Gateshead Autism Hub is now back up and running following the easing of COVID restrictions. The Autism Information Hub is available to anyone with an interest in autism – parents/carers/family members, professionals, practitioners, or autistic individuals, with or without a diagnosis.
Parent volunteers:
Karen Thirlaway – Autism Hub admin, parent peer support and SENDIAS link
Isabel Gordon – parent peer support
Regular professional contributors:
Lynne Kilford (SEND Monitoring Manager)
Alex Thompson (SEND Involvement Worker)
Karen Ruddick, Paul Swales and Leanne Hopper (Transitions)
Representatives from Early Years
Saskia Grassie (Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist) – currently not available
Guest professionals from other agencies when available, eg SALT, Bowel and Bladder nurse etc.
The Autism Information Hub monthly drop-ins offer:
- an opportunity to speak with professionals working with autistic children and young people, and to seek advice about any concerns you might have.
- guidance on autism assessment and diagnosis in Gateshead
- access to a wide range of books, information and resources on a variety of autism topics, including training, social events, group activities etc
- a relaxed refreshment area where visitors can meet people and share experiences
- guidance and signposting to appropriate support services and voluntary and charity organisations operating locally
- free exclusive access to the sensory room for parents and carers attending the drop-in (children must be supervised by an adult at all times in the sensory room)
- representatives from outside agencies who can advise on the help available from their services
Gateshead Autism Hub Facebook Group
Gateshead Autism Information Hub now has a Facebook Group for information sharing. The Hub welcomes parents and carers of autistic children, professionals and practitioners, autistic individuals and anyone with an interest in autism. You do not need to be a Gateshead resident to join.
Please join the group to access our resources, and feel free to share widely.
You can find the Facebook Group here:
www.facebook.com/groups/387109345806360
Autism Hub Parent/Carer Support Groups
The Autism Information Hub has two spin-off support groups for parents and carers of autistic children and young people. The daytime group meets between 9.30 and 11.30am on the first Friday of each month. The evening support group meets between 6.00 and 7.30pm on the Friday evening before the monthly drop-in session. Both sessions are at Elgin Children’s Centre.
These meetings are not open to professionals and practitioners.
The Autism Hub also hosts two virtual support group meetings per month. Joining details are shared through the Facebook Group.
All parents and carers are welcome to join the groups for mutual support and information-sharing about their autism experiences. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate children at these meetings.
For further details please contact karen.thirlaway@blueyonder.co.uk
Drop-in and support group dates 2022
Autism Hub drop-in
Second Monday of every month 9.30 -11.30am.
Monday 10th January
Monday 14th February
Monday 14th March
Monday 11th April
Monday 9th May
Monday 13th June
Monday 11th July
Monday 8th August
Monday 12th September
Monday 10th October
Monday 14th November
Monday 12th December
Day time support group
First Friday of every month. 9.30 – 11.30am.
Friday 7th January
Friday 4th February
Friday 4rd March
Friday 1st April
Friday 6th May
Friday 3rd June
Friday 1st July
Friday 5th August
Friday 2nd September
Friday 7th October
Friday 4th November
Friday 2nd December
Evening support group
Fridays before each Autism Hub drop-in 6 – 7.30pm
NO JANUARY MEETING
Friday 11th February
Friday 11th March
Friday 8th April
NO MAY MEETING
Friday 10th June
Friday 8th July
NO AUGUST MEETING
Friday 9th September
NO OCTOBER MEETING
Friday 11th November
Friday 9th December
Virtual parent/carer support group meetings on Zoom
Morning meeting – first Monday of each month 9.30 to 11.00am
NO JANUARY MEETING
Monday 7th February
Monday 7th March
Monday 4th April
NO MAY MEETING – BANK HOLIDAY
Monday 6th June
Monday 4th July
Monday 1st August
Monday 5th September
Monday 3rd October
Monday 7th November
Monday 5th December
Evening meeting – third Wednesday of each month 7.00 to 8.30pm
Wednesday 19th January
Wednesday 16th February
Wednesday 16th March
Wednesday 20th April
Wednesday 18th May
Wednesday 15th June
NO JULY MEETING – HOLIDAY
Wednesday 17th August
Wednesday 21st September
Wednesday 19th October
Wednesday 16th November
Wednesday 21st December
Free car parking is available for the Autism Information Hub drop-in sessions and support group meetings.
Directions to the Elgin Centre can be found here: The Elgin children’s centre.
A guide to claiming Child DLA (Disability Living Allowance) is available, either digitally by emailing karen.thirlaway@blueyonder.co.uk or in person at the Autism Hub drop-ins or support group meetings.
For more information about the Autism Information Hub, contact karen.thirlaway@blueyonder.co.uk or lynne.kilford@gateshead.gov.uk
The Elgin Centre also has a community cafe, a sensory space, play areas and toy library on site.
Click this link for more details about what’s on at The Elgin children’s centre.
For more information about services available at the Elgin Centre, contact Elgin Children’s Centre, Elgin Road, Gateshead, NE9 5PA, phone 0191 433 6300 or email gatesheadchildrenscentre@gateshead.gov.uk
