On this page, you will find useful updates and information that we feature in our newsletter. If you'd like us to email you directly please register via this online form and we will be in touch. 

Latest News

Next All Age Autism Framework (AAAF) Stakeholder Meeting

Our next AAAF Stakeholder meeting is due to take place on Tuesday 16 February 2026 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. To receive a meeting link, please email: bchft.autismroadmap@nhs.net

Save the date: Autism Online Conference - February 2026

The All-Age Autism Framework is hosting an online conference in February 2026 aimed at increasing participation of Black and Minoritised Ethnic groups in autism services and stakeholder meetings.

The conference will take place over three Thursdays:

• Thursday 5 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

• Thursday 12 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

• Thursday 24 February 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

The event is open to anyone interested, and invitations will be shared with stakeholders across the network. 

Find out more and book your place

Diverse Minds: Neurodiverse Parent Carer Support Group Launch

Date: Friday 30 January 2026
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Bentley Community Centre, Wilkes Avenue, Walsall, WS2 0JN

Mettaminds is launching Diverse Minds, a new support group for neurodiverse parent carers. Join us for the first session to connect, share experiences, and access support.

To book a place, Or for any further enquiries, please email:
support@diversemindscommunity.co.uk

Have your say on Walsall’s Housing Strategy

Walsall Council is seeking feedback from local residents on a new housing strategy for the borough, running up to 2040. A short questionnaire has been shared to gather views, and residents are encouraged to take part. The consultation is open until 26 January 2026, and responses will help shape future plans.

Please also feel free to share the link with friends and family living in Walsall.

Consultation link: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/consultation-our-walsall-borough-housing-strategy

Graceful Minds: Celebrating Neurodiversity & Authentic Connection

Graceful Minds will host “Celebrating Neurodiversity & Authentic Connection” on Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 5pm, delivered in partnership with Wolves Foundation. The event aims to spotlight neurodivergent voices, lived experience, and meaningful inclusion.

Graceful Minds is seeking neurodivergent business owners and professionals, or organisations committed to neurodiversity, to contribute through speaking, sponsorship or event support.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from Network Rail, West Midlands Police, University of Birmingham, and University of Wolverhampton. They are particularly interested in connecting with professionals in IT & Technology, Events, and Health & Medical Services.

Find out more at: www.graceful-minds.org

Healthwatch Wolverhampton Autism Work 

Healthwatch has completed a range of autism‑related research and reports, offering useful insight to help shape local priorities and highlight gaps in support. Read the latest inights and reports here.

For further information, contact Andrea Cantrill, Volunteer Co‑ordinator
via andrea.cantrill@healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk

University of Wolverhampton to Host Neurodiversity Week Event – 18 March

The University of Wolverhampton is preparing a special Neurodiversity Week event on Wednesday 18 March 2026, led by Disability Advisor Julian Gwinnett. The face‑to‑face event will focus on the support available for neurodivergent students and prospective students.

Attendees will have the opportunity to access guidance on Disabled Students Allowance, learn about transition support into university life, and explore employment pathways, including programmes such as WorkWell. Tourette’s Action will also be involved, adding specialist insight and support.

Local organisations are invited to host stalls or deliver presentations. Further event details and the Eventbrite registration link will be shared soon. In addition, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will be exploring a presentation on the All‑Age Autism Framework.

For more information, contact: Julian J. Gwinnett – J.J.Gwinnett@wlv.ac.uk

Online focus groups for family carers

Don't miss our coming online focus groups for family carers, to help shape our upcoming Community of Practices. If you are a family carer, or know someone who might be interested, please read and share the information below.

The next Community of Practice event will be held online on Thursday 19 March 2026.

As part of our planning for this, we would like to hear directly from families carers from the Black Country about what this online session should involve to have the most impact for families, and how we can reach as many families as possible so they benefit from the information we share.  

We can provide recompense for your attendance and contribution. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please email holly.cobb@thecbf.org.uk. 

Monthly “Walk and Talk” Sessions Open to Local Community

A new monthly “Walk and Talk” initiative is inviting local residents aged 15 and over to take part in a relaxed, supportive group walk held on the last Friday of every month.

