Type of service: Day services

Service URL: http://www.autism.org.uk/leicestershire

At Blaby Road day opportunities, we provide a low-arousal environment where adults with autism and Asperger syndrome take part in a range of activities. With individualised support, they are able to participate in enjoyable activities both at the centre and in the community, whilst also developing their interests, confidence and independence. At Blaby Road, individuals with autism can take part in a range of activities. The day service is equipped with a sensory room, kitchen and dining area as well as a communication room and information and communications technology (ICT) room. It also has a social enterprise scheme which enables people with autism can gain work experience and develop skills. Blaby Road is situated on a shopping parade, six miles from Leicester. We have local amenities in the area, including shops, cafés, pubs and colleges. There is a bus service into Leicester itself, and a drive away there is a bowling alley, swimming pool, leisure centre and horse-riding centre. Each person using our day service has their own individualised programme of activities, which offers a flexible approach to supporting them to achieve their goals, develop skills and promote independence. At Blaby Road itself these include: arts and crafts; music; cookery; ICT; and vocational development and office work. We also encourage the people we support to take part in activities in the community, including: education; shopping; visiting pubs and cafés; bowling; using public transport; vocational pursuits; recycling; swimming and sports; and visiting museums and galleries. We work with each person and their support network to decide what they need and to put together a plan which reflects their interests and goals. We encourage people using our day service to be actively involved in developing their support package by feeding back to us and expressing their wishes and concerns. Our staff are all trained and experienced in supporting people with autism. They understand the difficulties and challenges that people can face, and they work with people to break down barriers and develop skills. They work closely with individuals and their carers to provide support, which suits individual needs. We support people's communication and learning needs using well established strategies such as Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH), Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal and Links (SPELL), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Signalong and Makaton. We work closely with employment services and behaviour specialists who can offer advice and experience to meet the needs of the people we support. We can offer support packages from 1 hour to 35 hours per week at times to suit the individual..

Aimed at: Adult

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific