Gateshead Autism Strategy 2025-2030
Next steps
We have considered a lot of engagement work and consultation in order to develop this strategy to ensure we have included what is important to Gateshead residents.
The consultation work has confirmed support for the broad priorities in the strategy, and some changes and additions have been made as a result of the constructive feedback received.
We will continue to regularly review this strategy to make sure the conversation continues, and our residents' needs are first and foremost.
We will create a multi-agency Autism Board with seven working groups, one for each priority. Both the board and each workstream will have people with lived experience contributing and shaping the work. We will develop a comprehensive delivery plan which will set out in more detail the tasks that need to be undertaken to deliver the strategy, and this will be updated annually.
As this is an ambitious plan, delivery will be iterative. Depending on the feedback of the Autism Board, this may involve focusing on a proportion of priorities year on year. Further details will be agreed within the delivery plan.
The delivery plan will be overseen through relevant Council and ICB governance. Regular review and monitoring of the strategy will also ensure that any future stakeholder feedback can be considered, and changes can be made to the strategy and delivery plan where appropriate.
Governance:
Overall responsibility and over - Gateshead Place Committee, Health & Wellbeing Board, Cabinet Annual report - Health & Wellbeing Board (formal report), Cabinet (for noting)
Operational workstream groups comprising:
Dedicated individuals from each organisation [incl Mental Health provision] (with capacity to make decisions - or access to senior colleagues)
Autistic people and people with lived experience, funded for their input and supported to attend as appropriate.
Each respective organisation will be required to progress decisions through their own governance arrangements, this will be captured within the terms of reference for the Autism Board.