The sessions begin at 12pm and run for up to two hours, offering a chance for people to connect, get outdoors, and receive informal support. Parents, carers, support staff, and anyone who plays a role in supporting a participant are encouraged to join.

The organisers hope the monthly walks will become a regular, welcoming space for community connection and wellbeing.

Walsall SEND Service Communications 

Walsall Send Service Communications are designed for parents and carers of children andyoung people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The service share important updates, celebrate successes, and highlight opportunities for you to engage with and shape SEND services in Walsall.

Read the latest edition here

Stay up to date with the latest SEND news, updates, and events in
Walsall by joining the mailing list. To join the list please contact: localoffer@walsall.gov.uk

Learning Disability Register Campaign

Royal Mencap Society is creating a Learning Disability Register campaign.

As part of our campaign the Society has opportunities for groups / individuals to get involved and sign up to the 'I'm In challenge' to spread the word on the learning disability register. More information can be found here.

The Society has also built a helpful tool to create an Easy Read letter for people with a learning disability to ask to join their doctors learning disability register: https://www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/letterbuilder/join-the-learning-disability-register

Healthcare professionals can also check out the Information for Healthcare Professionals webpage here: https://www.mencap.org.uk/help-and-advice/health/learning-disability-register/information-healthcare-professionals

Royal MENCAP Society will soon launch a small grants scheme, where groups will be able to apply for a small grant to promote the learning disability register. 

Mind and Body Stop Smoking for Good Workshops

Don't miss BreakThru's new three‑week “Take Control for Good” workshop series. These workshops offer practical, supportive help for anyone ready to stop smoking. The programme blends psychology, mindfulness, and gentle physical techniques to address both the mental and physical sides of tobacco dependence.

Participants learn how to manage cravings, break unhelpful habits, reduce stress, and use tools like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to stay calm and in control. The workshops support people who smoke cigarettes, cannabis, shisha, bidis, pipes, or smokeless tobacco such as paan and gutkha.

Sessions are FREE and begin Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 10am at Beyond Blue, 19a Spring Head, Wednesbury WS10 9AD. Anyone can join by emailing info@break-thru.co.uk, calling 078131 25443, or simply turning up.

Dudley Voices for Change January Planner

Don't miss sessions hosted by Dudley Voices for Change throughout January 206.

There is a small donation of 50p per session towards the cost of refreshments and biscuits. 

Online courses from Dr Naomi Fisher

Dr Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist and EMDR‑Europe Accredited Trainer whose work focuses on how children learn and how families can support that process. She challenges traditional assumptions about schooling and parenting, drawing on psychological research and her clinical experience.

Her online courses help parents, educators and professionals rethink learning, behaviour and child development. Each course is designed to make psychological theory practical, accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Fisher has been asking “why does it have to be this way?” since childhood, and that curiosity continues to drive her work today. Through her writing, teaching and training, she encourages people to question established norms and explore new approaches.

Explore her courses and resources at https://naomifisher.co.uk/
Contact: naomi@naomifisher.co.uk

Naidex 2026

Naidex returns in 2025 on 25-26 March 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham

Naidex is the UK’s leading event for disability, accessibility, and independent living.

Running for over 50 years, Naidex is the most established platform for the disability community. It brings together a powerful community of innovators, care professionals, and people with lived experience to connect, share knowledge, and explore products and services.

Find out more and register here

Another Level Support

Another Level Support offers low‑cost help for parents navigating complaints, subject access requests, data rectification and advocacy within education, health and social care. The service supports families to structure and escalate concerns effectively, from local processes through to national Ombudsman routes.

They provide online and in‑person information sessions, including free webinars, and work with SEND families across England through remote support, with optional in‑person attendance.

Founder: Alison

Founder Alison is a parent of two children with SEND and has years of experience supporting families across the Black Country, Staffordshire and Birmingham. She has successfully taken complaints through both local authority and Ombudsman stages and uses her personal and professional insight to guide families through complex processes.

More information: https://www.anotherlevel-support.co.uk/

Healthwatch Wolverhampton: Health Passport Information

Healthwatch Wolverhampton signposts families to trusted Health Passport resources designed to help people share essential information about their needs in health and care settings.

