity based in North West England that provides a free, independent, and confidential point of contact for adults who may be having difficulties in having their voices heard and human rights ignored when accessing and or dealing with adult health and social care services.
They provide people with access to advocates. An advocate is a person trained and experienced in all forms of advocacy, who will help people take action to say what they want, uphold their rights, represent their needs and wishes and support them to access the services they need. These advocates work side by side with service users to empower them to get the support and skills they need to make positive changes in their lives.
A disability equality charity in England and Wales who work every day to challenge attitudes and end disability inequality to achieve a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness.
They provide practical information and emotional support when it's most needed around issues such benefits, house bills, mental health, employment, being a parent with disabled children, relationships and assistive technology. Scope also campaigns relentlessly to create a fairer society for disabled people by providing a platform for disabled people’s voices and experiences and support young disabled people to campaign on the issues which matter to them.
A Nationwide highly qualified estate planning team focused on protecting client assets and wealth that they wish to pass to their loved ones using clear plain English to help you understand the legalities and technicalities associated with protecting your estate (estate is all the possessions/property you own and finances you have such as money in bank accounts and savings accounts).
They will help you make a Will and set up a Trust to ensure your estate can be passed on to those you want to inherit it and ensure that vulnerable beneficiaries (a person with a learning disability such as autism) are able to manage their finance properly and not be financially took advantage of by helping you appoint a Court of Protection Deputy or Lasting Power of Attorney.
If you’ve been feeling the pinch recently, you’re not the only one as things are costing more than they used to. Tom Phillips has created a guide giving you tips on how to survive the cost of living, to help get you through the coming months.
Although this guide is written with pensioners in mind, the majority of information in this guide is ideal to people of any age trying to keep the bills down. It talks about money saving techniques, free trips and getting rid of financial burdens so if you need help to keep the bills down then take look.
The NHS’ official Merseyside Aspergers and Autism Support team.
The NHS Aspergers Team offer you either 1 to 1 support or group sessions with Asperger&Autism specialist psychologists. The 1 to 1 sessions can be tailor made based on an initial screening they will invite you too. They also offer a Post-Diagnostic Course which is a 12 week course that gives people a chance to learn about how Aspergers&Autism work and what strategies can be learned to help cope with them.
One of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across the region. They are the NHS’ commitment to ‘perfect care’ for those with physical and mental health issues – care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient to lead the way in whole person, life long care that helps people live healthier lives.
hey offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities. They also frequently show up at the Autistic Spectrum Collective Drop In, where they give free advice to those autistic people about their health issues done in a professional and confidential manner.
A free, safe and anonymous place for young people to find online support and counselling.
There's a bunch of features and tools to support you that you can use when you sign up for free: A Chat and Messenger for when you want to talk to Kooth's friendly online team of medical health professionals about anything, a Forum to get advice, help others and share your story and An online Magazine full of opinions, creative pieces and personal experiences written by young people which you can contribute to. At Kooth there's always somebody who will listen and understand.
Liverpool Football Club’s official charity who aim to provide accessible and inclusive football sessions to children and adults with any impairment, difficulties or abilities.
LFC Foundation have a scheme called ‘Kicks Inclusion’ which provides free sports activities for children, young people and adults with additional learning, behaviour, physical and sensory needs across Merseyside. There are sessions for kids of different age groups ranging from 5-16 and sessions for those who are 17+.
A Nationwide Community Interest Company that helps bridge the gap between Mental Health and Autism through supporting families with assessments, screening and therapy by qualified staff.
The M Word uses Emotional Problem Solving, a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Counselling to empower people to regain control of their life without the use of medication. They also offer an initial screening for Autistic people to help them decide whether it is worth seeing a Clinical Psychologist or use the screening in a child’s EHCP for a future private Clinical Psychologist or the child’s school, to provide the best support possible.
