Autism Central is the National Peer Education Programme for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages in England. The programme offers families education, coaching, and connection through resources, one-to-one peer support, and community events.
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Available throughout Fenland
online
What is Autism Central?
Autism Central is a peer education programme for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages in England. The programme will help you to learn about autistic ways of being in the world, autistic mental health, and navigate life and services with greater confidence. The programme is delivered by the charity Anna Freud and commissioned by NHS England.
What does Autism Central do?
Autism Central offers families and support networks of autistic people education, coaching, and connection - through resources, one-to-one peer support, and community events.
The programme is for everyone: it supports the full network around an autistic person, including parents, carers, partners, siblings, children, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Autism Central helps people feel more connected, empowered, and less isolated. It builds knowledge, confidence, and advocacy skills. This supports wellbeing and reduces the risk of crisis.
Everything they do is fully co-produced and co-delivered with autistic people of all ages and their family and support networks, to ensure support is shaped by lived experience.
How can I join in?
- Join an online group learning event for families of autistic people to reflect and work together, and share knowledge and skills. These include drop-ins, education family guide sessions and reflective sessions.
- Book a one-to-one coaching session with a peer guide to access practical guidance and signposting.
- Sign-up to the monthly newsletter.
- Find information and resources, including blogs, podcasts and animations to learn more on the Autism Central website.
"I felt heard and respected and I came away with ideas to help my son, and the feeling that I am not alone in my journey.”
Parent feedback
“The session was so reassuring. To learn about lived experience and ways that others create consistency in their families.”
Parent feedback
“I found it quite validating - knowing that all of our families, or young people, are different but also understanding what has worked for others may work for us.”
Parent feedback
Autism Central is free to access. The programme is delivered by Anna Freud, a mental health charity for children and young people, and commissioned by the NHS.
This includes:
- One-to-one peer support
- Group reflective and coaching sessions
- Group education sessions
- Resources such as blogs, videos, animations and podcasts
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Available throughout Fenland
online