Two widely used versions include:

• NHS England Plain English Health and Care Passport: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/health-and-care-passport-plain-english/

• National Autistic Society - My Health Passport: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/my-health-passport

You don't need to use these tools but they can support clearer communication with health professionals and help ensure individual needs are understood.

Graceful Minds

Graceful Minds is a neurodivergent‑led organisation offering practical, inclusive support for neurodivergent people and their families. Their team combines lived experience with professional expertise to provide mentoring, wellbeing support and guidance across education, employment and everyday life.

Launch Event with Wolves Foundation

Graceful Minds will host its first launch event in partnership with the Wolves Foundation — a welcoming space for neurodivergent adults to connect, share interests and feel celebrated. The event will feature neurodivergent guest speakers, open Q&A sessions, sensory‑aware spaces and a vibrant marketplace.

The event takes place at Wolves FC, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday 18 February 2026, from 5–8 pm. Tickets are £13, including light refreshments.

Register here

Find out more about Graceful Minds here

Autism in Affinity Spaces

Autism in Affinity Spaces is a research project at Queen Mary University of London, funded by the Wellcome Trust through a Discovery Award. The project brings together autistic and non‑autistic researchers, community partners and a youth steering group to explore how autistic young people engage in interest‑driven online communities.

The research examines how autistic young people participate in social networking spaces centred around shared interests, and how digital communication insights can help us better understand their communication styles, relationships and social connections within these groups.

Find out more

Keyworker Cafe's Across The Black Country

We’re excited to share our new Keyworker Cafes - a community initiative supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism (LDA) across the Black Country.

Run by NHS Keyworkers and Peer Support Workers from the Learning Disabilities and Autism Keyworker Team, these welcoming drop-in spaces offer a low-pressure environment to connect with others, receive peer support, and get signposting to services that can sometimes feel hard to navigate.

While not a crisis service, the cafes aim to bridge gaps between systems and ensure people are linked to the right support at the right time.

Our goal is to empower LDA citizens to help shape and eventually co-run these spaces, creating a peer-led community that feels safe, supportive, and accessible to all.

For more information contact:

• Alexa Capello, CEN Keyworker: a.capello1@nhs.net
• Kevin Bates, Peer Support Worker: kevin.bates1@nhs.net

What’s happening in your area?
Select your borough to view the latest dates and details for local sessions and events:

Black Country ADHD Needs Assessment

Nationally, there has been an increase in both the number of people requesting an ADHD assessment and those receiving an ADHD diagnosis. This trend is reflected in the Black Country.

The City of Wolverhampton Council is undertaking a needs assessment to better understand the current ADHD landscape, identify areas of strength, and highlight opportunities for improvement so that people with suspected or diagnosed ADHD can be better supported to thrive.

They will be hosting several in-person focus groups for professionals across a range of sectors to contribute to this work. Those wishing to take part in a focus group are asked to register their interest via the forms linked below in the pink box.

For those unable to make the focus groups, you can also contribute via online questionnaires. Links are available below in the orange box.

Insights gathered through the focus groups will be combined with survey findings and epidemiological data to help build a clear picture of ADHD provision across the Black Country. This analysis will inform conclusions and recommendations to support future improvements.

Prestige Nursing and Care Wolverhampton Joins AAAF Network

Prestige Nursing and Care Wolverhampton has joined our network to share expertise and collaborate on improving care for vulnerable individuals.

They provide nurse-led, high-quality care at home and staffing solutions for healthcare settings, with specialist training in mental health, learning disabilities, and autism. Services include personal care, complex care, live-in support, paediatrics, and respite care.

To learn more or connect, visit their website or contact Kieron Sproson at Kieron.Sproson@prestige-nursing.co.uk.

Walsall Black Sisters Collective: Empowering Communities Since 1986

Walsall Black Sisters Collective (BSC), a registered charity founded in 1986, has become a cornerstone of support and empowerment for communities across Walsall.

Originally established to serve the Black community, BSC has grown into a well-known organisation that champions inclusivity and equality for all.

Over the years, BSC has developed a wide range of projects addressing the needs of children, young people, adults, and the elderly. Today, the organisation provides open-access services designed to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, regardless of social status, ethnic origin, age, or gender.

