Strategy to help people with autism life their best life launched

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board have been working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and people with lived experience of autism, to develop a new strategy designed to help autistic people in the city to live their best life.

‘Living My Best Life with Autism: A strategy for autistic children, young people and adults in Stoke-on-Trent 2023 – 2026’ is designed to make sure people with autism have safe, healthy and happy lives. It sets out the five outcomes that autistic people say are important to them:

• I feel safe in my community and people value me
• I am healthy
• I achieve my goals
• I love my home – I have chosen my home and the people I live with
• I enjoy my life and I feel included

The strategy also aligns with the aims of the government’s National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services said: “Our brand new autism strategy will help children and young people in the city get the support they need and help make Stoke-on-Trent a city where autistic people really can life their best life.

“We’ve listened to the advice of professionals and, crucially, people with autism to develop a strategy which will provide not just early intervention but support right through to adulthood.”

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services said: “We want people in our city living with autism to live rich and wholesome lives, and this strategy, in partnership with the Integrated Care Board will set out ways this can be realised.

“We have worked with autistic people and their families to inform this strategy, with our aim to achieve the right model of care for autistic people.”

Xxxx from the ICB said:

The full strategy, alongside an easy read version, can be found on the city council’s website at: www.stoke.gov.uk/XXXXXXX

The city council also has plans to engage and involve partners alongside autistic people to develop the delivery plan. Anyone who wishes to be involved can contact the team via email on deon.wynter@stoke.gov.uk.