About our group
Our aim is to unite parents of children with autism in Plymouth and the surrounding areas, to inform, signpost and empower them. We share ideas, strategies and experiences, in a safe, private environment free of judgement or criticism.
This group is for the parents and carers of autistic children of every age. This group enables you to talk to a fellow parent of a person on the autism spectrum, to talk through problems and feelings and suggest helpful strategies.
This group holds free monthly meetings, but at the moment all of these meetings are held online.
Contact Tara on plymouthparentsupport.group@nas.org.uk
Interesting links and topics
Education Rights Helpline
Information and advice for families on school education rights and entitlements.
School Exclusion Helpline
Advice for families on preventing and challenging school exclusions.
Education Tribunal Support Helpline
Advice and support for families on education tribunals
Parent to Parent Emotional Support Helpline
Confidential telephone service providing emotional and listening support to parents
Disclaimer
Disclaimer - as a volunteer-led branch we will do all we can to make sure this section of our website contains accurate information. However, if you do spot anything wrong with the information below then please let us know by dropping us an email.
The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included to assist you and are provided in good faith. Their inclusion on the Plymouth and District branch website does not imply that the National Autistic Society endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that the National Autistic Society does not support them.
Useful links and information
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Free and confidential helpline for children and adults affected by bullying. Open weekdays 9am – 9pm, weekends 10am – 3pm.
Phone 0800 800 2222
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Open to children and young people up until their 19th birthday. Calls are free and won’t show up on the phonebill.
Phone 0800 1111
Online counselling via the website
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Support line for teenagers and young adults (under 35) feeling suicidal. Open weekdays 10am – 10 pm, weekends 2pm – 10pm and bank holidays 2pm – 5pm.
Phone 0800 068 4141
Text 07786 209 697
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
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Plymouth Autistic Spectrum Service - (PASS) is a bespoke and flexible service for the autistic community in the city. It has been developed to provide a dedicated and specialist service for adults with autism, their families, health and social care services and to collaborate with community organisations within Plymouth.
They provide autism friendly 1:1 counselling and many other services.Who is in the P.A.S.S. Team?
P.A.S.S. is a small psychology led team which includes occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers and other allied health professionals. P.A.S.S. works alongside and collaborates with community partners.Email: livewell.pass@nhs.net
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Plymouth Information Advice and support for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (PIAS) provides information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for parents, carers, children and young people within the Plymouth Local Authority area, up to the age of 25
We are based in
Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 2PQ
If you would like to speak to someone in person for further information or support, you can ring us on 01752 258933 option One or 0800 9531131. We will be happy to help you with your enquiry. If we cannot deal with your query immediately, we will respond within 2 working days.
You can write to us or drop in and see us.
Telephone: 01752 258933
Freephone: 0800 9531131Email: pias@plymouth.gov.uk
Address: Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND
Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre
Scott Business Park
Beacon Park Rd
Plymouth
PL2 2PQWe always appreciate any positive comments about our service or suggestions for ways that we might improve it.
If you have a complaint about our service, please see our Complaints Procedure.
Office Hours
Monday 9am-5pm
Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-4.30pm
Weekends Closed
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Plymouth Parent Carer Voice is a volunteer organisation that aims to ensure the voices of families and children with SEND in Plymouth are heard, operating strategically to help shape and improve the range of services across education, health and social care. PPCV works independently from, but in partnership with, the local authority, to effect positive change for SEND families, by encouraging genuine co-production between services and families through increased engagement and widening participation
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Routeways is a local charity that supports children, young people, families and individuals to overcome disadvantage
Call us on 01752 300700
We have 2 offices in Plymouth that you may wish to contact:
The Beckly Centre
Devonport Park Activity Centre
This is the link to their Facebook page
Local leisure activities for families
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A new football and multi-sport club for anyone aged 14+ with a disability.
Thursdays 4.45pm-6pm, £2 per session - or book online for a reduced price.
For more information call Josh Grant, Health and Disability Office on 01752 562561 ext. 4 or email josh.grant@pafc.co.uk
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ADAPT is a weekly dance class held at Plymouth School of Creative Arts for young people age 12-25 with and without disabilities.
The class aims to raise aspirations and confidence and offer participants the opportunity to develop skills in contemporary dance and choreography. Sessions are free and transport can be offered to and from the group for those that need it.
Sessions are every Friday during term time, 4.30pm-6.30pm.
For more information email contactclasses@eximdance.org.uk
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An autism football club at Devonport High School for children with autism and aspergers.
It's open to all levels of ability and engagement - all players can work at their own pace in a very supportive environment.
Contact Nicky Mawdsley on 07974 323921 or e-mail keyhamkolts.ateam@gmail.com
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Create Plymouth Theatre Royal run movement and drama sessions
for children 11 - 18 years old with autism/SEN and other disabilities for fun & to develop confidence at TR2, Cattedown on Tuesdays 5.30pm - 7pm, £35/term. Telephone Plymouth 230379.
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A group for young people (age 11+) who predominantly have ASD and ADHD although they will also take those with other forms of disabilities and learning issues.
For further details or to obtain a form you can contact either Sue Willcocks, senior professional youth worker on 01752 307643 or John Davies, senior youth support worker on 01752 307695.
Wednesdays, 5pm-7.15pm at Efford Youth Centre
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Music Zone sessions for children with SEN
Music making activities for children aged 4-16 years with learning difficulties, ASD and special education needs.
To be eligible to access, your child should have a diagnosis of a disability and attend a special school or support centre or attend a mainstream school and have a severe or moderate learning disability with ASD or a complex physical disability.
Tuesdays 4-5pm during term time.
For more information and to book, please call Steve on 01752 213690 or email info@plymouthmusiczone.org.uk
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UK's Largest Aquarium | The National Marine Aquarium (national-aquarium.co.uk)
AHEAD OF WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK (1-7 APRIL) OUR BI-YEARLY QUIET AT THE AQUARIUM IS BACK!
Happening on Friday 29th March we’re opening our doors afterhours for another special two hour Quiet at the Aquarium event. This will allow families and individuals with sensory needs to enjoy our exhibits without the noise and distraction of our daily shows.Visitors will be able to explore our exhibits without the normal daytime crowds, so the focus is truly on our amazing animals.
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Drama and confidence workshops run by the Theatre Royal at TR2 in Cattedown for adults with multiple or complex needs, mental health issues or social isolation.
Tel Plymouth 230 378 or email sara.baldwin@theatreroyal.com
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A new virtual reality centre, based at Farraday Mill, which is autism friendly. It has dimmed light in the reception area and soft lighting in the VR rooms.
Find them on Facebook or call 01752 205805 for more information
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Trampolining sessions for anyone aged 5+ with additional needs.
The park is closed to the public, there are a reduced number of bouncers, calming music is played and complimentary squash is offered.
Super Tramp run two support sessions during the week - Thursdays: 4-5pm and Saturdays: 5-6pm (session also open to siblings). Cost £8 per session for 1 adult carer plus jumper.
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A shop in central Plymouth which may run evening games sessions popular with people on the spectrum.
Address: 84 Cornwall St, Plymouth PL1 1LR
Phone: 01752 254121