Resources & Useful Links
Support & Advice
Provides a directory of information, advice and services across Buckinghamshire.
Website: Link
Supports unpaid carers and young carers in Buckinghamshire aged 5 - 95+. Providing advice, information, emotional support and workshops and training.
Provides a comprehensive resource and directory of support, information and services for autistic people and their families.
Provides activities for autistic children, adults and families.
Email: AylesburyVale@nas.org.uk
Local support group aiming to inform and help local parents and carers by: publishing a newsletter; running a club for school aged children; organising regular family activities; liaising with local services and raising awareness.
Email: Southbucks@nas.org.uk
Supporting families. Meetings in Aylesbury and North Buckinghamshire.
Email: contactgrasp@gmail.com
Telephone: 01296 486995
Provide support, advice and information, in Chesham & South Bucks, to parents and carers of children with ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder & Challenging Behaviour.
Email: spacechesham@aol.com
Website: Link
FACT is a group of parents and professionals who meet to discuss real issues that affect children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Buckinghamshire
Email: admin@factbucks.org.uk
Website: Link
Provide help and advice and services to parents and families (with autistic children and those with ADHD, Dyslexia and Torrettes)
Autism Toolbox brings together advice, local support, services and resources for parents and carers of autistic children.
Website: Link
Need someone to talk to? Text HECTOR to 85258. A volunteer will be there for you. Its free, open 24/7 and completely confidential
Website: Link
Easy read information
Information in easy read for people with a learning disability or on the autism spectrum:
Information in easy read for people with a learning disability or on the autism spectrum:
Website: Link
The Bagnall Project is based in Chesham and provides social and psychological support to improve people's health and well being. They offer a programme of groups and activities throughout the week and on Saturdays including baking, arts and crafts, meditation, routes to work, walking group, yoga, circuit training, Tech Launchpad. Please contact the project for the up to date programme.
Befriending Service offers short term support to adults who are lonely or isolated as a result of mental illness.
Website: Link
Text "SHOUT" to 85258 when you are feeling low or suicidal. a trained crisis volunteer will text you back. Great if you find talking on the phone challenging. Its completely free 24/7
Telephone: Text SHOUT to 85258
Website: Link
This app is a pocket suicide prevention resource packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.
Website: Link
CASCAIDr is a specialist advice charity, launched in 2017, with a mission to try to help put right some of the not-so-good things going on in Adults’ Social Care and NHS health service allocation in this country. Whom offer free service.
Website: Link
Action for Neurodiversity provides autism-specialist counselling to those who live with or alongside Asperger’s syndrome/autism and who are struggling and in need of help, with counsellors who have additional experience (either personally or professionally) and/or additional qualifications in autism.
The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy. They recently created a free guide on recognizing the signs and symptoms of what was formerly diagnosed as Asperger’s. Though Asperger’s now falls under the general umbrella of autism spectrum disorder, it is still a commonly used term. This resource covers common trends of Asperger’s symptoms in children as well as adults, which vary significantly by age.
Please take a look:
https://www.elemy.com/studio/aspergers/symptoms-and-signs
https://www.elemy.com/studio/guides/parents-guide
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism/levels
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism-resources/resources-and-help
Please take a look:
https://www.elemy.com/studio/aspergers/symptoms-and-signs
https://www.elemy.com/studio/guides/parents-guide
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism/levels
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism-resources/resources-and-help
Website: Link
Easy read- know your rights about Mental Health Act Code of Practice
Website: Link
If you’re housebound for physical or mental health reasons Specsavers have a team who exclusively do at home eye test..
Website: Link
The Law Society, Guidance for best practice on reasonable adjustment.
Website: Link
Support people through advocacy services for the following: Health Complaints Advocacy to help people make formal complaints about their NHS care and treatment; Military Advocacy to help ex-military personnel access the services and support they need for life in the civilian community.
If you want to make a complaint about a health service an advocate may be able to support you. There are different advocacy services for different areas. The services shown below are statutory, this means the law says they must exist to support people for free.
Website: Link
Bucks Safe Haven, in partnership with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, provides an alternative to A&E for people experiencing mental health crisis.
We work collaboratively with you to empower you and provide emotional listening support as well as helping you to manage your mental health better.
We help you to understand where to go for help in the local community, but most importantly to feel safer and create safety plans if you are struggling to keep yourself safe due to thoughts of self-harm or of ending your life.
How can I access this service? Safe Haven is not a drop-in service. There is no limit to how many nights you can call us, although we would only be able to offer one call per evening.
