Autism Services in Lewisham
Resources for Autism
The Lewisham Autism Hub by Resources for Autism offers a number of services for CYP until the age of 25 including:
- Signposting Advice and Information (Face-to-Face or over the Phone)
- One to One Support to understand your child’s autism
- Girls Group (12-18, Tuesday evenings, virtual)
- Somerville Social Group (16-18, Thursday evenings, in person)
- EGOFF Social Group (19-25, Thursday evenings, in person)
- Young Sports Group (8-12, Wednesday evening, in person)
- Yoga Stay n Play (u8, Saturday day time, in person)
- Employment Drop In (Monthly, afternoons, in person)
- 6 Week Employment Workshop
Autism Support Services
Caspa Bromley
Social clubs in age divisions, weekend and holiday trips and activities (including our beloved summer residentials), life skills workshops and online communities. Arts are a main topic of the groups, too (theatre, music and more)
Drumbeat Autism Outreach and School Service
We are an educational outreach service for autistic and neurodivergent children and young people, their families, and professionals. We are not diagnostic dependent. We work to support meaningful inclusion of neurodivergent CYP in partnership schools and settings through early identification of need and targeted intervention.
Explorers Plus Stay and Play
A stay and play session for parents who are concerned with their child’s (0-5) developmental needs. Run as a partnership between the Early Youth Alliance and the Portage team, this is a fantastic opportunity for your children to play in a safe environment while meeting with early years professionals. Run on Mondays at the Evelyn Center, Tuesdays in Bellingham and Wednesdays at the Camelot Center.
Lewisham Short Breaks
The Integrated Services for Children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) has established a Short Breaks service to meet legislative duties and:
- enable eligible children and young people with a disability who have been assessed as needing support to be provided with resources to meet their identified outcomes.
- enable eligible parents/carers with disabled children and young people to have a short break from their caring responsibilities.
- ensure that while the parents/carers are receiving a short break from their caring responsibilities, their disabled child or young person’s additional needs are being met and they are benefiting as much as their parents/carers from this short break.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/children-and-families-information-service/childcare
Signal
The local charity providing support, information, news and events for Lewisham families of autistic children (including pre-diagnosis) up to 25 years old.
Lewisham Portage Team
Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with SEND and their families.
Portage aims to:
- work with families to help them develop a quality of life and experience, for themselves and their young children, in which they can learn together, play together, participate and be included in their community.
- play a part in minimising the disabling barriers that confront young children and their families.
- support the national and local development of inclusive services for children.
Lewisham Special Education Needs Department
This team manages all special educational needs for the borough. Including school allocation and EHC assessments and planning.
Call: 020 8314 6303/6369
Email: sen@lewisham.gov.uk
Lewisham SENDIASS
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) is a free, confidential, and impartial service for parents and carers, children, and young people (up to 25 years).
Call: 020 3319 2163
Email: lewisham@kids.org.uk
Website: www.kids.org.uk/lewisham-sendiass
Lewisham Occupational Therapy Service
Speech and language drop-in clinics – no appointment or referral needed.
(please note your child needs to be registered with a GP in Lewisham)
Mon: 1:30 to 4 pm Waldron Health Centre, Stanley St, Deptford (SE8 4BG)
Tue: 1:30 to 4 pm Honor Oak Health Centre,20 Turnham Rd (SE4 2LA)
Wed: 1:30 to 4 pm Downham Health & leisure Cr, 7-9 Moorside Rd, (BR15EP)
Thu: 1:30 to 4:30 pm Kaleidoscope, 32 Rushey Green, Catford (SE6 4JF)
Fri: 1:30 to 4 pm Sydenham Green Health Centre 26 Holmshaw Cl, SE26 4TH
1st and 3rd Sat of each month, 9:30-12 pm: virtual clinic, access at this link
Baseline Drop-In Service
Baseline provides support and advice for young people aged 16–18 (up to 25 years old for those with additional needs) not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Telephone:
Drop in: Unit 19, Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13 7HB
Advice Services
The Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Provides a single point of access to the services that help keep children safe. It is a multi-agency team made up of representatives from a range of services that provide advice, support and protection as needed.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/children-and-young-people-service/keeping-children-safe/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub
Activity/ Social Groups
Girls Group
Activities (themed)/Conversation
Fortnightly on a Wednesday 18:00-20:00.
Parents can come with YP. Refreshments provided.
Lee Green.