The biggest autism charity in the UK working to transform lives of the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and change neurotypical attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
The National Autistic Society do a number of things to help autistic people in the UK and their families with their online community as well as their comprehensive directory services along with providing articles with in-depth advice and guidance about autism and the challenges autistic people and their families face. They also work around the UK running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights and training companies on being more autism-friendly.
A Greater Manchester family-run, community-based, not-for-profit social enterprise whose mission is to utilise the benefits of the human-animal bond to improve mental health and wellbeing.
They offer a range of community-based and visiting services based around Animal-assisted interventions, a range of therapeutic experiences involving human-animal interaction. They can do 1-1’s, private room hires, school visits, outreach, animal employability courses and they even run a dog cafe.
An England based mental health charity working with individuals, communities, and families to overcome mental ill health and support people on their recovery journeys.
hey have developed a range of services hand-in-hand with the people they support to ensure they are built for those most in need. These include: Supported Housing and Residential Recovery Services, Crisis Services and Havens, Employment Services,Community Based Services, Social Enterprises and Domestic Abuse Services.
A free Liverpool-based NHS service offering psychological therapies to adults in Liverpool who are feeling depressed or anxious.
Talk Liverpool offer a range of treatment programmes designed to give you the right information and to help you develop the skills you need to overcome your problems such as short courses which run regularly in locations near you or online help which you can use from the convenience of your home.
A Nationwide community based cycling scheme that enables people to cycle, regardless of their age, ability or cycling experience. They embrace disabled people and people who would otherwise not be able to cycle, through providing fun and friendly activity.
Wheels for All have hubs and centres all over the country where you can either: Ride out in the community from start and finish from one of their cycle hubs, complete with bikes and helmets which you can borrow if needed OR go to one of their centres where you can cycle using specially adapted cycles for every participant, young or old, allowing anyone to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
A large, modern and accessible venue based in Manchester that offers access to multi-sensory rooms that all children and adults with disabilities can benefit from using. Some evidence suggests that those with challenging behaviour can improve and may be reduced over a long term period.
These rooms have a range of equipment creating both a calming and interactive atmosphere, where colours flash through the fibre-optic strands along the floor; streams of blue and green simultaneously twinkle through the bubble tubes and the disco ball sparkles whilst room users can enjoy lying on the water beds dreaming away to the sounds of classical music or play in the mirrors creating their very own personal party space with pop music in the background.
A Chester based charity ran by a group of parents of children with additional needs that were frustrated by the lack of appropriate play resources and support locally. And so, we decided to do something about it by running play sessions in a large centre.
The facilities at their centre include a sensory room, accessible soft play and a range of activities including messy play, art and craft, and role play. These facilities can be accessed by booking a play session . Each play session has limited numbers to ensure that they are calm but still lots of fun.
A Liverpool-based ‘collective’ of service users, carers and professionals who offer a service to help and support adults (18+) who have Asperger Syndrome.
The Autistic Spectrum Collective runs a drop in service on the last Friday of every month where people can “drop in” to a warm and welcoming space for service users and carers to access services, participate in activities of interest and to find out more information about what’s available in the local community.
The Autistic Spectrum Collective’s Art Hub for those with interests in creative art activities.
The Art Hub can cater for up to around 10 people to take part in creative activities such as painting, digital art, printing, photography and jewellery making. The Art Hub takes place every Wednesday from 1-3pm and some of your work may also be exhibited in the gallery where it will also be for sale.
A registered charity based in Cumbria who provides residential activity breaks for people of any age or ability at their centre. You may never have dreamt of flying down a zip wire or exploring the depths of a cave, but Bendrigg can make this possible.
Bendrigg has different course options available throughout the year for Schools and organised groups (such as charities & colleges), Families with a disabled member and Adults with a disability. Their team will work with you to enable everyone to participate in the adventure activities using 40 years of experience, a highly qualified staff team and a range of adaptive equipment.
A Sefton based community team that supports people to link in with their local communities, helping to reduce levels of social isolation and loneliness.
