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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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Resources and support services for people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Safeguarding support
If you are worried that someone is in immediate risk of danger, contact the police on 999.
If the person is not in immediate danger, contact the police on 101.
If the person you have concerns about lives in Leicester city
Concerned about a child?
If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child in Leicester City, please contact using the details below:
- Telephone: 0116 454 1004 (24 hour service) or contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency
- Visit: Customer Service Centre, 91 Granby Street, LE1 6FB. Find out how to book an appointment.
Concerned about an adult?
If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, please contact using the details below:
- Telephone: 0116 454 1004 (operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Visit: Customer Service Centre, 91 Granby Street, LE1 6FB. Find out how to book an appointment.
- If you live in Leicester city visit the Safeguarding Adults Boards’ website for more information
If the person you have concerns about lives in Leicestershire
Concerned about a child?
- Telephone First Response Children’s Duty Team on 0116 305 0005 (24 hour phone line) where you will be able to speak to a Social Worker about your worries. The Social Worker will discuss these with you and take as much information as possible. You will be able to remain anonymous if you wish and a Social Worker will discuss this with you.
- If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child in Leicestershire or Rutland, click the below link:
Concerned about an adult?
- Telephone: 0116 305 0004 Adult Social Care (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm) Telephone: 0116 305 0888 Emergency Duty Team(Evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays)
- If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, click the below link:
If the person you have concerns about lives in Rutland
Concerned about a child?
- Telephone 01572 758 407 if you feel that you need some more advice or would like to talk through a referral to our services, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. If you report a concern outside of opening hours, it will be reviewed the next working day at 8:30am. If you wish to report a more urgent safeguarding concern outside of opening hours, telephone 0116 305 0005.
- If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child in Leicestershire or Rutland, click the below link:
Concerned about an adult?
- Telephone 01572 758 341 (Monday – Thursday, 8.30am – 5pm, Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm) or the out of hours Emergency Duty Team on 0116 454 1004 if the referral involves a significant risk to the individual that needs to be picked up within the next 5 business days
- If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, click the below link:
If the person you have concerns about requires information in Easy Read
easy-read-safeguarding-adults-in-leicester-leicestershire-and-rutland.pdf
Employment support
Hiremi employment support
Hiremi employment support
Hiremi is available through the Tellmi app and provides people with resources and practical guidance to support their mental health while searching for employment. Whilst the service is not exclusively for autistic people, Tellmi have are an organisation that pride themselves on providing autism friendly support.
Through Hiremi, users can access tools to build confidence, overcome barriers to employment, discover local support, and receive guidance. For more information on how Hiremi works, please click here.
The Leicester Employment Hub
Leicester Employment Hub
The Leicester Employment Hub is a free local service run by Leicester City Council.
Its main aim is to connect Leicester residents to jobs, apprenticeships, training.
It also helps people struggling to find work or finding it difficult to stay in work because of a disability, long-term health condition or other barrier, Through Connect to Work
The Hub supports job seekers to:
- Look for local job vacancies
- Find and apply for apprenticeships
- Understand what employers are looking for
This support is free and focused on local opportunities in Leicester.
They offer skills, courses and training promote and connect people to:
- Skills Bootcamps
- Short courses
- Training linked to real jobs
These are designed to build confidence, improve employability and help people gain skills employers need
The Hub organises and advertises Job fairs to help meet employers face‑to‑face, learn about different careers and opportunities you may not see online
They support apprenticeships and even run an Annual Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony.
It helps people access local, supported routes into work by reducing barriers to employment, keeping opportunities local, supporting Leicester’s economic regeneration, and bringing job, training and employment support together in one easy‑to‑access place.
Leicester Employment Hub
Economic Regeneration Team
2nd Floor (Halford Wing),
115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ
Email: employmenthub@leicester.gov.uk
LEAT-Leicestershire Empowerment for Autism Today
LEAT – Leicestershire Empowerment for Autism Today
LEAT is a charitable organisation providing a wide range of specialist support services to young autistic people and adults who live in the city of Leicester or Leicestershire. Helping build independence, confidence and wellbeing through 1:1 coaching and social groups
Support could include:
- independent living skills
- social and communication skills
- anxiety and stress awareness & management
- career advice and guidance
- benefits advice and guidance
- employment support
- further education support
- advocacy.
