On this page, you will find useful updates and information that we feature in our newsletter. If you'd like us to email you directly please register via this online form and we will be in touch.
Latest News
Next All Age Autism Framework (AAAF) Stakeholder Meeting
Our next AAAF Stakeholder meeting is due to take place on Tuesday 18 November 2025 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm (Daytime). Invites have been already been sent via email to our subscribers however, you can also access the meeting via the following Microsoft Teams link.
Save the date: Autism Online Conference - February 2026
The All-Age Autism Framework is hosting an online conference in February 2026 aimed at increasing participation of Black and Minoritised Ethnic groups in autism services and stakeholder meetings.
The conference will take place over three Thursdays:
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Thursday 5 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
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Thursday 12 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
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Thursday 26 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
The event is open to anyone interested, and invitations will be shared with stakeholders across the network. More details, including registration information, will be released soon.
We are also seeking potential speakers who can contribute topics relevant to the conference’s aims. If you are interested in attending or speaking, please get in touch.
Breakthru’s Beyond Blue Counselling Services
Beyond Blue is therapy provided in a humanistic, non-judgemental, confidential safe space, to help deal with emotional, psychological and social wellbeing issues.
The service includes talking therapy and integrative counselling around mental health for communities and individuals in Sandwell.
All Age Autism Framework: Key Themes Animation Now Live
We’ve published the finalised stakeholder themes animation, based on feedback shared during recent stakeholder meetings.
This visual breakdown reflects the themes identified by you and will be updated regularly.
Please share widely across your networks to help spread the word.
Right to Choose referrals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
If you are currently on a waiting list for an ADHD or ASC assessment, you may have the legal Right to Choose who provides your assessment and care. This option is part of the National Patient Choice Framework and is designed to give patients more flexibility in accessing services.
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose allows you to select an approved provider for your assessment and treatment, rather than waiting for your local NHS service. This can help reduce waiting times for some individuals.
Important Considerations
This pathway may not be suitable for everyone. There are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. We strongly recommend reviewing all details carefully and making an informed choice. The Trust is currently exploring this option as a way to ease pressure on waiting lists and support patient choice.
Providers
- A national list of approved providers is available via the ICB website linked below.
- The Black Country is developing its own list of local providers, which will be shared in the coming months.
This information is being shared because it has been requested by stakeholders and discussed widely as a potential option. We are signposting this pathway to ensure patients are aware of their rights.
Walsall SEND Service
The latest edition ofthe Walsall SEND Service newsletter has arrived.
This newsletter is designed for parents and carers of children and young people
with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here, we share
important updates, celebrate successes, and highlight opportunities for you to
engage with and shape SEND services in Walsall.
Find out about help available for children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities in Walsall here.
See the latest Walsall SEND Service news at their newsroom here.
Adult Autism IST Signposting Pack
A new Adult Autism Intensive Support Team (IST) Signposting Pack for 2025 is now available. This resource is designed to help adults seeking support for autism access the right services quickly and easily.
Women Autism Army – Support and Resources
We’re sharing a helpful resource from Women Autism Army, a community dedicated to supporting autistic women and raising awareness.
The attached pack provides useful information and contacts for those seeking support. You can also connect with the group online or by email to learn more and get involved.
Links:
Walsall Suicide Prevention Training and Courses
Keep an eye on the Birmingham Mind and Walsall Council EventBrite to see upcoming Mental Health and wellbeing themed events and training sessions.
Adult Autism Matters
Adult Autism Matters is a peer support group based in Wolverhampton for people aged 18+ who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition, including Asperger's Syndrome.
The group is a self-run peer group with the assistance of volunteers. The group welcome those on the autism spectrum or with Asperger's Syndrome, or anyone caring for, living with or interested in those with these minority mind sets.
The group gives an opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum to meet up each month in a friendly, supportive environment to share experiences and useful information, take part in activities and hopefully feel more a part of the community.