Community Connectors will help individuals find out what activities or groups are available in their local area which might interest them and then accompany them to a social activity or group to ease any fears of going somewhere for the first time on their own, introduce them to rest of the group and help them to settle.
A community initiative based in Stockton-on-Tees that supports and empowers autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services, whilst promoting training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance regionally and nationwide.
Daisy Chain offer a variety of specialist provisions to over 5,000 families with neurodiverse and autistic children&adults including of social clubs, respite care, wellbeing, independent living skills, employability skills, animal therapy and family support services.
A Nationwide charitable registered society who support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives who often feel excluded and simply want the same opportunities as other people to enjoy the things in their communities such as cinema, gaming, libraries and museums.
They work with various cinemas, gaming places, libraries and museums to encourage them to provide adjustments including reduced sensory stimulation, increased signage and autism training for staff in order to create thriving environments where everyone is welcome especially those on the autism spectrum. They have compiled all of the autism friendly places they have worked with into a database map that will enable you to find your local autism friendly places.
Based in Manchester, they are the leading charity of experts in electronic assistive technology helping disabled people speak, live, independently, control their environment and have fun playing video games.
Everyone Can carefully research both existing and developing digital technologies in order to deliver services that can increase the level of independence for disabled people. They have a technology centre which offers an unparalleled gaming experience for disabled people and can offer assessments using digital technology to find practical solutions to problems disabled people have in everyday life such as shopping, communication and controlling appliances around the home.
A Liverpool-based social enterprise that supports adults with Autism&ADHD as well as the parents of Autism&ADHD children through a non-threatening, friendly but more importantly confidential service.
Ladders of Life runs group sessions every Thursday were people can talk about their lives with Autism&ADHD and hear from other people with the same conditions. Ladders also do 1 to 1 sessions for those people who feel their problems are too personal for the group or are not yet ready to be in front of that many people.
A North West England friendship and dating agency aiming to reduce social isolation and loneliness by offering opportunities for people with a learning disability and/or autism, to meet new people in a safe way. They are committed to helping people to form long lasting friendships and relationships.
The project provides an exclusive matching service for their members, whether you are looking for friends or that someone special. The project will provide support before, during and after a friendship match or date, and can advise and support you to continue dating or maintaining your new friendships. Their trained matchmakers and chaperones will support you every step of the way, from the initial contact, during your matches and we will follow up after your friendship match or date.
A Nationwide charity who wants to improve the lives of people with a learning disability and their families now, and fight alongside them for a better future.
They provide services ranging from round-the-clock care to helping someone join in with local leisure activities, providing advice and information on things like employment and education, helping someone to live independently for the first time, and providing various social clubs for those 18+.
A Liverpool-based parent led organisation providing support, advice and guidance for families of children with neurological conditions mainly Autism and ADHD aged between 5-15.
The Neurodiverse Family Support Network runs courses, advice sessions and coffee mornings for the parent/carers to attend as well as offering social activities including days out to allow opportunities for parents without confidence or support to attend as part of a group whilst building on the children’s social skills.
The ultimate guide to everything you need to know about London theatre whose team dedicated to making theatre as welcoming as possible for everyone.
They can help you find theatre shows which offer Relaxed performances. Relaxed performances are adapted in a number of ways to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere, including adjusting light and sound levels, providing ‘chill-out’ areas and demonstrating an embracing attitude towards audience noise and movement in the auditorium.
A nationwide charity providing safe and fun places where disabled and non-disabled people come together to socialise, have fun and build lifelong friendships allowing them to feel grow more independent and confident together.
Phab run a series of clubs and adventure trips around the UK. The clubs are a places shaped by the wants and needs of the club members but with a shared commitment to inclusion and accessibility held in accessible locations and supported by volunteers. The adventure trips build personal growth, a sense of accomplishment and fun through a range of outdoor activities held at inclusive outdoor centres with a large amount of adaptive equipment and accessible accommodation ensuring that everyone can participate.