This support is funded through the young person’s personal budget/direct payments.
Website: leatleicester.org.uk/
Connexions Leicester City- For 16–18yrs (and up to 25 for those with an EHCP or who are care leavers)
Connextions
Connexions Leicester City is a free, impartial careers service offering young people aged 16–18 (and up to 25 for those with an EHCP or who are care leavers). They have specialist personal advisers who are trained to work with young people with SEND to help them make decisions about their future on education, employment and training, delivered face to face or virtually.
Drop in: 2 Wellington Street, Leicester, LE1 6HL.
Email: connexions@leicester.gov.uk
Phone: 0116 4541770
Complete the form to be contacted about a referral
Contact Work and Skills Leicestershire
Contact Work and Skills Leicestershire
Work and Skills Leicestershire is an online portal designed to support individuals seeking jobs,
volunteering opportunities, and skills development in Leicestershire.
Contact Work and Skills Leicestershire | Leicestershire County Council
The portal provides information on available jobs, volunteering roles, and local skills providers and offers a simple way for users to request tailored information or guidance relevant to their employment journey.
There is a contact form for personalized advice on CVs, employment pathways, and skills support.
The portal is intended to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing individuals to easily connect with support services and resources. It complements other employment initiatives discussed in the meeting, such as Connect to Work, by providing an additional resource for job seekers and those looking to improve their employability.
Connect to Work is a DWP‑funded supported employment programme that helps autistic and other neurodivergent adults, people with learning disabilities, and carers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to find, keep and progress in paid work by matching them to the right job and providing tailored, ongoing support for both individuals and employers.
Employer Support
Leicester Employment Hub
The Hub supports local employers
- Get free recruitment support
- Receive help advertising vacancies
- Get advice on grants and apprenticeships
- With more information about Connect to Work.
Where is it based?
- Leicester Employment Hub
- Economic Regeneration Team
- 2nd Floor (Halford Wing),
115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ
Email: employmenthub@leicester.gov.uk
Preparation (Transition) to /for adulthood (14- 25 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities)
Leicester City Council Local Offer
Leicester City Council’s Local Offer for Preparing for Adulthood supports young people aged 14–25 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), along with their families and professionals, to plan early and positively for adult life.
It focuses on helping young people develop the skills, confidence and support they need to achieve their own goals, whether that is continuing education, finding work, living more independently, staying healthy, or being part of their community. The approach is person‑centred and partnership‑based, meaning young people’s views are listened to, choices are supported, and information is shared clearly between services such as education, health and social care.
By planning ahead and working together, the Local Offer aims to ensure smoother transitions from children’s to adult services, better access to education, training, employment and volunteering, stronger independent living skills, good physical and mental health, and meaningful friendships and community involvement into adulthood
Click here to find further support around preparing for adulthood
Leicestershire County Council Local Offer
Leicester County Council’s Local Offer for Preparation for Adulthood supports young people aged 13–25 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to plan early and confidently for adult life. Planning begins in Year 9 (ages 13–14) through a transition review, where young people and their families are supported to think about future education, employment, money and benefits, where they will live, health needs, and day‑to‑day support. This planning continues until age 18, when responsibility usually moves from Children’s Services to Adult Social Care. Young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who are likely to need adult social care are supported by the Young Adult Disabilities Team to make sure there is no gap in support, working closely with other services to put a clear plan in place. The “My Journey to Adulthood” resource explains what to expect, answers common questions, and helps young people and families understand the changes, choices and support available as they move into adulthood.
My journey to adulthood
Click here to find further information
Becoming an adult – how our help changes | Leicestershire County Council
Rutland County Council Local Offer
Rutland County Council supports preparation for adulthood for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by providing clear, practical information and services to help them become as independent and fulfilled as possible. Planning for adulthood starts early, usually from age 13–14, and focuses on key areas such as education and employment, health, life skills, community involvement, housing, money, and moving to adult social care. Rutland’s approach is based on teamwork, bringing together young people, families, schools, colleges, health professionals, community groups and council services to provide personalised support. Different levels of advice and support are available depending on a young person’s needs, including those with EHCPs, social care involvement, or complex health conditions. Resources such as guidance pages, practical tools, and videos (including on the Kids website) help young people make their voices heard and plan confidently for adulthood.