Current Focus -  Neurodiversity Project:
One of BSC’s latest initiatives is the Neurodiversity Project, aimed at raising awareness and providing tailored support for individuals with neurodiverse conditions. This project reflects BSC’s dedication to inclusivity and its proactive approach to addressing emerging community needs.

For more information or to get involved, please contact:

Paul Lewis
Email: pallewis75@gmail.com
Mobile: 07961 46153

Rachel Timms offers expertise to support Autism-Inclusive Education

Rachel Timms, Lecturer in Supported Learning at Walsall College, has expressed her interest in contributing as an Expert by Experience.

Rachel, who is autistic and a parent of an autistic individual, brings valuable insight and lived experience to the table. She is keen to support a range of initiatives, with a particular focus on training and developing secondary education support.

If you would like to collaborate with Rachel, please reach out to her at racheltimms@walsallcollege.ac.uk.

Dudley’s SEND Local Offer Neurodivergence Hub

This hub has specific information in relation to neurodivergent conditions and the support available for children and young people, families and professionals.

Find out more

Please note the information provided in this hub is provided for sign-posting purposes only. The websites and groups are mostly run by outside providers, organisations and charities and not directly by the Local Authority.

Whilst we attempt to ensure all information here is accurate, we cannot accept any responsibility for third party websites.

Their inclusion here is for your information only and does not represent endorsement or recommendation by the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust or the Council. 

Welcome to Walsall's SEND Local Offer

Find out about help available for children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities in Walsall. This is called the Local Offer. 

• Welcome to Walsall's SEND Local Offer | Send 
• SEND newsroom page SEND newsroom | Send

Breakthru’s Beyond Blue Counselling Services

Beyond Blue is therapy provided in a humanistic, non-judgemental, confidential safe space, to help deal with emotional, psychological and social wellbeing issues.

The service includes talking therapy and integrative counselling around mental health for communities and individuals in Sandwell. 

• Beyond Blue Leaflet

• Beyond Blue Counselling for Teens
• Beyond Blue Booklet

All Age Autism Framework: Key Themes Animation Now Live

We’ve published the finalised stakeholder themes animation, based on feedback shared during recent stakeholder meetings.

This visual breakdown reflects the themes identified by you and will be updated regularly.

Please share widely across your networks to help spread the word.

Right to Choose referrals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

If you are currently on a waiting list for an ADHD or ASC assessment, you may have the legal Right to Choose who provides your assessment and care. This option is part of the National Patient Choice Framework and is designed to give patients more flexibility in accessing services.

What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose allows you to select an approved provider for your assessment and treatment, rather than waiting for your local NHS service. This can help reduce waiting times for some individuals.
Important Considerations

This pathway may not be suitable for everyone. There are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. We strongly recommend reviewing all details carefully and making an informed choice. The Trust is currently exploring this option as a way to ease pressure on waiting lists and support patient choice.

Providers

• A national list of approved providers is available via the ICB website linked below.
• The Black Country is developing its own list of local providers, which will be shared in the coming months.

This information is being shared because it has been requested by stakeholders and discussed widely as a potential option. We are signposting this pathway to ensure patients are aware of their rights.

Find out more on the Black Country ICB website.
 

Walsall SEND Service 

The latest edition ofthe Walsall SEND Service newsletter has arrived.

This newsletter is designed for parents and carers of children and young people
with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here, we share
important updates, celebrate successes, and highlight opportunities for you to
engage with and shape SEND services in Walsall.

Read the latest edition.

Find out about help available for children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities in Walsall here.

See the latest Walsall SEND Service news at their newsroom here.

Adult Autism IST Signposting Pack

A new Adult Autism Intensive Support Team (IST) Signposting Pack for 2025 is now available. This resource is designed to help adults seeking support for autism access the right services quickly and easily.

Access the pack here

Women Autism Army – Support and Resources

We’re sharing a helpful resource from Women Autism Army, a community dedicated to supporting autistic women and raising awareness.

The attached pack provides useful information and contacts for those seeking support. You can also connect with the group online or by email to learn more and get involved.

Links:

• Download the Women Autism Army Pack
• Visit the Facebook Group
• Email Contact: waa@dudleyvoicesforchoice.org.uk

Walsall Suicide Prevention Training and Courses

Keep an eye on the Birmingham Mind and Walsall Council EventBrite to see upcoming Mental Health and wellbeing themed events and training sessions.
 