Led by Nalan Salih nalan.salih@lewishamparentcarer.org.uk
Fun Fizzical
A weekly exercise group for Children with special needs. Sessions run by Sarah Thorn and Darren Brown. Activities include trampoline, ball games, soft shapes, badminton, parachute games and dance.
Fun Fizzical is 90 minutes of fun and games lead by fully qualified instructors. Parents are welcome to stay in the gym or relax in the café area.
Ages 4 – 16yrs
Sessions run between 4.15pm and 5.45pm every Wednesday. Cost: £4 per child (paid by card)
Contact: Sarah Thorn
Call: 07960 898 164
Location: Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Rd, London SE6 3BT
S-Factor Academy
Pan Disability Athletics Sessions every Saturday 11am – 12pm at Ladywell Arena. First session is free after which it will be £2.5 per child, non-disabled siblings go free.
Ages 7 – 25yrs
Call: 07840 528 587
Email: adam.thomas@accessport.co.uk
Website: www.sfactoracademy.co.uk
Do Your Own Thing
Arts and theatre group for young people with learning disabilities and young autistic people
10 to 25 years old
Location: The Albany Theatre, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG Call: 020 8694 1632
Email: takingpart@heartnsoul.co.uk
Website: www.heartnsoul.co.uk
SEND badminton sessions
Inclusive badminton sessions for D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent children young people and their families
8 – 17
All genders
Mondays, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Location: Black Prince Trust, Beaufoy Walk, London, SE11 6AA Cost: Your first session FREE, then £3 per session
Sign up: https://bit.ly/SENDBadminton
Sessions adapted to the needs of the group
Accessible equipment
Caspa Bromley Performing Arts
Self-expression and storytelling through performing arts has always been an important part of CASPA. Throughout the year we give our members the opportunity to highlight their many talents during our successful CASPA’s Got Talent shows.
Location: Bromley Little Theatre
Times: Saturdays
8-12 yrs: 10:00am-11:00am
13+ yrs: 11:00am-12:30pm
Caspa Futures
During the sessions, members can participate in activities such as arts and crafts, table tennis, cooking, games, discussion groups and karaoke and buy drinks and snacks from our tuck shop.
16 – 22 and 22+
Location: Bromley
Times: Mondays at 5:15pm – 7:00pm (16-22) and 7:15pm – 9:00pm (22+)
Holiday/ Overnight Services
Caspa Bromley Summer schemes
During each school holiday and at some weekends, CASPA provides a huge range of activities that are not only greatly enjoyable but contribute to life skills and promote independence. Sport and leisure activities for all ages including trips to beautiful local parks, swimming, bowling, and soft play are extremely popular with our members.
https://caspabromley.org.uk/halfterm-summer/
Contact: contactus@caspabromley.org.uk
Ravensbourne project
Overnight care and respite service for young people with disabilities and their carers
- Respite
- Overnight stays
- Holiday homes for young people with disabilities and families
https://ravensbourneproject.org.uk/
T: 020 8695 2661
Address: 4 Crantock Road, Catford, SE6 2QT
peter.every@ravensbourneproject.org.uk
Resources for Autism
The Lewisham Autism Hub by Resources for Autism offers a number of services for Autistic Adults Including:
- Signposting advice and information (Face-to-Face and over the phone)
- One to One Autism Support Sessions
- EGOFF Social Group (19-25, Thursdays, Evenings)
- Understanding Autism Book Club (18+, Evenings)
- Making Music with Dee (18+, Monthly, Evenings)
- Employment Drop In (Monthly, Day Time)
- 6 Week Employment Workshop
- Walking Group (18+)
Neurodiversity Social
Join other neurodiverse adults every Third Thursday of the Month at Ignition
Play board games, have drinks and do arts and crafts in a safe space in Sydenham
6-9pm every Third Thursday of the Month
Ignition Brewery, Ground Floor, The Sydenham Centre
44a Sydenham Road, SE26 5QX
autismsocial1@gmail.com
Aurora Nexus
Aurora Nexus provides support to people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Support services include:
- Registered care
- Supported living
- Outreach
- Employment support
- Housing management: we also work with housing associations including London & Quadrant, Hyde, and Sanctuary Housing to provide a high standard of accommodation and housing support for the people we support.
Home : Aurora Nexus (aurora-nexus.org)
0208 469 8103
Keyring
- 24/7 helpline in case there are any problems.
- Support to develop independent living skills.
- Two networks which are each supported by Community Living Volunteers. We also have Community Connections Volunteers who can support you with other things you want to do.
- Self- mutual support service
- Housing Related Support. Support planning tools help you think about things you can do to improve your life.