Click here to find further information
Preparing young people for adulthood | Rutland County Council
Everyday support services for adults
First Contact Plus
Your First Contact for Information Advice and Support in Leicestershire only
An online tool which helps adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place.
Information and resources on housing, health, living independently, money advice, work, security and other topics that assist the county’s residents can be found on this site.First Contact Plus is delivered by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with GPs, the police, health organisations, voluntary groups and social care departments, district & borough councils who are helping adults across the county by working together to make access to services much easier
MyChoice Leicester City
MyChoice is a directory for care and support services for people living within the Leicester City area.
Citizens Advice
Citizen’s Advice offer advice on a range of issues including debt and money, benefits (including applications and appeals), housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration and consumer advice.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Website for people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland: citizensadviceleicestershire.org/leicester/
Phone: 0808 278 7970
Everyday support services for families, children and young people
Local Offer Leicester City
SEND local offer | LCC Family Hub
Information and guidance that can support children and young people with SEND, aged 0 to 25, in Leicester
Rutland Information Service – Rutland County Council
Rutland Information Service | Rutland County Council
The Rutland Information Service (RIS) is a free, impartial directory provided by Rutland County Council. The role of this directory and our website content is to provide information. We add links to our site from other websites to help you find more information and opportunities related to families, special educational needs and disabilities, and health and wellbeing.
Autism Central - information and education for parents and carers of autistic people of all ages
Autism Central offers a free, co-produced and co-delivered peer education programme created by and for families of autistic people of all ages.
They provide a welcoming, accessible learning environment where families can learn together, share lived experience, and build confidence.
They help families:
- build knowledge and confidence
- understand autistic experiences of joy, distress, and wellbeing across the lifespan
- advocate effectively for their loved ones
- support wellbeing and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
Their offer includes:
- Group peer-to-peer training and coaching – practical online sessions where families share strategies and strengthen skills
- 1-to-1 peer support – personalised guidance from trained peer educators with lived experience
- Reflective parenting sessions – safe spaces to explore neurodiversity and mental health in family life
- Regional peer-led meetings – online and face-to-face gatherings run by families, for families
- National learning platform – high-quality resources, available anytime
- Community connections – coffee mornings, drop-ins, and conversations that reduce isolation and build belonging
Your child does not need to have a confirmed diagnosis of autism for you to be able to access support from Autism Central
To find out about what Autism Central’s offer, click the following link:
Autism East Midlands – a support service for autistic people and their families
Autism East Midlands (AEM) has been supporting autistic people and their families since 1968.
Formed by a small group of parents in Nottingham, the charity now provides support to autistic people and their families, across the East Midlands region – including, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – plus Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
They offer a range of services at a range of costs. Services include those related to employment, accommodation, education, benefits
They run a number of family support hubs around the region – including some in Leicestershire and in Leicester City.
Some of these hubs run children’s groups and there are also some ‘teen support hubs’ for over 11’s. Children do not need a formal autism diagnosis to access these. There are various ‘family support hubs’ around the East Midlands including areas of Leicestershire and Leicester City.
Follow this link for more information about the family support hubs
https://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk/child-services/family-support-hubs
Autism East Midlands run some online courses, covering subjects such as autism awareness, autism in the workplace, autism in women and girls, autism and mental health.
Corporate training packages are also available.
For details of courses, click here
For information about other services provided by Autism East Midlands, click this link:
Or call this number: 01909 506 678
Leicestershire Autistic Society
The Leicestershire Autistic Society (LAS) provides information, advice and support to autistic people and their families – in Leicester city, Leicestershire county and Rutland.
It is a volunteer led organisation, where the vast majority of the volunteers are parents or carers of an autistic person. It has been established for over 20 years.