Adult Autism Matters 

Adult Autism Matters is a peer support group based in Wolverhampton for people aged 18+ who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition, including Asperger's Syndrome.

The group is a self-run peer group with the assistance of volunteers. The group welcome those on the autism spectrum or with Asperger's Syndrome, or anyone caring for, living with or interested in those with these minority mind sets.

The group gives an opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum to meet up each month in a friendly, supportive environment to share experiences and useful information, take part in activities and hopefully feel more a part of the community.

For more information, contact David at aam-david@harris-clan.org

Find out more about the group

Black Country Helping Hands

Black Country Helping Hands work with parents and careers across the Black Country, supporting them to better understand their young person’s autistic or ADHD needs.

From parent workshops to peer support, they offer a range of resources. You can find out more about their work and what they offer in the leaflet link below.

• Black Country Helping Hands flyer

Places of Welcome

Places of Welcome is a growing network of safe, friendly spaces where people can connect, belong and contribute. Starting in Birmingham, the movement now includes nearly 1,000 venues across England and Wales.

Each Place of Welcome is open to everyone and follows five core values: Place, People, Presence, Provision and Participation. Venues range from community centres and libraries to places of worship and even gardens. The aim is simple – to offer a warm welcome, free refreshments and a chance to share skills and experiences.

Get Involved and Share Feedback:
The organisation is keen to make its services more accessible to our community. Please email your feedback directly to Carrie Blount via email at:
carrie.blount@lichfield.anglican.org

Questions to consider:

• What makes a welcome feel wonderful?
• What helps when visiting somewhere new?
• What activities would you enjoy at a social group?

Autism Cafe at the Clock

The Autism Cafe at the Clock is a warm and welcoming space for people with autism and their loved ones. It takes place twice a month where you can meet new people, have a chat and play games in a relaxed environment.

Address: YMCA/Coffee at the Clock, 38 Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG.

Sessions are for people aged over 18 and take place 5pm to 7pm.

You can find all the dates for 2025 on this flyer.

Parents Advocacy, Guidance and Empowerment (PAGE) – Service announcement

For the last two years, the PAGE project has supported over 100 Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism. Focusing on parents whose children were subject to interventions from Children’s services, we provided support by offering Independent Advocacy and Independent Living Skills support.  We are pleased to share that in 2025 we are expanding this service offer to support to any parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism in Sandwell (not just those subject to interventions from Children’s services), through the provision of bespoke one-to-one holistic support, helping parents to overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals.

This support can help these parents to create healthier, happier and safer homes and increase their confidence, skills and support networks all of which maximises the chances of keeping the family unit together.  We are continuing to support Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism who are subject to interventions from Children’s Services through our Independent Advocate, who supports parents, ensuring their voices are heard and to help them navigate discussions, meetings and court hearings related to their case. The PAGE project is delivered by our partners Sandwell Advocacy and Ideal for All. Please share this through your networks as appropriate.

For more information please visit our website: https://communitiesinsync.info/our-services/page/ or  Download our referral form

WorkWell Project 

Just to provide a brief overview, WorkWell offers:

• Early intervention and holistic support.
• Assistance with finding work, returning to work, succeeding in work, and accessing other local support services.
• Holistic and personalised support plans based on individual needs.

Support is available for those who are:

• 16+ years old
• Living or registered to a GP or JCP in the Black Country
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Experiencing barriers to employment due to health conditions or disabilities

Referrals to the service can be made on the following link  eReferral form.  If you have any queries or questions about the service, please don’t hesitate in contacting the WorkWell team on bchft.workwellteam@nhs.net or 0800 952 6955.

You can also view their webpage at:  
https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell

The Recovery College

The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health. Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies rather than highlighting problems or failures.

Our belief is that learning together makes us stronger and supports our recovery.

You do not need any formal qualifications or experience to attend the college. All of our courses are free of charge and open to anyone, aged 18 and over.

All of our sessions are created with people who have lived experience of challenges with their own mental health along with carers and healthcare professionals. We hope we are able to support you on your recovery journey to living a full and satisfying life, by inspiring hope, optimism and choice.

You can find out more at: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk