Wow where did this year go?! It has been a fantastic year for the Shropshire team and we are really proud of all the extra support and activities we have been able to offer families this year. We have lots of exciting new things going on in the new year too, including several new ‘coffee and chats’ popping up over the county. We are also trialling some online training sessions, as we know that the size of Shropshire can make some venues inaccessible.
Keep an eye on the Autism West Midlands and the Shropshire SEND Local Offer facebook pages to be first to hear about our events.
We are continuing to provide online advice appointments, you can book your slot online using the link below. No diagnosis is needed to access this service to Shropshire residents. Face-to-face appointments can be arranged (usually at Sunflower House but other venues may be possible) if you would prefer this, email the team and they will let you know availability. Please see below for details of our online support groups.
Please note that there will not be any advice appointments scheduled between 20 December and 7 January but please email if you need to speak to someone as there will be staff checking the email after 27 December.
Have a lovely Christmas and remember to do what works for your family, often less is more!
Helplines open over Christmas:
AWM Helpline 0121 450 7575 (closed Bank holidays, open 27- 29 December)
Several useful helplines can be found from Kooth
We have lots of training coming up both in person and online. The webinars are a great option as you can watch live or use the recording which is available afterwards for a short time. We also have some new training sessions for professionals, see below.
Here is an overview of our upcoming events:
Family Events
2 December – Stay and Play – The Gingerbread Man, Market Drayton, 10am
5 December – Attingham Christmas trees in the Mansion, 3.30pm
Online Training
9 December – Understanding Your Autistic Child for Shropshire Parents via Teams
Our Shropshire email address is always monitored so please get in touch if you have any problems with bookings.
Book an online advice appointment with an Autism Specialist Advisor here…
Teams Advice slots
For those who would like some online advice we are offering this virtually via video appointments. Teams also works well on mobile phones. To book a 45 min advice appointment with a specialist autism advisor please book via our shop. If the dates/timings of our online advice appointments are not convenient for you, please contact us to make alternative arrangements – scroll down for details.
Important – We email your teams link to you the week before your slot, make sure you check your inbox including spam/junk to get your link.
Virtual Support Group for parents
Wednesday Mornings 10am - 11am & Wednesday Evenings 7.30pm – 8.30pm
First and third Wednesday of each month (expect during christmas holidays)
Our online support groups meet twice a month via Teams. This is an opportunity to talk with other parents, share ideas, and offer support. We recommend that you have attended an online advice appointment with a member of the team before joining group sessions (link above).
If you would like to join either of the support groups, please email the team here shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Advice and support
We also offer advice and support over the phone and via email. Parents/carers and professionals can contact the team directly to arrange an appointment including face-to-face if preferable.
Shropshire office 01952 454156
Mon - Fri Kerry McLafferty 07900784186
Mon, Tue, Wed Dawn Lewis 07706309382
Mon, Tue, Thu Nicola King 07706337511
Email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Please remember - No formal diagnosis is needed to access the AWM Shropshire service and there is no formal referral route – parents/carers can self-refer by booking an advice appointment or contacting us directly on our Shropshire email address. You can also use our helpline.
Have a lovely Christmas and remember to do what works for your family, often less is more!