For more information, contact David at aam-david@harris-clan.org
Black Country Helping Hands
Black Country Helping Hands work with parents and careers across the Black Country, supporting them to better understand their young person’s autistic or ADHD needs.
From parent workshops to peer support, they offer a range of resources. You can find out more about their work and what they offer in the leaflet link below.
Places of Welcome
Places of Welcome is a growing network of safe, friendly spaces where people can connect, belong and contribute. Starting in Birmingham, the movement now includes nearly 1,000 venues across England and Wales.
Each Place of Welcome is open to everyone and follows five core values: Place, People, Presence, Provision and Participation. Venues range from community centres and libraries to places of worship and even gardens. The aim is simple – to offer a warm welcome, free refreshments and a chance to share skills and experiences.
Get Involved and Share Feedback:
The organisation is keen to make its services more accessible to our community. Please email your feedback directly to Carrie Blount via email at:
carrie.blount@lichfield.anglican.org
Questions to consider:
- What makes a welcome feel wonderful?
- What helps when visiting somewhere new?
- What activities would you enjoy at a social group?
Breakthru sport survey
Our partners Breakthru have been given funding by Sport England to support autistic individuals to become more active.
Autism Cafe at the Clock
The Autism Cafe at the Clock is a warm and welcoming space for people with autism and their loved ones. It takes place twice a month where you can meet new people, have a chat and play games in a relaxed environment.
Address: YMCA/Coffee at the Clock, 38 Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG.
Sessions are for people aged over 18 and take place 5pm to 7pm.
You can find all the dates for 2025 on this flyer.
Walsall SEND newsletter
Take a look at the latest summer edition of the Walsall SEND newsletter.
This includes information, updates, and a range of activities available to support families over the summer holidays
Parents Advocacy, Guidance and Empowerment (PAGE) – Service announcement
For the last two years, the PAGE project has supported over 100 Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism. Focusing on parents whose children were subject to interventions from Children’s services, we provided support by offering Independent Advocacy and Independent Living Skills support. We are pleased to share that in 2025 we are expanding this service offer to support to any parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism in Sandwell (not just those subject to interventions from Children’s services), through the provision of bespoke one-to-one holistic support, helping parents to overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals.
This support can help these parents to create healthier, happier and safer homes and increase their confidence, skills and support networks all of which maximises the chances of keeping the family unit together. We are continuing to support Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism who are subject to interventions from Children’s Services through our Independent Advocate, who supports parents, ensuring their voices are heard and to help them navigate discussions, meetings and court hearings related to their case. The PAGE project is delivered by our partners Sandwell Advocacy and Ideal for All. Please share this through your networks as appropriate.
For more information please visit our website: https://communitiesinsync.info/our-services/page/ or Download our referral form
WorkWell Project
Just to provide a brief overview, WorkWell offers:
- Early intervention and holistic support.
- Assistance with finding work, returning to work, succeeding in work, and accessing other local support services.
- Holistic and personalised support plans based on individual needs.
Support is available for those who are:
- 16+ years old
- Living or registered to a GP or JCP in the Black Country
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Experiencing barriers to employment due to health conditions or disabilities
Referrals to the service can be made on the following link eReferral form. If you have any queries or questions about the service, please don’t hesitate in contacting the WorkWell team on bchft.workwellteam@nhs.net or 0800 952 6955. You can also view their webpage at: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell
The Recovery College
The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health. Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies rather than highlighting problems or failures.
Our belief is that learning together makes us stronger and supports our recovery.
You do not need any formal qualifications or experience to attend the college. All of our courses are free of charge and open to anyone, aged 18 and over.
All of our sessions are created with people who have lived experience of challenges with their own mental health along with carers and healthcare professionals. We hope we are able to support you on your recovery journey to living a full and satisfying life, by inspiring hope, optimism and choice.
You can find out more at: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk
You can view click to view their Spring Timetable