Help Us Make the South Tees Autism Strategy

We at Harley Street Mental Health are proud to announce that we have been commissioned by Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to help develop the South Tees Autism Strategy for 2027 to 2031. The strategy will set out how local support, services and opportunities for autistic people aged 16 and over can be improved.

We would like to hear from autistic people aged 16 and over who live in Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland. A diagnosis is not needed. People waiting for an assessment or who think they may be autistic can take part, as can families, carers, advocates and people who support local autistic people.

WHO CAN TAKE PART

If you are aged 16 or over, live in Middlesbrough or Redcar & Cleveland, and are one of the following:

• a health professional has said you are autistic
• you are waiting to find out if you are autistic
• you think you might be autistic
• Families and carers of autistic people or suspected autistic people.
• People who support local autistic people.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can tell us:

1. 1. what is going well
   2. what is difficult
   3. what needs to change

You can help choose the most important changes for the plan. We will show how your ideas have changed the plan and if not, we will explain if we cannot use an idea.

WAYS TO TAKE PART

We will usually meet in person; this means we are in the same place.

You can meet in a small group. You can also ask to meet 1 member of our team.

We will tell you the place, date and time. We will send questions before we meet.

If meeting in person is difficult for you, tell us and we can agree on another way to take part. This could be:

• a video call
• a phone call
• Writing or email

TAKE PART COMFORTABLY

Bring someone you trust so you can comfortably share your views. You can tell us what you think through speaking, writing, drawing, or a communication device. Let us know what helps you so that we can do our best to accommodate.

You can ask for a quiet space, breaks, more time, and easy words/pictures to make taking part easier for you.

PAYMENT AND TRAVEL

Autistic people, families and carers can be paid for taking part. Ask us about payment for your activity. We will tell you the amount before you agree to take part.

We can also help with travel costs. Ask us which travel costs can be paid.

YOUR CHOICE AND INFORMATION

Taking part is your choice; you can stop at any time. You do not have to answer a question that you do not want to answer. We will explain how we use your information before you take part. This project will not check whether you are autistic and it does not provide treatment or emergency help.

CONTACT US

Email: autismstrategy@hsmh.co.uk

Phone: 0203 488 3655

Tell us:

• your name and the area you live in
• how to contact you
• what help you need to take part

For further information, download the flyer (also available in an alternative Easy Read format)