- There are regular social events and a weekly coffee morning at Sainsbury’s, New Cross Gate. Email: richard.o’malley@keyring.org Phone: 07958 482 962 Website: https://www.keyring.org/who-we-are
Advice Services
Lewisham Speaking Up
Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself. People with a learning disability and/or autism often find this easier as part of a supportive group. People’s voices can be stronger when they are together. Services include advocacy, self-advocacy groups and a peoples parliament.
Advice Lewisham
Free, confidential, and non-judgmental help on Benefits, Housing, Employment, Immigration, or overall general advice.
Call: 0800 231 5453
Website: www.advicelewisham.org.uk/
PohWer
They provide Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and Relevant Person’s Paid Representative (RPPR) services to people deprived of their liberty.
This service is for Statutory support!
https://www.pohwer.net/london
Activities/ Social Groups
Adults Neurodiverse Social Groups
The group is aimed at people who identify as autistic but is welcoming of all neurodiversities. No formal diagnosis necessary.
Last Wednesday of the month 19:00-22:00
Ignition Brewery Sydenham
Autism Plus
Social group for autistic adults
Every Monday 10 am to 4 pm
Email: activityPLUS@plus-services.org
Phone: 02082971250
AllSorts
It is a place where you can try new activities, learn new skills, and meet new people in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Take part in a range of different sessions every season where you decide what to do. Everyone is welcome!
18 and over
Book your place:
Tickets cost £5 per person for each day, it is pay-what-you-can for parents and carers. Please book your tickets from Heart n Soul. Tickets must be booked in advanced to guarantee your place.
Call: 020 8694 1632
Email: takingpart@heartnsoul.co.uk
Website: https://www.heartnsoul.co.uk/allsorts
Location: The Albany Theatre, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG
Resources for Autism
The Lewisham Autism hub by Resources for Autism offers a number of services beneficial to Parents/ Carers of Autistic Individuals including:
- Signposting advice and Information
- One to One support to understand your child’s autism
- Coffee Mornings (Monthly, Mornings)
- Workshops (Calendar Here)
Family Hubs
Family Hubs are a ‘one stop shop’ to support families as early as possible through ensuring they are linked with the correct universal services.
Family Navigators are based across the Family Hubs to support families, carers, and young people to navigate the assorted services available across Lewisham. They are also able to provide outreach to agencies and can work alongside professionals to support families, carers, and young people in accessing the family Hubs
0208 314 9545
Lewisham Parent Carers Forum
The local charity providing support, information, news, events, and workshops for Lewisham parents/carers of children with a disability or additional need up to 25 years old. Membership is free.
Lewisham SENDIASS
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) is a free, confidential, and impartial service for parents and carers, children, and young people (up to 25 years).
Call: 020 3319 2163
Email: lewisham@kids.org.uk
Website: www.kids.org.uk/lewisham-sendiass
Neurodiversity Family Hubs
Workshops for parents and professional, help for people all age but especially under 18. Groups and self-mutual support for parents, groups for children and young people.
Advice Services
Advice Lewisham
Free, confidential, and non-judgmental help on Benefits, Housing, Employment, Immigration, or overall general advice.
Call: 0800 231 5453
Website: www.advicelewisham.org.uk/
Lewisham Parent and Carers’ Forum Financial Support and Benefits Advice Surgery
The local charity providing support, information, news, events, and workshops for Lewisham parents/carers of children with a disability or additional need up to 25 years old. The telephone service is available on Saturdays from 12.00 – 15.00.
The telephone service is available on Saturdays from 12.00 – 15.00.
Contact: Christine Hill
Email: christine@lewishamparentcarer.org.uk
The Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Provides a single point of access to the services that help keep children safe. It is a multi-agency team made up of representatives from a range of services that provide advice, support and protection as needed.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/children-and-young-people-service/keeping-children-safe/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub
Resources for Autism
We offer regular training opportunity for Lewisham professionals. Click here to find out more about our upcoming events.
If you are a Lewisham or Southwark professionals please use code FUNDED858to get your free space.
We may be able to offer some bespoke training. If you would like to discuss this please email lewisham@resourcesforautism.org.uk
Transforming Care in Autism
The aim of the service is to:
- reduce and, where possible, prevent the number of inpatient admissions and support a successful and timely discharge back into the community for autistic adults,
- provide a service development pathway, involving supporting staff in inpatient and community mental health services to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with autistic services users who have mental health needs and/or present with behaviour that is deemed ‘challenging.’
oxl-tr.find@nhs.net (high risk)