A Liverpool-based charity devoted to the social and emotional well-being of young people, providing a safe and sound environment where they can gain self-understanding, confidence and inspiration for the future.
Yellow House runs creative workshops giving young people a chance to explore a broad range of artistic interests to enable them to constantly improve and develop new skills both inside and outside of the arts. Yellow House also run workshops all over the community, tailored to any age range, nationality, or ability level; aiming to help people explore a variety of issues and develop the confidence to discuss, explore and create in response to those issues.
A charitable community benefit society that supports autistic people, people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs, all around England, based on their choice and not defining people by their support needs.
Choice Support can help you in a number of ways: if you have mental health issues them they can help you work on a recovery journey, they have a supported loving service to help you find love and they can help you find the right place to live with the right support allowing people take more control over their own lives.
A registered, not for profit company in North West England and Wales offering a range of social care services to vulnerable people with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Issues, Dementia, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Acquired Brain Injuries, Personality Disorders and other Complex needs.
They offer support managing various aspects of living, including developing and maintaining friendships, budgeting, bill paying, shopping, cleaning, keeping safe and secure and accessing professional services. All support provided takes account of individuals ability and is delivered with a view to maximise personal independence and encouraging the service user to do as much for themselves as possible.
A Lincolnshire-based family run group driven by wanting to make a difference to and offer high standards in the care and support of the living needs of those with disabilities.
Home from Home Care offer learning disability care homes with spacious, communal environments for social interaction, balanced with privacy and personal space. Each individual’s en-suite bedroom/personal living space is thoughtfully personalised to reflect their aesthetic, physical needs and to facilitate the delivery of their person focused care and support.
A life skills training centre in Leicestershire for working age adults with a diagnosis of autism, learning difficulties and behaviour that may challenge whose aim is to understand and cater for everyone's individual personal needs.
They will help each individual that uses their service to develop the important skills to tackle everyday challenges and get them ready for life, skills such as money, travel, domestic chores, community gardening, music, arts & crafts, beauty, keep fit, computer & IT, healthy eating and social skills.
A Merseyside/Lancashire-based charity which enables and supports people to live full and independent lives by helping them to become more resilient and overcome the challenges presented by mental health issues and disabilities.
Their dedicated staff team deliver high quality care to residents who need support within their own homes including help with getting up and going to bed, assistance dressing and preparing meals. They also provide peer mentoring services to help people to develop motivation, confidence, life skills, access courses, get voluntary work and help people get to places even by giving travel training (if possible).
The UK’s leading team of support professionals helping adults with diverse and complex needs to live independent, fulfilling and happy lives along with helping them to follow their dreams either from home or in supported living.
Lifeways offer a range of different support options for people living with autism that's designed to meet individual needs by spending time with the adult, their family members and care professionals close to the adult, to gain an understanding of the challenges the person may have already overcome and what they need help to overcome in the future.
A charity in the North West that care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of care-experienced children and people with disabilities, autism and mental health differences.
The Trust offer residential sensory-friendly homes with gardens, outdoor spaces and communal areas to enjoy and see young people flourish were they support people with disabilities and complex needs to make decisions about their care and live happy, independent and fulfilling lives. They have schools which support children and young people from age 5 all the way to 25 with individual learning plans. They run foster care schemes and support young people in their homes and local communities so parents, carers and siblings can thrive together.
A Nationwide company that provides specialist support for over 3,500 people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and complex needs. Whether it is support in their own home, supported living accommodation or a registered care home, they will enable people to live as independently as possible: where, how and with whom they choose.
They have a national group of autism experts, including two National Autistic Society (NAS) accredited assessors who will work with you to create your support plan and involve you in choosing your support workers, providing you with specialist staff who understand you and your autism. They are trained in autism awareness and receive extra training by the NAS, so you can rely on them for safe, flexible and personalised support.
