Some groups are specifically for autistic people and others are not – but may still be suitable
Remember that each autistic person has unique needs and preferences, so it’s best to check suitability with each organisation
We try our best to share the most accurate and up to date information but we are not responsible for any changes or inaccuracies
Some organisations charge for their services – and some do not
Please check with each organisation to make sure you have the most up to date information
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The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included on here to assist you and are provided in good faith. Some may incur costs. Their inclusion does not imply that the Leicestershire Partnership Trust endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that we do not support them
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Getting help to understand and find services
It can be hard to know which services are right for you. Different services have different rules about who can use them. If you are not sure where to start, there are local services that can help you work this out and connect you to the right support. Click the blue box below to find out how this works in in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Getting help to understand and find services - in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicester
Local area coordinators (LACs)
Local area coordinators help you understand what support is available in your community. They can:
- listen to what matters to you
- help you plan what support you need
- connect you to local groups and services
- help you stay independent
To find contact details for Leicester LACs, visit: www.leicester.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/local-area-coordination/
Social prescribers
Social prescribers (sometimes called link workers) help you with non-medical needs. They can:
- help you think about what support you need
- suggest services and activities
- help you contact services or make referrals
You usually access a social prescriber through your GP surgery. Ask your GP or reception team if this is available.
Leicestershire
Local area coordinators (LACs)
Leicestershire has local area coordinators working in different areas. They can:
- help you understand your options
- support you to find local services
- work with you to build a plan that suits you
You can find contact details for your area here: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-09/LAC-contact-details.pdf
Social prescribers
Social prescribers can support you to:
- understand your needs
- find the right local support
- get help to access services
You usually need to ask your GP surgery for a referral. Some GP practices may let you refer yourself, so check with your practice.
Rutland
Early support care co-ordination (ESCO)
Rutland has ESCO instead of local area coordinators. ESCO can help families to:
- understand what support is available
- coordinate services around your needs
- plan the next steps
You can contact ESCO by calling the Early Help Front Door on: 01572 758 493
Find out more here: www.rutland.gov.uk/rutland-information-service/directory/5u5059zklr0
Social prescribers
Social prescribers can help you:
- work out what support you need
- find services and activities
- access or apply for support
You can ask your GP surgery about social prescribing. They can tell you how to get an appointment.
Care Navigators for children and young people 0-19
Care Navigators at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) help children and young people (0–19) and their families understand health services and find the right support.
They can:
- explain what services are available
- help you find the right support
- share information between professionals (with your consent)
- give updates about referrals and appointments
- be a point of contact if you are unsure what to do
They work across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with a care navigator in each area.
How to access
You can be referred by a professional (like a GP, school or health worker)
Some families can contact the service themselves
Phone: 0116 215 3269
Website: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service/care-navigation/
Important
This service is mainly for children and young people (0–19)
They need your permission to share information
Summary
Care Navigators help organise and explain health support for children and families
Adults are more likely to get this kind of help from Local Area Co-ordinators (in Leicester and Leicestershire), and Early Support Care Co-ordinators ESCOs (in Rutland) – or from Social Prescribers (via their GP).
Joy – social prescribing – a directory of activities and support services to improve health and wellbeing
Joy is a free health and wellbeing support website for people living and working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR)
Joy helps you find activities, groups and support offers near you
From walking groups to debt advice – it’s about what matters to you
You can tailor searches to meet your individual needs and preferences
For example, you can choose your location and use key words such as ‘autism’ or ‘autistic’
Find out more by visiting the website – click here
Autism friendly swimming sessions at Ibstock Leisure Complex
These are free swimming sessions for families with an autistic child or young person.