The LAS aims to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and to provide autism-friendly activities and support for families – including some regular groups.
Who is it for?
The Leicestershire Autistic Society is open to autistic children, young people and adults, family members and professionals.
It has no eligibility criteria. It is for anyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland who wants information or advice about autism.
Cost?
The annual membership Fee £5.00 –
Members have priority access to leisure activities, conferences and workshops.
Contact details
To find out the most up to date information about the Leicestershire Autistic Society you can email them here: Leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com
Website and Social Media
You can also find out more by viewing their social media pages
Website – click here: Leicestershire Autistic Society
private Facebook group – click here: Leicester Autistic Society Facebook Group
To join the private Facebook group, you will need to answer the following 3 questions:
- Are you the parent or carer of an autistic person?
- Are you an autistic person?
- Do you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland?
Family Lives early intervention and crisis support to families
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. They aim to provide support and information to help families avoid getting to crisis point.
They have a comprehensive suite of resources available to everyone – including a national helpline, online chat, email support.
Their trained staff aim to listen and give you the space to talk, helping you to explore your situation and identify the way forward. They let you, the caller, direct the conversation to wherever you want to go.
They will take what you say seriously, and not minimise it.
They may ask you some questions to help them fully understand your situation and explore your feelings, and help you talk through options or consider specific organisations which may be able to help you.
They do their best to provide you with as much helpful information and support and encouragement as they can – to put you, as the expert on your own life, in a good position to make whatever choices are best for you.
Core to their organisational values is to ensure you will be listened to with empathy, care and respect.
They cannot offer legal or medical advice.
Family Lives also have a resource-rich website, online courses and more.
To find links to all of the above services, visit the Family Lives homepage here:
For families in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in need of more intensive support, Family Lives provide a Whole Family Relationship Support Service
This offers families comprehensive help and guidance that builds
stronger relationships and gives strategies to overcome
difficulties and challenges, together
For more information about the Family Lives Whole Family Relationship Support Service. click the following link:
Leicestershire Empowerment for Autism Today – LEAT – for autistic young people and adults
LEAT provides a range of specialist support services to autistic young people and adults in the city of Leicester and county of Leicestershire. They are a charitable organisation, though they do charge a fee for their services.
They offer comprehensive and flexible support to our clients, as well as training in Autism Awareness to professionals and employers. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and include supporting people in and with work, education, volunteering, independent living, activities of interest, and (often new) social situations and environments, as well as accessing services, appointments, the wider community, and other such essential areas. They aim to empower greater independence, confidence, connection with others and personal wellbeing.
They offer 1:1 autism support/coaching to adults and young people age 16+, covering both city and county locations; group support in the form of a weekly autism social gathering, held in venues across Leicester city centre; and informal training/consultancy to individuals, professionals and local organisations seeking our input.
They charge an hourly rate for all services. Some of their clients pay for this themselves, others may get funding from Local and Health Authority care packages (for example, via LCC Direct Payments) that they then choose to spend on LEAT services.
For general information about LEAT, visit their website here
To find out details about LEAT’s services and costs, you can get in touch with them by clicking here and completing the contact form.
Turning Point Leicester City - Violence Intervention Project
Turning Point Leicester City – Violence Intervention Project empowers young people to reduce their chances of becoming involved in violence in the future
For more information, click the following link:
Turning Point Leicester City – Violence Intervention Project
Support services for addictions
Turning Point - advice and support relating to alcohol and drugs
Turning Point offer advice and support relating to drugs and alcohol
To find out more about Turning Point advice and support in Leicester City, click the following link:
Turning Point advice and support in Leicester City
And for advice and support for young people, click here:
Advice and support for young people in Leicester city
Turning Point Leicester have adapted their consultation rooms to help make neurodivergent people more comfortable. Each room as soft furnishings, fidget toys, sensory tools, colouring books and more.
