News

We’re excited to share some important news for autistic people and families across Norfolk.

After the success of our Community Connect service in Colchester and North‑East Essex, Autism Anglia is delighted to announce that Community Connect is launching in Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk from 1st May. This expansion marks a significant step forward in our commitment to making autism and ADHD‑informed support more accessible, flexible, and community‑based for families who need it.

“Demand for autism and ADHD support continues to rise, and too many families are left waiting without the guidance they need. By expanding Community Connect into Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk, we’re making sure families can access timely, informed support that is local, flexible, and designed around real life.”
James McQuiggan, Chief Executive, Autism Anglia

Over the past few years, Community Connect has supported hundreds of families who were looking for clarity, guidance, and reassurance while navigating autism and ADHD. The feedback has been clear: when people can access the right support at the right time, it makes a meaningful difference.

Now, we’re proud to be bringing that same support to even more communities, this time across Norfolk.

What Is Community Connect?

Community Connect is Autism Anglia’s community support service designed to help autistic people and their families feel less alone while navigating complex systems, long waiting periods, and everyday challenges.

The service provides friendly, practical guidance for autistic people (aged 0–25) and their parents, carers, and guardians. It’s designed to meet people where they are. Emotionally, practically, and now geographically.

Through Community Connect, families can access:

• One‑to‑one support
• Clear, jargon‑free guidance
• Reassurance from autism‑informed professionals
• Help navigating next steps
• A space to ask questions without judgement

The service has been running successfully in Colchester and North‑East Essex for some time, and the impact has been significant. Families have told us how valuable it is to have someone on their side and especially during periods of waiting or uncertainty.

Why We’re Expanding to Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk

Demand for autism and ADHD support continues to grow, and we know that many families across Norfolk are facing similar challenges to those we see elsewhere: long waits, unclear pathways, and difficulty accessing timely guidance.

By expanding Community Connect into Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk, we’re ensuring that more families can access support that feels:

• Local
• Approachable
• Flexible
• Understanding
• Easy to access

This expansion reflects what we’ve learned directly from our communities – that early, accessible support can reduce stress, build confidence, and help families feel more in control of their journey.

Come and Meet Us in Norwich

To mark the launch, our Community Connect team will be attending the “Now That’s What I Call Autism” show in Norwich on Wednesday 23rd April at The Forum in Norwich.

This will be a great opportunity to:

• Meet the Norwich & Mid-Norfolk Community Connect team
• Learn more about how the service works
• Ask questions in person
• Find out what support is available locally

If you’re attending the event, we’d love you to stop by, say hello, and find out more about how Community Connect can support you or your family.

One‑to‑One Support Launching From 1st May

From 1st May, families in Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk will be able to access one‑to‑one Community Connect support through our referral service. Here, families can arrange to chat one-to-one with our team at a mutually convenient time, either in person or on a call.

Introducing Monthly Online Drop‑Ins from 1st May

As part of the Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk launch, Community Connect will also be offering a regular online drop‑in, taking place on the first Thursday of every month.

These sessions are designed to make accessing support as simple and stress‑free as possible.

How it works:

• Visit the Autism Anglia website
• Book a 15‑minute slot that works for you
• Join a simple online video call
• Speak directly with a Community Connect team member

We understand that many people in our communities are working parents and carers, and that traditional daytime drop‑ins don’t always work. That’s why we’ve built flexibility into how the service is delivered.

There’s no need to travel, no need to take time off work, and no pressure to prepare anything in advance. You can join from home, work, or wherever feels most comfortable.

Who the Service Is For

Community Connect in Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk is open to:

• Autistic children and young people aged 0–25
• Parents, carers, and guardians
• Families who are waiting for assessment or diagnosis
• Families with or without a formal autism or ADHD diagnosis

You don’t need to be at crisis point to access support. Community Connect is there to offer guidance early helping families feel clearer, calmer, and more supported.

Why Flexible Support Matters

Families have told us repeatedly that flexibility is key. Support that only runs during office hours can unintentionally exclude people who are juggling work, caring responsibilities, and busy home lives.

By offering online, bookable sessions in the evening, we’re ensuring that:

• Working parents can access support
• Carers don’t have to choose between responsibilities
• Young people can attend in a familiar environment
• Support fits around life and not the other way around

This approach has already made a real difference in other areas, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have across Norfolk.

Looking Ahead

This launch is just the beginning. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more updates as Community Connect becomes established in Norwich and Mid‑Norfolk.

We’re incredibly excited to meet families across the area and to welcome you to one of our online drop‑ins soon.

If you’d like to find out more, book a session, or speak to the team, keep an eye on our website and social channels for further details.