The Bucks Safe Haven service is operating in Buckinghamshire from 6pm- midnight, in the following locations:
High Wycombe: 7 nights a week
260 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2QR
Please call: 01494 218098
Aylesbury: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Peach Tree House, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bierton Road, Sapphire Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1EG
Please call: 01296 453017
Please note, we will ask for some brief contact details during the first call.
We work collaboratively with you to empower you and provide emotional listening support as well as helping you to manage your mental health better.
We help you to understand where to go for help in the local community, but most importantly to feel safer and create safety plans if you are struggling to keep yourself safe due to thoughts of self-harm or of ending your life.
How can I access this service? Safe Haven is not a drop-in service. There is no limit to how many nights you can call us, although we would only be able to offer one call per evening.
The Bucks Safe Haven service is operating in Buckinghamshire from 6pm- midnight, in the following locations:
High Wycombe: 7 nights a week
260 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2QR
Please call: 01494 218098
Aylesbury: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Peach Tree House, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bierton Road, Sapphire Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1EG
Please call: 01296 453017
Please note, we will ask for some brief contact details during the first call.
Telephone: High Wycombe: 7 nights a week 01494 218098 Aylesbury: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 01296 453017
Website: Link
Aucademy© is the new home for Autistic learning and the education of non-autistic people about Autistic experience. To quote: “The best way to learn about autism is from Autistic educators. Therefore, we founded Aucademy – an Autistic-led educative platform comprised entirely of Autistic academics, researchers, teachers, speakers, trainers, and advocates. Here at Aucademy we voluntarily educate for Autistic and non-autistic learners regarding the Autistic experience.”
Website: Link
Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Harrow, offering treatment for anyone invested in recovery. Inpatient programmes are made up of counselling and therapy to help you on your way to an emotional and spiritual healing space.
Telephone: 0800 331 7945
Website: Link
Learn more about how ASD can impact relationships and how you can manage these issues in your own life.
Website: Link
Relationships can be confusing and complex for people on the autism spectrum. Find out more about how autism can affect relationships and some top tips for being in a relationship with someone who has autism.
Website: Link
We hope that neither you nor anyone you care for will suffer from cancer. But if you have had a cancer diagnosis, Macmillan Cancer Support are there to help you. Your GP practice will offer you a cancer care review following your cancer diagnosis. You will be contacted within the first three months with an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis and to explore any support you may need.
You will then be offered a further appointment within twelve months of your diagnosis with an opportunity to talk about your cancer experience, understand the support that is available in your community and how to begin supported self-care.
The appointment should be at a time to suit you and can be in person, over the telephone or digitally.
If you have not had your Cancer Care Review, please contact your GP practice to make an appointment.
You will then be offered a further appointment within twelve months of your diagnosis with an opportunity to talk about your cancer experience, understand the support that is available in your community and how to begin supported self-care.
The appointment should be at a time to suit you and can be in person, over the telephone or digitally.
If you have not had your Cancer Care Review, please contact your GP practice to make an appointment.
Telephone: 0808 239 75 65
Website: Link
Offers referrals to first-rate drug and alcohol rehabs in Buckinghamshire and near Buckinghamshire, linking you with the very best service providers in the area.
Conscious of the ever-increasing waits for psychological therapy, Doctor-Jo.com sets out to provide safe, supportive, evidence-based support that everyone can access. Dr Jo Mathews is a clinical psychologist who has worked for over ten years in various roles associated with neurodiverse people. Prior to moving to private practice, Jo was a clinical lead for Autism services in an NHS trust.
Website: Link
A guide to autism and ADHD diagnosis in the UK. By David Gray-Hammond
While the neurodiversity movement seeks to demadicalise Autistic and ADHD experience, there are still many cases where having a diagnosis given by a medical professional can be beneficial. Despite the benefits of being diagnosed, these processes can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. This article is intended to help make the process feel a little less confusing by collating as much information as possible on the processes in the UK, from the benefits of knowing your Autistic identity, to the benefits of seeking a formal diagnosis, and the process itself.
While the neurodiversity movement seeks to demadicalise Autistic and ADHD experience, there are still many cases where having a diagnosis given by a medical professional can be beneficial. Despite the benefits of being diagnosed, these processes can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. This article is intended to help make the process feel a little less confusing by collating as much information as possible on the processes in the UK, from the benefits of knowing your Autistic identity, to the benefits of seeking a formal diagnosis, and the process itself.
