H&F Receives Cash Boost for Autism Support


Grant allows council to invest in latest specialist equipment

Hammersmith & Fulham Council has received a grant which it says will allow it to invest in improvements to support and development services for people with autism.

The funding has come from an £18,500 grant secured from the Department of Health Autism Capital Fund.

The cash will be used to purchase iPads which can be loaded with autism-specific apps, as well as equipping two sensory rooms, improving one-to-one support and purchasing other specialist equipment.

H&F Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Vivienne Lukey, says: " We are delighted to secure this grant which will help the council in its commitment to improving services for those with autism, ensuring they receive the specialist support they require."

H&F Council plans to use the funds for:

A sensory room will be designed and equipped for use by people with autism in H&F’s Mencap site, Aspenlea Road.

One-to-one support will be improved through use of technology during support sessions and group work to improve social skills and communication, especially in final steps to independence in the ASSIST project which offers pre and post-diagnosis support to people with autism.

Purchasing sensory items for rooms in the Rivercourt respite service.

Purchasing iPads for the LBHF Learning Disability Team which helps people across the autism spectrum

A sensory room used to help promote one-to-one support for residents of Yarrow housing>

iPads, hug jackets and a hug chair for use by Queensmill School, a special school for 19-25s with autism.

The funding is due to be received by H&F Council at the end of this month.