SSD 19 10 Autism Information and Advice Service

Derbyshire County Council Adult Care are inviting tenders from organisations experienced in the provision of Information and Advice for Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) to people aged 16 and over. We also wish to engage with providers on the delivery of the service. In Derbyshire there is currently a service that provides access to post diagnostic education, counselling and coaching support for people with ASC and their families/carers. The new Information and Advice Service for Autism Spectrum Conditions will have a preventative focus and will work alongside people who may not currently be eligible for social care support, as defined by the Care Act 2014. The provider will be expected to work pro-actively with people across Derbyshire, utilising a person centred and flexible approach which prevents or delays support needs increasing. The Information and Advice Service for Autism will consist of two elements: • Appropriate information and advice to support people with ASC to make informed decisions about their current and future support needs. To support professionals seeking further information and advice to appropriately support people with ASC. • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) awareness raising to a variety of audiences and the development of a Derbyshire Autism Engagement Network. The contract length will be for two years, with the option to extend for a further period of twelve months. The contract budget will be £60,000 per annum, with off payment of an additional £20,000 for Year 1.