An online service that wants to help change the greatest inequalities across the UK experienced by autistic people and other neurodivergent people to create a future that puts people in control of their own lives, accessing professional support when and how they need it.
They have an online service and app system which is simple technology combined with on-demand, human support that helps people achieve more, manage their day-to-day, and reduce anxiety to enable people to self-manage challenges and build positive habits for life. They make sure to work with users to design and deliver their system, ensuring the system is accessible and meet the needs of their users.
An immersive multi-sensory space that reduces anxiety and encourages participation in less than 15 minutes. It has been installed in various schools, hospitals and public community spaces all around Ireland and the UK.
Cubbie helps regulate sensory stress through professional, tailor made programs in an easy-to-use, immersive safe, personal space of sound and vision. It is free of disruptions and driven by software that is regularly and automatically updated and has enough space for a wheelchair to turn 360º inside it.
A Manchester based charity, offering free, impartial information about services for disabled individuals, older people, and those that support them to help disabled and older people make more informed choices which, as a result, enables easier, safer and more independent living.
They provide impartial information and advice about assistive technology (equipment and products), equipment and provide services that support those with bladder and bowel problems such as a free helpline, as well as providing sensory rooms, free exhibitions across the UK, equipment solutions and training.
A Nationwide project founded by a Mother and her Autistic Son who are driven by their passion to help improve lives with visual supports that work for you, not that make work for you.
Orkid Ideas invented the TomTag, a visual support aid of plastic tags where you place click-on buttons on them which have symbols representing the things that people need to remember such as check-lists or symbols representing visual cues such as emotions or needs that non-verbal people need.
A family business, gone nationwide, born out of a desire to improve upon all other products in the marketplace that offer a possible solution to the night-time problems encountered such as sleep deprivation and the danger of seizures in unsafe beds.
They have invented a product called the UrZone. The UrZone is a 6 in 1 bed / safe enclosed space designed to protect children and adults from night-time wandering and entrapment during seizures or high night-time mobility. The UrZone is one of the strongest and most durable safety beds on the market for adults and children with disabilities, whilst being portable and fitting into a suitcase for travel, respite and hospital use.
A Nationwide company who works with families and healthcare professionals of individuals with complex needs including learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy and challenging behaviours who may be unsafe in an ordinary room or bed.
Safespaces work with people to design and supply safe rooms, and high-sided beds for the individuals. They will assess and recommend which safe space is right for them whether it be a safe room, a raised bed or a compact space fit for travel use.
A leading UK designer and manufacturer of innovative, interactive electronic and IT products for the Education, Retail, and Corporate sectors.
The mixture of engineering talents within Integrex fosters an environment where they have adapted new technologies such as the Well being Suite Interactive Projector and the VisiLift+ for dynamic presentations, interactive experiences and seamless mobility to embrace the power of socialisation, communication and stimulate cognitive abilities.
A Nationwide family run business who work closely with care professionals to understand and cope with a wide spectrum of challenging physical behaviours around furniture such in order to provide furniture-based solutions.
Tough Furniture offers tailor made furniture solutions, such as a TV cabinet which locks the TV into place (so it won’t accidentally fall) or a sturdy wardrobe (for those who are heavy handed), based on what you require. They will manufacture, deliver and install the furniture as part of their design plan. They will also help you reach out to charities and partners to help with funding if you need it.
A company that seeks to enable individuals with speech and language impairments to successfully communicate and interact in their environment by providing products and services that promote success for individuals who use AAC, their families and their support teams.
They offer communication aids to support a wide range of language solutions including Unity, easyChat, The Grid, WordPower and text-based systems, are highly flexible, easy to program and backed by unrivalled warranty and support packages. Their regionally based consultants have unrivalled AAC experience and their dedicated customer support team will provide you with all the help you need for product evaluation, assessment, trial and implementation to ensure communication success.
A Nationwide company who enjoys working together to achieve the aim of giving every child, every day, a reason to love learning by providing thousands of resources that people will need.
