Partnership for universal autism support service announced

Following a robust procurement process for the provision of universal autism support, Shropshire Council welcomes national charity Kids to the county, to support Shropshire families with autistic children, at any stage of diagnosis. 

Shropshire Council is committed to providing a service which enhances the wellbeing, resilience, and confidence of parent-carers through accessible, strengths-based assessments, practical support plans, and strong community networks.

This includes early engagement with families on waiting lists, preventative interventions for children & young people and tailored support for parents and families that meets the varied needs of children and young people. 

Kids will be supporting children & young people up the age of 19, signalling an increase in age range for accessing the service, to support the transition from children’s to adults’ services through the council’s adults’ autism hub. 

Kirstie Hurst Knight, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for children and young people said: 

“We are committed to supporting parent carers, families & children and young people with autism and welcome Kids to Shropshire as the newly procured provider of the Universal Autism Support contract in Shropshire which starts a 2-year term from 1st April 2025 

“This new partnership will build on our ongoing support of Shropshire families with autistic children, at any stage of diagnosis over the last 20 years.” 

A spokesperson for Kids said: 

“Kids are delighted to have been successful in their tender to deliver Universal Autism Support Service in Shropshire. Kids are looking forward to adding to the current support offered in Shropshire and  to working with Shropshire’s families.”