Sessions are at Ibstock Leisure Complex, High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6NE
Sessions are every Saturday, from 2pm-4pm
The deadline for booking tickets on Friday afternoon – the day before each Saturday swimming session
You will be contacted by email to confirm your place
If there are more than 30 people coming, the session will be divided into two one hour slots – from 2pm to 3pm – and from 3pm to 4pm
You will be told which session you can come to
Tickets are bookable through the following private Facebook groups
Leicestershire Autistic Society
For more information or to book via email instead, contact:
These free swimming sessions are funded by the charities Leicestershire Autistic Society and Miracles to Believe In
Leicester Wheels for All – accessible cycling scheme
Leicester Wheels for All provides disabled children and adults in Leicester and Leicestershire the opportunity to experience the sense of freedom and independence that cycling can bring.
They provide machines for anyone – no matter what their disability. They have a mix of trikes, quadcycles, handcycles and more specialist machines to ensure that anyone can take part.
They have a fleet of adapted bikes that allow people to experience the fun of cycling in a supported venue. They have a fantastic team of volunteers and session leaders who are trained to enable you to get the most from your cycling with us at our events.
They are based at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium, where they hold regular sessions throughout the year – on Fridays and Sundays.
They also have a van which enables them to take selected bikes to destinations and events in Leicester City and Leicestershire County.
For more details click here
For their calendar of events click here
Pan-disability football teams in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
There are a number of football clubs throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland that have inclusive teams – meaning they have team members with a range of disabilities – including autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
You can read more about this on the Leicestershire Football Association website here
To find out the most up to date information about pan-disability football clubs in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, you can contact the Leicestershire Football Association here
Or you can telephone their Development team on this number: 0116 284 4952
At the time of writing, clubs that have pan-disability teams include:
- Asfordby Amateurs LG+I
- Aylestone Park
- Beaumont Twon FC
- Blaby and District Spartans
- Coalville Town
- Dunton and Broughton Utd
- Hinckley Borough FC
- Sileby Juniors
- Sporting Loughborough
- Sporting Markfield
- Wigston Foxes
For more details about these clubs, click the following link to view the poster
Pan-disability football teams in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicester Tigers Accessible Sports - rugby for adults with additional needs in Leicester
For more information, contact sam.johnston@tigers.co.uk
You can Dance Academy – Inclusive dance classes for children and young people
A specialist dance school offering inclusive dance classes.
Classes are specifically tailored for children/ young people aged 3-18 with additional needs or disabilities, such as autism – and including those without a formal diagnosis
Classes are supported by the use of visuals, signing and a range of fun props!
Three different classes are offered – Spark, Ignite and Shine – to suit a range of ages and abilities
Dance classes are held at:
Blaby & District Social Centre
Leicester Rd, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GQ
There is a charge for classes – and you will need to contact the organisers to find out the latest information about this
For more information, click this link to find the You Can Dance Academy Facebook page:
You Can Dance Academy | Facebook
Parents/carers can book a trial/ taster session by clicking this link
FTM Dance – dance, drama and music sessions for children, teens and adults with additional needs
FTM Dance offers a range of dance, drama and music activities in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Sessions are for children, teens and adults with additional needs.
FTM Dance aims to support their service users to develop skills, have fun in a safe and supportive environment and with adaptations to meet their individual needs. FTM Dance also aim to provide families with meaningful and supportive respite for their family members and loved ones.
There is a charge for FTM Dance services. Some service users pay their own fees. Some service users’ places are funded by Leicestershire County Council Short Breaks and Specialist Play Schemes (as part of the Children and Young Families Framework)
For more information about Leicestershire County Council Breaks for Carers (for carers of adults) and for Short Breaks (for carers of children) – click the following links:
For carers of adults: Breaks for carers | Leicestershire County Council
For carers of children: What are short breaks | Leicestershire County Council
For more information about FTM Dance, take a look at their website, here
Or contact them directly here:
- phone: 07543 068872
- email: ftmdance@gmail.com
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Leicestershire Partnership Trust cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy on linked sites or pages. The Leicestershire Partnership Trust cannot control and is not responsible for the privacy practices of any site to which a link is provided. It is recommended that you read the privacy policy of any site you visit, particularly if you are asked to give personal data.