TTS Group offer a catalogue system through their website similar to the shop Argos but it is made entirely of resources to help people with disabilities learn ranging from printed books to programmable floor robots.
A Nationwide family company that believe everybody should have fair and equal access to information and that it can be achieved through making this information more visual by use of symbols.
Widgit offer a number of different softwares that enable anyone to create documents or visual cards with Widgit Symbols, a bank of over 20,000 images specifically designed to support written text. These can be printed out for people to use as documents or with various low-tech communication aids such as boards. They can also be used digitally on computers, tablets or other high-tech communication aids.
A company, from Luxembourg which has now set up in the UK, that makes socially assistive robots economical and user-friendly. Their first product, QTrobot, is an expressive social robot that helps children with autism and special educational needs to learn new social, emotional and communication skills.
The QTrobot is an expressive social robot designed to parents to practice daily life skills with their children at home by offering hundreds of professionally designed educational modules on cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills. It can also be used assistive tool for increasing children’s engagement in schools. It is also a powerful platform for Human-AI research and teaching used by top research institutes around the world for STEM education, elderly care, healthy ageing and much more.
An Ellesmere based communication aids charity that provides funding towards speech aids for disabled people that have communication disorders and severe learning difficulties.
When you become a member of The Sequal Trust, they will liaise with your assigned Speech and Language Therapist to ensure you can be provided with the most suitable assistive technology such as an eye gaze, Grid Pad or Lightwriter. They know that finding and funding the right electronic communication aid can be challenging and costly, so their dedicated team will help you every step of the way.
A global team that works to help people with communication and mobility challenges live richer, more meaningful lives.
They ensure that their technology and solutions for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are easy to use and can withstand daily stresses. whether it’s an assistive technology device, a communication app, eye gaze control of your computer, low tech materials or specialised training solutions. In the UK, they can also help people with AAC funding needs by offering assistance, a comprehensive list of funding sources, and the ability to borrow a device to prepare for an assessment.
An Autistic Girl, based in Liverpoo,l named Sarah who is Creative Wellbeing Practitioner and Master Fine Artist who works with people of all ages and Special Educational Needs. An Autistic Girl named Sarah who is Creative Wellbeing Practitioner and Master Fine Artist who works with people of all ages and Special Educational Needs.
Sarah has designed her own wellbeing courses and workshops using art wellbeing, art techniques and creative teaching based around what use she has used in her daily life as a master fine artist, teacher and creative wellbeing practitioner with first hand life experiences living with ADHD, ASD and OCD. If you are interested in a wellbeing course or workshop like this then you can hire her.
The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity, offering a strength-based approach where the focus is on what individuals can do whilst acknowledging the challenges associated with their conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome and more.
They support parents, carers and professionals so they can understand and meet the needs of neurodiverse people through their range of webinars, courses and an entire Resource Hub page on their website. They also offer tailored support through a diagnostic screening clinic to help neurodiverse people know which interventions and adaptations are right for them through out their life from childhood into adulthood.
A website launched by Chris Bonnello (an autistic advocate, author and former teacher of mainstream primary and specialist education) in April 2015 to share his insights from both a personal and professional perspective.
The website is full of articles containing information, advice and insights on how to better manage autism. Bonnello aspeaks openly in public about how to build up autistic people to become the best they can be. He also offers consulting services to followers and readers via Zoom, Skype, Messenger and other platforms to discuss autism-related issues affecting them and/or those they love, in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Wigan Council’s “Autism Friendly Wigan” campaign to ensure Wigan Borough is an autism-friendly and inclusive place where autistic children and adults can live independent, fulfilling lives, accessing support as and when it is needed.
Autism Friends run free Autism Friends training sessions which aim to help businesses and members of the public better understand how those living with autism will encounter situations and what they can do to break down barriers. They also offer a range of free training and support sessions aimed at parents and carers whose children have received an autism diagnosis.