Turning Point Leicester City Leaflet
To find out more about Turning Point advice and support in Leicestershire and Rutland, click the following link:
Turning Point advice and support in Leicestershire and Rutland
Support for benefits and finance
Local support for benefits and finance Leicester City Council
Find out and apply for benefits you may be entitled to, including housing benefit and council tax support, manage your online account or get additional help and support around:
- Your council benefits
- Fuel costs
- Budgeting advice tool
- Other financial support
Click here to use the benefits calculator, apply for a benefit and get budgeting advice.
Local support for benefits and finance Leicestershire County Council
There are benefits and financial help available depending on your disability or the disability of the person you care for.
Click here for benefits and financial help for disabled young people and their carers.
Local support for benefits and finance Rutland Information Service- Rutland County Council
Click here for money matters advice for families.
Includes employment, grants and benefits, making ends meet, money advice, paying for childcare and financial crisis support.
Click here for money matters advice for adults
Includes information on money matters ‘where to start’, financial crisis support, benefits, making ends meet, money advice and paying for care.
Support for LGBTQIA+ people
Local support for autistic LGBTQIA+ people (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland)
For a list of nationally available support for neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ people, click this link:
NeuroQueer group
Click here to see the NeuroQueer poster
This is a group run for and by people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who are neurodivergent (whether formally diagnosed or not)
They are a peer-led social and support group, offering a balance of structured activities and discussion, with opportunities to informally socialise.
It is open to anyone aged 16+ living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland who is LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent (including people who self-identify or are exploring whether a formal diagnosis might be useful to them).
The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6-8pm, at the Trade office at 27 Bowling Green Street, Leicester LE1 6AS.
It is free to attend. Just turn up to the meeting.
If you want to find out what to expect, contact them:
Email: info@wearetradehealth.co.uk
Phone: 0116 254 1747
Click here for the Trade website:
Local support for LGBTQIA+ people (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland)
For a list of nationally available support for LGBTQIA+ people, click this link:
Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre
Offers counselling, support groups for all ages, and community activities for LGBTQIA+ people. They can support autistic people and help with reasonable adjustments.
Website: leicestershirelgbtqcentre.org
Trade Sexual Health
Free confidential health advice information, services and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities of Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland.
This includes: HIV testing, sexual health screening, safer sex packs, sexual health advice, counselling service, LGBT hate crimes reporting support
Website: wearetradehealth.co.uk
Email: info@wearetradehealth.co.uk
Advice line: 0116 254 1747
Address: 2nd Floor, 27 Bowling Green Street, Leicester LE1 6AS
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wearetradehealth
BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/wearetradehealth.bsky.social
Dosti Leicester
South Asian and Middle Eastern Social Support group for LGBTQ people
Email: Dosti.Leicester@gmail.com
Whatsapp: 07897 759969
Leicester Pride
Leicester’s annual LGBT festival – held at the beginning of September every year.
Website: www.leicesterpride.com
Leicester Wildecats
LGBTQ+ football club in Leicestershire
Website: wildecats.co.uk
Foxes Pride
LGBTQ+ supporters of Leicester City Football Club
Website: foxespride.co.uk
Queer Outdoors club
Where: Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
When : Thursday evenings
Activities include: fencing, archery, axe throwing, bushcraft, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, aerial trekking and more
Address: Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5PN
Phone: 0116 2681426
Website: www.lopc.co.uk
St Nicholas Church, Leicester
St Nicholas Church is Leicester’s oldest church. It is a member of the Inclusive Church Network. They believe strongly in the full inclusion of LGBT+ people in all areas of life and faith.
Address: St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB
Website: stnicholasleicester.com
Local support for trans people
For a list of nationally available support for trans people, click this link:
Trans* Thriving: Mind, Body and Spirit
Three year project to create safe inclusive spaces for trans* people
Offering opportunities for fitness, social support and personal growth in ways that foster belonging and wellbeing
* Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people.
Website: wearetradehealth.co.uk/projects/transthriving-mind-body-and-spirit
Email: transthriving@wearetradehealth.co.uk
Adult Trans Social & Support Group (Ages 18+)
Website: www.leicestershirelgbtqcentre.org/adult-trans-social-support-group-ages-18
Local NHS information for young trans people:
www.healthforteens.co.uk/relationships/lgbtq/gender-identity-just-the-facts
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The 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.
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