Website: Link
Helping You Succeed at Work with Autism. The Autistic Boss is a blog dedicated to empowering autistic professionals with insights, strategies, and support for thriving in leadership and beyond.
Website: Link
Our website provides help and information about how to stay safe in lots of different situations.
Website: Link
Atypically was born from a simple desire: to help parents find timely, expert support for their neurodiverse children. We offer a range of resources to provide information for parents going through the assessment process with their children, answering all of the common questions that they might have. We also have a free screening tool, which can help you to see if your child is exhibiting traits which could indicate that they may be autistic and would benefit from a diagnostic assessment. Atypically can also help you to find assessment providers, both online and in your area, helping to take the stress out of the assessor vetting process.
Email: contact@atypically.co.uk
Website: Link
Travelling should be an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone, including those with disabilities. But with barriers to travel which might not always be obvious, it’s normal for some to feel a tad hesitant about taking a holiday – both at home or abroad.
Website: Link
Bucks Youth Drug and Alcohol Support Service offers free, confidential support for young people in Buckinghamshire affected by their own or someone else’s substance use.
Support is available for under 18s, and for 18–24-year-olds with additional needs such as neurodiversity or learning differences. Young people do not need to be dependent on substances to access the service.
The team provides flexible, non-judgmental one-to-one support, with sessions available in person (at a hub, school, or other safe location) or online/phone. Support is confidential unless there is a risk of harm.
Referrals can be made by professionals, parents/carers, or young people themselves.
Support is available for under 18s, and for 18–24-year-olds with additional needs such as neurodiversity or learning differences. Young people do not need to be dependent on substances to access the service.
The team provides flexible, non-judgmental one-to-one support, with sessions available in person (at a hub, school, or other safe location) or online/phone. Support is confidential unless there is a risk of harm.
Referrals can be made by professionals, parents/carers, or young people themselves.
Social & Activities
Creative arts club for autistic young people (18-26). Held at the Hub, High Wycombe
Email: ruth@turtlekeyarts.org.uk
Website: Link
Disability and exercise training, includes support to autistic adults.
Email: breakingbarrierspt@outlook.com
Telephone: Joe on 07581039611
Provide an arena for young adults to develop a social network and gain support from peers. Promotes independent living and the basic skills associated with this
Provide a range of adventurous, therapeutic and educational play activities in a safe, caring and stimulating environment, catering for both children and adults with all types of disabilities.
Provides community music sessions specifically designed for people with learning difficulties including autistic people.
Offer autism friendly screenings. Some key differences are: Lighting will be kept on during the screening. Volume levels will be reduced. There will be no advertisements or trailers. Seating will not be allocated. Customers will be allowed to bring in their own food.
Website: Link
Offers specialised and person centred music therapy to adults, young adults and children with a range of disabilities and support needs.
"arts for all" offering the local community access to creative and performing arts. For example, Jigsaw Theatre Company providing performing arts education and experience for people with disabilities.
Inclusive inspiring theatre company for all abilities, based in Chesham
Provide therapeutic horsemanship and equine facilitated learning for the whole community.
Is an equine riding and facilitated learning centre for all ages and abilities
Offers fun activities for all ages and abilities.
Support and training for autistic people through social, enterprise and vocational pathways.
Welcome to miniature pony heaven, a special place near Milton Keynes. Where animals help support, develop and entertain. We offer a wide range of tailored sessions and activities depending on your personal, family, students, team or clients needs. The emotional and physical benefits of being around horses and other animals are well-established. Research shows that spending time with animals can have a direct calming positive influence.
Absolutely Together aims to put smiles on the faces of families who have children or young adults with additional needs. These families often experience emotional and practical pressures which restrict the opportunities available to them. This can lead to social isolation, mental health problems and an inability to get their children active. Many of these families also suffer significant financial difficulties which further restricts their ability to access leisure activities in the community. All family leisure time should be something that is cherished, but for many, it can be an incredibly stressful time.
​
Absolutely Together helps these families by providing free access to exciting activities in the communities we work in. Helping put smiles on faces and create memories that will last a lifetime.
​
Absolutely Together helps these families by providing free access to exciting activities in the communities we work in. Helping put smiles on faces and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission.
I have taught pupils who have suffered with Asperger’s, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and anxiety and have had great success with these pupils. They go on to pass 1st time with low minor faults.
As long as they are listening, they will learn quickly. I understand their difficulties in life, but I have a great rapport with my pupils no matter what issues they have.