A learning service provider whose aim is to deliver, secure and promote accessible, high quality, locally delivered adult learning opportunities for the people of Liverpool.
They offer a range of fantastic learning opportunities through the many functional, vocational, enrichment and ESOL courses they run. If you meet the right criteria, some of the courses are free and if you are a parent you may also qualify for free childcare.
A charitable network of centres, all around the UK, which offer high quality information, assessments and advice about learning to driving disabled.
Their centres have teams of occupational therapists and driving instructors with specialist knowledge to help with physical or cognitive challenges with learning to drive. Assessments are tailored to individual need but typically includes visual screening and cognitive assessments before progressing to an in-car assessment. Some centres also offer assistance with the theory and hazard perception test.
A Liverpool based computer training centre providing support to local people and organisations, helping them to access employment, self-employment, training and education.
They offer the opportunity to learn various computer skills, earn ICT qualifications such as ICDL as well as gain Level 2 English and Maths. All students at EDT are able to study at their own pace choosing what days and times they wish to come in to study. They also have a Business and Enterprise advice service aimed at individuals or groups who have a viable business idea or wish to become self-employed.
The various Greater Manchester councils’ Autism Representatives who aim to be a point of contact for anyone in Greater Manchester needing information about autism and related issues. They are managed by the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families The National Autistic Society.
Since 1993 they have been providing information and advice to autistic people and their families, delivering training and developing resources and in 2019 they have put together a Greater Manchester Autism Strategy. They have links to many groups in Manchester who can support those living in Greater Manchester who have autism.
A Liverpool based non-profit Community Interest Company that is focused on supporting the physical and mental well-being of those in their communities.
They have a range of multi-skilled practitioners that offer their bespoke workshops, courses and services at their 2 centres. These workshops, courses and services are all centred around addressing the issues of both men’s and women’s mental health taking them on journey to develop the skills they need to manage their mental health and live a better quality of life.
A Training Centre that offers aspirational programmes, creates opportunities and improves social mobility for those living in the most disadvantaged communities, whilst also meeting local, regional and national skills needs employers across the Liverpool City Region are looking for.
Their training and employment programmes are designed to help fast track your career. You will getting started in the sector you want to work in, as The Learning Foundry work with employers across the Liverpool City Region to get you real work experience.
A program ran by LJMU that aims to simplify access to enterprise (starting up a business) training and development, building Liverpool City Region as a central hub for enterprise.
The program offers high quality learning and development opportunities to build the enterprise skills and get the training along with the support needed to start up and develop an enterprise/business. As long as you are a resident in Liverpool and are 18+, you can take part in the program.
A consultancy service set up in North West England to support a variety of settings to meet the needs of children with Autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
They offer training and consultancy services that are concentrated towards schools, parents, residential settings and companies (which have employees with autism) at a highly specialised level, at an affordable price. They offer training in Sensory Needs, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Children’s Mental Health and Autism&Anxiety Awareness. Their consultants are specialist teachers that have real-life experience and expertise to assist schools in identifying and addressing their strengths and weaknesses in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
A Liverpool based learning service provider who aims to provide high quality adult learning programmes to help people make positive changes, support personal development, access learning opportunities and help communities to thrive. These opportunities are accessible to all Liverpool City Region residents aged 19+.
They offer a range of fantastic learning opportunities through the many different creative, digital, health, education training and functional skills courses they run 3 times a year in autumn, spring and summer. If you meet the right criteria, a lot of these courses are free and some of them can lead to gaining useful employable qualifications such as first aid.
A Liverpool based cooking school that is all about creating fun and exciting learning activities that are beneficial for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties who have a real passion for cooking and wish to further develop their skills.
The school will help their students with learning basic safety skills within the kitchen, gaining independent living skills through cooking, having knowledge of what is best to eat and how to cook healthily using a variety of methods. They also offer the opportunity to gain a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.