The purpose of this report is to update the Board on the Herefordshire & Worcestershire All-Age Autism Strategy (2024-29).

Hayley Doyle presented an overview of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire All Age Autism Strategy 2024-29 report.

Valerie Fitch gave a presentation on how autism affects people throughout their lives.

The Chair noted that she attended a supported living accommodation in Hereford where she met some young autistic people, aged between 18-25, which highlighted the positive things they are doing which they were previously unable to do.

Dr Mike Hearne noted he was supportive of the strategy and highlighted the delay in diagnosis of autism. It was asked what the wait is and the timelines that are being worked towards. It was also noted that delivery of the strategy must be ensured across all partners.

Jane Ives added that the wait is too long in which there is difficulty in relation to workforce and recruitment into this specialty. There is a range of things that are being done including the commissioning of a regional review to see if there is a different shape of the workforce that could be used compared to how traditionally this has been carried out. There is particular concern around pre-school children and more resources are being put into that area.

The Director of Public Health noted the links around mental health needs and suicide prevention in which there is now a suicide prevention officer in post. It is important that this work is linked into the better mental health action plan in order to help support the ambitions of the strategy.

Stephen Brewster requested that the training be extended to the VCS to raise awareness across the voluntary sector rather than just the statutory services.

David Mehaffey noted that he understood that conversations are ongoing to look at wider groups who can access the NHS training package on it. The NHS is aiming to have 40% of all staff trained by March 2025 in this programme before rolling it out further.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the strategy and recognised the strength of personal experience. The more case studies the better in order to underline the challenges that people face with autism.

The Chair added that the training which is provided to young people with autism is limited to certain activities such as farming, cooking, gardening etc. There is an opportunity in Herefordshire to find some organisations that are involved in technical functions including the gaming industry, for example, in order to work with young people with autism who have such relevant skills.

Valerie Fitch noted that there are autistic people who have many strengths who can be highly suitable to particular jobs, especially in gaming and software testing.

The report recommendations were proposed, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Resolved

That:

a)    The Board considers the reports and notes progress to date

b)    The Board considers how to ensure that all partnership organisations are clearly sighted on the strategy and cross references it with their own plans