AUTISM BERKSHIRE

AUTISM BERKSHIRE is running free workshops to guide residents through benefits applications.

The charity is running a series of online workshops called Understanding Your Benefits Rights after Easter.

They are open to any autistic young people and adults and their parents and carers.

It covers understanding entitlement to benefits, how to make an application and the appeals process.

The charity’s chief executive officer, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “Many autistic people and their families find that applying for benefits they are entitled to is a challenging process.

“Our advisers guide them through the dos and don’ts and explain what evidence is needed.

“In 2019-20, clients of our Benefits Service received benefit awards and back payments totalling more than £235,000.”

Workshops will run from 10.30am until 12.30pm on Mondays. There will be three sessions.

Monday, April 12, will be on applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Monday, April 26, will be on applying for Universal Credit and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA).

And Monday, May 24, will be on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Workshops are supported by Reading Borough Council’s New Directions College community learning service.

For more information, and to register for a place, visit: autismberkshire.org.uk/ benefits-service

CLASP WOKINGHAM

WE HAVE another packed month, and seem to be growing in numbers and reach which is just where we want to be to ensure we support the adult learning disability community in Wokingham and beyond.

After the Easter break, we get right back with our regular library slot on

Tuesday, April 6, from Heather at Wokingham Borough Council, talking about weather (don’t we love that topic), on Friday 9, we have a session on helping us to self-advocate and be heard, this will be interactive and will be part of a progressive program to help us grow in confidence.

On Tuesday 13, we have our very popular dancing to music with Aby (we have just won a ‘Get Berkshire Active Heroes Award’ for this event – so proud).

Fridays 16th and 30th we have our

choir with SingHealthy to improve our mental health.

On Tuesday 20, Gail Fletcher from WBC is coming to give us an update on the Autism Strategy, on Friday 23, NHS Patient Experience Nurse Karen O’Leary will talk to us about services available if we go into hospital, and on the Tuesday 27, we have an update on Cantley Park, a project that we offered feedback on.

For more, visit wokinghamclasp.org.uk