My son, Adam has autism and mobility issues, so I understand their frustrations in life, thinking that they won’t be able to pick things up quickly like the other pupils, which I disagree with.
I currently teach a girl who is currently studying at Oxford, and she is autistic. She has lessons when she is not at university and her mother is a close friend of my wife.
As long as they are listening, they will learn quickly. I understand their difficulties in life, but I have a great rapport with my pupils no matter what issues they have.
My son, Adam has autism and mobility issues, so I understand their frustrations in life, thinking that they won’t be able to pick things up quickly like the other pupils, which I disagree with.
I currently teach a girl who is currently studying at Oxford, and she is autistic. She has lessons when she is not at university and her mother is a close friend of my wife.
QND Writers’ Network is a UK-based organisation that seeks to highlight, celebrate and bring together neuroqueer writers of all stripes and allow them to create a voice for themselves, by themselves. Their sessions include discussions, readings from members, writing prompts to a theme and a biweekly check-in.
Education & Employment
Offer a range of services to autistic adults, including further education, support through transition to adulthood, supported employment and performance arts and sports.
Lindengate is a Buckinghamshire-based registered charity that offers specialised gardening, art & craft, cooking and construction activities to help those with mental health needs in their continuing recovery. Group or one to one support or volunteer opportunities.
Provides meaningful activities through farming to all ages and circumstances. Also offer volunteering opportunities
Offers volunteering opportunities
Provides activities on a working farm for autistic people. Also volunteering opportunities.
Offers training and work experience through rural activities as well as volunteering opportunities
Telephone: 01442 863364
Website: Link
Offers volunteering opportunities either in the main workshop or the Hub.
Offer activities through animal assisted learning to autistic people of all ages. Also provide volunteering opportunities.
Work from home
Reach4Work offers people skilled and semi-skilled work experience, with every volunteer role crafted to suit each individual.
If you are a job-seeker this is your chance to gain highly employable skills and make a significant contribution to the community.
Reach4Work offers people skilled and semi-skilled work experience, with every volunteer role crafted to suit each individual.
If you are a job-seeker this is your chance to gain highly employable skills and make a significant contribution to the community.
Website: Link
We are helping autistic people to find and progress in fulfilling employments through our new Tool Up Mentoring programme. It includes weekly one hour one to one mentoring sessions, an online employment readiness course and an online support group. Our Tool Up Mentoring programme will help you to formulate and progress towards your employment goal.
Diagnosed or self-identify as autistic?
Struggling to find employment or progress in your current role?
Diagnosed or self-identify as autistic?
Struggling to find employment or progress in your current role?
Email: toolup@ndsa.uk
Website: Link
We train young adults, aged 19-25 with a learning disability, to become employable. Our interns come from the surrounding areas of Herts and Bucks, and commit to the supported internship programme in conjunction with the Bucks College Group.
Email: info@missionemployable.co.uk
Website: Link
Children
Young Carers Bucks is the young carers service within Carers Bucks. We work with young people aged 5-16 who live within Buckinghamshire and have a caring role. We have a brilliant team of dedicated support workers who tailor their approach to suit the needs of the young person they are working with and tackle anything that rises around their caring role.
Contact a Family is a national charity that exists to support the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability. With over 30 years of experience, their vision is that families with disabled children are empowered to live the lives they want and achieve their full potential, for themselves, for the communities they live in, and for society. They offer support, information and advice to over 340,000 families each year and campaign for families to receive a better deal. Contact a Family aims to end the poverty, disadvantage and isolation experienced by families with disabled children across the United Kingdom (UK). They support families whatever their child’s disability or health condition with a range of help and services.
Telephone: 0808 808 3555
Website: Link
All local authorities, by law, have to provide children and young people with SEN or disabilities, and their parents, with information, advice and support. Buckinghamshire SENDIAS Service is the information, advice and support service here.
Email: sendias@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01296 383754
Cerebra is the national charity helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together. Over 500,000 children in the UK live with a brain condition. This can make normal activities such as learning, playing or simply experiencing the world a huge challenge. Through our research we offer solutions and advice to help these children and their families enjoy lives full of hope and discovery.
Famallama is a Minecraft Server for the neurodiverse. It is a safe online space, including a Minecraft server, discord chat server and a website with forums, all protected and whitelisted so only those that apply can have access and is completely free of charge. It is closely monitored day and night, we have parent and young autistic moderators from both UK and USA so that there is always someone around should a player need help.
Website: Link
Children with autism are likely to suffer many more oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease and dental injury, than children without autism. Many autistic kids have sensory sensitivities that make it difficult to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. These issues may also make visits to the dentist challenging.
