Soft Market Testing AUTISM OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS & YOUNG PEOPLE

Description

<p>AUTISM OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS &amp; YOUNG PEOPLE Service Categories Type A - Services providing support to autistic adults Type B - Services providing specialist support to autistic adults (18+) Description We have a need for high quality, value for money outreach support services for autistic people with a range of needs across the autistic spectrum In addition to the National Autism strategy we have a local City &amp; Hackney Autism Strategy too (Link) We are looking for service providers who are able to demonstrate delivery of positive outcomes for autistic individuals and their families. This will include recognition of individual differences and being able to adopt an effective person centred approach to support the needs of the autistic person regardless of functional ability or where they are on the autistic spectrum. We would like to hear from service providers used to working in partnership with other professionals. The needs of autistic adults without LD can be of a different nature to those with LD, so we want to ensure people have skills to work with those who have a diagnosis of autism only (without LD). Service user needs include: Type A (expectations of all services working with autistic people): Addressing issues of social isolation Access to employment opportunities Developing skills and confidence for independence Travel training Support to manage and maintain good physical health Managing frustration and anger Helping others to understand what reasonable adjustments look like for autistic individuals Support with communication needs including behaviours that challenge. Type B. (additional requirements expected of a Specialist Autism Service) Implementing behavioral support and other therapy plans Be familiar with and able to utilise specialist communication methods such as social stories, or working with selective mutism Able to work systemically with a person&rsquo;s family, where appropriate Ability to draw upon in house or psychology or occupational therapy Advanced training qualifications e.g. NAS accredited, NAPPI or similar The Service: Must be able to work in and around the City &amp; Hackney area. Provide consistency and foster trust among autistic users and their families Be prepared to take positive risks in the context of wider risk management planning Use person centred approaches Provide a supportive framework for their support staff Support staff must be: Able to use a range of communication styles Autonomous workers, prepared to work flexibly Able to provide a consistent and reliable service Experienced at working with autistic people Able to work therapeutically to support individuals with change Registering an interest If you are interested in participating in the soft market testing exercise please complete the attached questionnaire sheet and return. Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 6th December 2021. Disclaimer: This is not a procurement exercise and London Borough of Hackney does not in any way commit itself to conducting one now or in the future. This questionnaire does not, and will not, form any part of any subsequent contract between the Council and any future Provider. The Council may go out to competitive tender for the Services in the future. However, neither the issue of completing this questionnaire, nor any of the information presented within the questions, should be regarded as a commitment or representation on the part of the Council to go out to competitive tender or to enter into any future contractual arrangement. Please note that whether you participate in this exercise or not, it will not have any bearing on you being part of any future procurement exercise or additional market testing, should the Council decide to pursue it. This is Without Prejudice to any future procurement opportunities with LB Hackney.</p> Keywords: Outreach, Support, Autism