South Cheshire and Vale Royal CCGs Autism Training and Support Programme

Written quotations are invited for the provision and co-ordination of a locally delivered autism training programme, based on the principles of participation and empowerment.

The area covered is within the boundaries of Vale Royal (Northwich and Winsford) and South Cheshire (Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager, Shavington and Haslington).

The aim of the programme is to provide information and training to support the development of strategies and specialist/peer support that will to empower parents, families and children/young people (age 0-25 years) either living with autism or on the autism assessment pathway awaiting diagnosis.

The programme needs to include the management of referrals (including self-referrals) and the provision of support to increase understanding of the condition and to develop evidence-based strategies to effectively respond and self-manage.

The programme should include a core range of issue specific needs-based training.

The Provider will be expected to deliver information, training and support workshops/groups that offer practical strategies for positive behaviour management and increased knowledge and understanding of a range of topics including, but not limited to: • Autism and diagnosis - helping parents develop their knowledge on how a child/young person with autism experiences the world and guide parents through practical strategies they can use • Communication • Sensory issues • Sleep • Understanding and positively managing behavior • Anxiety • Listening, understanding and interacting effectively The Commissioners will consider proposals from a single organisation or a joint proposal between providers which may support the need to cover a wide geographical area