Website: Link
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Email: office@ipsea.net
Website: Link
These sensory room ideas can work for a variety of spaces and budgets. For children with autism or sensory sensitivities, sensory rooms can offer a safe space to practice coping skills or return to a calm baseline after being overstimulated.
Website: Link
Humber Sensory Processing Service is a specialist service providing support to children who have sensory processing difficulties. This service is for children with a Hull GP. The Sensory Processing Service is hosted by a small team of sensory trained therapists. The therapists provide advice and formal sensory processing assessments (criteria requirement for formal assessment).
Website: Link
When a member of the family has sensory processing problems and sensitivity to noises, outings like fireworks can be tough. While commonly found in children with autism spectrum disorders, other kids may have this problem, too. Here are some helpful tips to deal with sensory problems such as fireworks. They can also be adapted for noisy family outings, too!
Website: Link
Our expert team offer children and young people autism assessments and follow up support services. One trusted service supporting you and your child through the autism diagnosis to receiving school support, an EHCP and intervention.
Other Interesting Websites
Family life with two girls, with autism, fun site with lots of helpful information on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Website: Link
An autism awareness site founded by one lad (James Sinclair) on a journey to find out what makes him autistic.
Website: Link
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity is an integrated health and education service offering a unique lifespan - strength based service, for the 1 in 5 people who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Torrettes syndrome.
Website: Link
The Dyslexia foundation was set up in 1999 to support Dyslexic people, focusing on those who needed practical support and information in an accessible format.
Website: Link
The Dyspraxia Foundation is committed to making the teaching and medical professions more aware of dyspraxia; and to spread understanding of how those who have the condition can be helped.
Website: Link
Supports autistic children and young people; run specialist education services, employment programme. Also deliver training and consultancy to a wide range of organisations to improve awareness and understanding of autism.
Website: Link
National research autism charity. Funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to understand their needs.
Website: Link
Brings together scientists from the University of Cambridge conducting research into the causes of and interventions for autism.
Website: Link
Fund research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis and explore interventions to ensure that autistic people receive the best possible support.
Website: Link
A charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
Website: Link
Advocacy by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people; self-advocacy and peer to peer support network.
Website: Link
The National Autistic Taskforce was established in January 2018 to give autistic adults a stronger voice in the decisions and directions of our own lives – especially those with highest support needs and, often, least autonomy. We draw on deep knowledge of rights and obligations, already enshrined in law but not reliably respected in practice, to increase autonomy in autistic lives. We seek to ensure autistic voices are included alongside those of families, policy makers and professionals. We seek to draw on the collective knowledge and experience of autistic adults to inform and improve care and support, especially for autistic adults whose own voices are rarely heard.
Email: d.e.m.milton-2@kent.ac.uk
Website: Link
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of ‘social’ strategies as part of this avoidance. PDA individuals share autistic characteristics and also have many of the ‘key features’ of a PDA profile.
Website: Link
Supporting autistic flourishing at home and
beyond: Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing, The last decades have revealed new understandings of autistic people and our lives. Originally seen as a series of disastrous behaviour problems to be fixed, new research and years of collaboration with autistic people of all kinds has changed almost everything society thought it knew about autism.
This project and report was co-produced with a group of people with lived experience and commissioned in 2020 from NDTi by the Care and Health Improvement Programme, which is jointly managed by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS).
beyond: Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing, The last decades have revealed new understandings of autistic people and our lives. Originally seen as a series of disastrous behaviour problems to be fixed, new research and years of collaboration with autistic people of all kinds has changed almost everything society thought it knew about autism.
This project and report was co-produced with a group of people with lived experience and commissioned in 2020 from NDTi by the Care and Health Improvement Programme, which is jointly managed by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS).
Website: Link
Autism Education Trust
The Post-16 Standards Framework can be used by leaders in Post-16 settings as a tool that enables them to enhance and embed Good Autism Practice across their whole organisation.
The Post-16 Standards Framework can be used by leaders in Post-16 settings as a tool that enables them to enhance and embed Good Autism Practice across their whole organisation.
Website: Link
A primary objective of this new enterprise is to make a real, positive difference in how we all work. Gain an understanding as to why many ‘traditional’ ways of working are unfit for purpose and learn alternative ways of working that help individuals and organisations to thrive. Discover how intelligent ways of working can help enable true neurodiversity in the workplace.
Email: peterberrisford@healthyworking.life
Website: Link