Outreach Projects
The Outreach Department is also involved in various projects throughout Hampshire:
Autism Alert Programme
Hampshire Autistic Society, in
partnership with Hampshire Police, launched the Autism Alert Programme on 7th
October 2008. The aim of the Autism Alert Programme is to support people with Autism Spectrum Condition should they find themselves in any type of contact with the Police. The card
should be carried at all times and shown to an Officer in the case of an
incident or situation. The Police will be able to support the person in an
appropriate manner and contact a named person listed on the back of the card to
assist with supporting the person during their time in Police care.
On 11th May 2010 Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service launched their Alert Card Initiative and the Alert Car Sticker. The sticker is to be placed with information facing inwards, blank side outwards, on the passenger side of the windscreen above the tax disc. In the event of a Road Traffic Accident, Emergency services would be able to identify that a person with autism may be on board.
If you require further information on the Alert Card, or any other information, please contact the Outreach Department on 023 8063 3951. The application form for the Alert Card is available to download here. Please return to The Outreach Department, Hope Lodge School, 22 Midanbury Lane, Bitterne Park, Southampton, SO18 4HP.
The Autism Alert Programme recently won the iESE 2011 Award for the Police Project of the Year.
The Autism Alert Programme launched the Autism Passport on the 21 April 2011 in addition to the Alert Card and Alert Car Sticker. Hampshire Autistic Society with the agreement of the individual with Autism or their parent if under 16 are able to create a passport for them. The Passport will be placed onto the Hampshire Constabulary’s Safety Net System and will allow Criminal Justice System professionals access to information and strategies to support the individual. The creation of a passport will enable organisations and professionals to identify the communication needs of an individual and to improve the service received by victims and witnesses and to ensure that those within the criminal justice system are dealt with in an appropriate manner. Our partners involved in this are the Police, Police Authority, HMCS (Magistrates), Duty Solicitors, Youth Offending Team, HM Prison Winchester and Probation.
If you require further information on the Autism Passport or you wish to make an appointment with an Outreach Officer to create an Autism Passport, please contact the Outreach Department on 023 8063 3951.
“I recently had to take advice from Hampshire Autistic Society regarding a male that has autism, they provided excellent advice and support throughout our dealings with them and have been there for follow up advice when support was needed. It has never been too much trouble for them and has allowed us to identify ways of dealing with the male in question that helped both the male and the police. The autism Alert Card System that has been introduced will help police officers identify ways of assisting people with autism and as such will assist in helping us to help them.” ( PS 3501 Dorian Chapman, Meon Valley Safer Neighbourhood Team, 2010)
QEII Activity Centre
This project is offering holidays for individuals and families with autism in the Hampshire area. Hampshire Autistic Society is supporting families to spend quality leisure time together.
Hampshire Autistic Society are pleased to offer individuals with autism spectrum condition and their families/carers an opportunity for a stay, or to participate in an activity at The QEII Activity Centre in Hampshire at a much reduced rate*.
The QEII Activity Centre offers log cabin style accommodation which sleeps
up to 8 people. It also offers a range of activities suitable for all
abilities.
To obtain further information, please contact the Outreach
Department on 023
8063 3951 or e-mail outreach@has.org.uk.
QEII Holidays 2012
QEII Activity Centre Holidays 2012
“My son attended an outdoor activities programme over the Easter Holidays arranged by the H.A.S Outreach Team. This course allowed him the opportunity to take part in and more importantly succeeded at activities that I would never have otherwise dreamt possible he would have taken part in” Alison McLean, Parent, 2011
* Conditions may apply.
Active Autism
This project is in partnership with Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in Southampton offering autism friendly sessions in new age curling/bowling, water zorbing, swimming and under 5 soft play. For more information see http://www.activeautism.co.uk/home.html
Wordsworth House
The Outreach Officers are supporting individuals and families during the diagnostic process at Wordsworth House, a diagnostic unit for under 5's. Hampshire Autistic Society is supporting and facilitating family continuity of care during and after diagnosis.
Pathway Group
This project is within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and has a member from all Departments within the CJS meeting to discuss and develop policies, procedures and training to enable people with autism passing through the CJS the support they require. Hampshire Autistic Society is supporting and facilitating individuals, families and professionals in the CJS.
