Cumbria Autism Family Support Project

Carlisle MENCAP along with Cumbria County Council run the Cumbria Family Support Project. For a self-referral form contact Carlisle Mencap or email us. We have three Autism Family Advisors who will work with families of children under the age of 18 who have a diagnosis of autism. Karen for Carlisle and Eden, Juliet for Allerdale and Copeland and Nicola for Furness. Please read more about what we do and do not hesitate to contact us if you think we can help you! You can contact us by email: Carlisle & Eden: karen.dickie@carlislemencap.co.uk Allerdale & Copeland: juliet.buchanan@carlislemencap.co.uk Furness: nicola.brockbank@carlislemencap.co.uk The Cumbria Autism Family Support Project aims to support families to get the best out of existing services and identify gaps in provision to inform future service developments. By providing support, information and advice relating to: • Understanding autism • Support groups and drop-ins • Childcare and short break options • Play and leisure services and activities • Benefits and access to financial support • Sibling support • Advocacy and support in meetings By linking with: • Statutory agencies (health, education and social care services) • Children Centres • Voluntary agencies, e.g National Autistic society, MENCAP, Carers Associations • Existing support groups By facilitating training opportunities for parents: • ‘What Now?’ parent training programme • Parent workshops The Autism Family Advisors will provide information, respond to telephone or email enquiries, and when necessary will visit parents / carers of children and young people with autism at home or in a mutually convenient location.