Our summer programme is under way and we're enjoying meeting lots of you out and about around Shropshire. There are still a few places available on some of the teen events and, although most of the family events are full, you can email us if you're interested and we may be able to squeeze you in, or put you on a waiting list in case we receive any cancellations. Thank you to all those who have booked and completed our new booking form - we hope that this will make the events even more enjoyable without lots of forms to fill in on the day.
We would like to congratulate Kerry McClafferty who is now the assistant manager of our Shropshire team, as well as one of our existing specialist advisors – we know she will be amazing in her new role.
We're continuing to provide online advice appointments throughout the summer holidays - 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'd prefer - email the team and they'll let you know availability. The online support groups will also continue through the summer break.
We have lots of training coming up both in person and online, so watch out for lots of new dates appearing soon. The webinars are a great option as you can watch live or use the recording, which is available afterwards for a short time.
Here's an overview of our upcoming events:
Teen events – Actio All In (ages 11-17 years)
- 1 August Battlefield Birds of Prey Centre
- 5 August Belle Vue Youth Club- Craft and sensory workshop
- 15 August Frankley Alpacas
- 22 August Belle Vue Youth Club- sandwich making, picnic and wellbeing workshop
Family events
- 8 August – British Ironworks 10:30am-12:30pm
- 12 August – Medieval Madness soft play – (to be confirmed)
- 29 August – Ford Hall Farm 11am-1pm
Face-to-face training/coffee and chat
- 16 September - Understanding Your Autistic Child – Sunflower House Shrewsbury
- 23 September – coffee and chat – Sunflower House
- 30 September – coffee and chat – Shifnal St Andrew’s Church 10:30am-midday
Online training
You can book a place on any of the above sessions on the AWM events page.
Weekly Teams advice slots
For those who would like some online advice we're offering advice virtually via video appointments. Teams also works well on mobile phones. To book a 45 minute advice appointment with a specialist autism advisor please book via Eventbrite. If the dates/timings of our online advice appointments aren't convenient for you, please contact us to make alternative arrangements – scroll down for details.
We'll email your Teams link to you the week before your slot. Make sure that you check your inbox/spam/junk folders to get your link.
Virtual support group
Virtual support group for parents - Wednesday mornings 10am-11am and Wednesday evenings 7:30pm – 8:30pm – first and third Wednesday of each month
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 (see above).
If you would like to join either of the support groups, please email the team shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
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
- Monday - Friday - Kerry McLafferty 07900784186
- Monday, Tuesday, Wed - Dawn Lewis 07706309382
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Nicola King 07706337511
- Email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Please remember - no formal diagnosis is needed to access the AWM Shropshire service and there's 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.