Can I volunteer for you? Expand Unfortunately volunteering in our services, directly with the people we support is not easy due to DBS checks and all the safeguarding and training that needs to be in place. We do however love to hear from anybody that might be able to give some time to administrative or fundraising roles.
I need advice... who can I call? Expand Our Autism Advice Team can be contacted on 0300 1233 122 – for all other enquiries please call 01206 577678
Where are your offices? Expand Our Head Office is in Colchester - 59 North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1QF, and our Norfolk Office is Old Pharmacy Yard, Church Street, Dereham NR19 1DJ
Can you provide training to my school, business or group? Expand Yes we can. The Training and Events section of our website has all the information on our training courses and bespoke sessions that we can provide.
How can I fundraise for you? Expand We love to hear from anyone that would like to fundraise for us. Visit the ‘Support Our Work’ section for ideas on putting on your own events or join in with one of ours. Please call our fundraising team on 01206 577678 if you would like to talk to us first.
Can someone come and talk to my school / group? Expand Yes, we are always delighted to talk to people about autism and the work that we do. Please contact the Fundraising & Communications team on 01206 577678 or complete the contact us form on the website.
Do I have to have a diagnosis of autism to access your services? Expand Yes, our Advice Team, School and Adult Services team can only provide support to someone that already has a diagnosis of autism. For help on getting a diagnosis please see the ‘About Autism’ section of our website
How can I get an Alert Card? Expand The Alert Card is available to anyone who has a diagnosis of autism. Please click here for more information.
Do you have any job vacancies? Expand A list of all our current vacancies can be found in the ‘Join our team section of the website’
Autism Advice Service The Autism Advice Service provides support, advice and guidance to individuals, families and professionals. The team have extensive knowledge of local services, offering free information and can signpost to other support agencies. Expand Advice Line: 0300 1233 122. Open 9.30am - 3pm, Monday - Friday Who Are We? The Autism Advice Service provides support, advice and guidance to individuals, families and professionals. The team have extensive knowledge of local services, offering free information and can signpost to other support agencies. Our Autism Advisors provide confidential support, a listening ear and information to individuals, families and professionals living in Essex Suffolk and Norfolk. Please note; we are limited in the advice we can provide to individuals and their families who do not have a diagnosis. The team can provide telephone, email and written information guidance on: Educational matters, including education, health and care plans Strategies and communication Seeking a diagnosis Preparing for meetings with professionals, for example, schools or Local Authority Putting forward your views both verbally and in writing What to include when writing letters and reports or filling out a form. Obtaining an Autism Alert Card Applying for benefits and filling in forms for example, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Advice clinics Practical advice The Autism Advice Service is funded by donations and relies entirely on fundraising and voluntary income to maintain and expand its services. Due to the high volume of referrals the team receive there can often be a waiting list. Please be ensured a member of the team will contact you as soon as they can. If you would like to get in contact, please click here. Advice Line: 0300 1233 122. Open 9.30am – 3pm Monday - Friday In a crisis contact: The Samaritans - 116123 Essex Social Care (out of hours) Adults 0300 123 0778 Children 0845 606 1212 Suffolk Social Care 24 hours 0808 800 4005 Norfolk Social Care 0344 800 8020 Police – 101 or 999 Visit your local A&E Department Working with You We understand the challenges and frustrations that some people can face and we are here to help. All Autism Anglia staff are committed to working with you in a professional and courteous manner and have the right to work in a safe and supportive environment. We, therefore, ask you to behave in a polite, kind and respectful manner in return. The Team Jo Keys, Head of Autism Advice Service Jo has worked for Autism Anglia since 2006. In that time she has seen the organisation grow from a local charity to the regional charity it is today. Lindsey Heard, Senior Autism Advisor Lindsey had worked for Autism Anglia since 2004 as an Autism Advisor based in Norfolk and has developed good relationships with many professionals and families along the way which is invaluable when supporting families. Annie Sands, Welfare Rights Advisor Annie started working for Autism Anglia in 2012, originally covering Suffolk. Annie has over 20 years’ experience in welfare rights and represents at benefit tribunals. Helen Leckie, Autism Advisor Helen has worked for Autism Anglia since 2007. Helen has seen our service grow from strength to strength as has Autism Anglia. She has learnt much throughout the years that allows her to support individuals and families. Courtenay Panton, Autism Advice Enquiries Coordinator Courtenay has many years of personal experience with autism and began working the Autism Advice in 2015 when the service reopened. Being able to provide a listening ear and a genuine understanding and support for people is really rewarding for her.