Autistic adults in Hartlepool – and people who care for someone with autism – are being encouraged to take part in a short survey to help Hartlepool Council enhance the services it provides to them.
The Council is creating its Autism Strategy for 2026-2031 and the anonymous survey aims to gather people’s experiences of the support currently available and their views on what is working well and what could be better.
The feedback will be vital in shaping services that create more opportunities for people with autism and have realistic, achievable aims that meet the needs of local people.
The strategy will focus on autistic adults and on young people who are preparing for adulthood. Parents and carers of younger children are also encouraged to take part, sharing what they would like to see for their child’s future.
The Council has been working with autistic residents, families and carers through focus groups and interviews. From these conversations, several key priorities have already been identified, including:
- clear information being provided in a range of formats
- more opportunities for people with autism to feel part of the community and socialise
- support to live an ordinary life and achieve personal goals
- reducing fear and improving access to health and wellbeing support
- strong foundations for young people moving into adulthood
- greater recognition of, and support for, informal carers
The survey asks people to reflect on their own experiences or the experiences of someone they support. Those who want to be more involved in shaping the strategy can leave their details at the end of the survey.
Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “We want Hartlepool to be a place where autistic people feel understood, supported and are able to lead full and rewarding lives.
“Their views are essential in helping us get this right, so I’d urge everyone with lived experience – whether as an autistic adult or as a carer – to please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape a strategy that truly reflects their needs.”
To take part in the survey, visit yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/asc-autismstrategy. The survey closes on Friday 27 February.