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Side by Side

Side by Side

“Side by Side” is a service helping Essex based families who care for, or support, a family member (over the age of 16) with a Learning Disability and/or Autism.

We link together parents, carers and siblings with other families who also have a family member with a learning disability, so they can share their knowledge and expertise on an informal basis. Families can talk about the difficulties they have faced, how they overcame them, and what they have found helpful.

Families will talk to each other for a mutually agreed amount of time – this could be as little as one or two telephone calls, or more ongoing support. Usually this will be over the phone, but families can also meet in person if they want to. We also facilitate a relaxed online group peer support session which gives families the chance to connect with others in their situation.

If you have someone in your family over the age of 16 with a Learning Disability and/or Autism, and want to connect with other families in the same situation, please fill out the below self referral form:

Side by Side Contact Form (office.com)

Or contact:

Matt on 07749 706639 or sidebyside@fifessex.org.uk

 

Become a Peer Supporter

If you have lived experience of supporting an adult with a learning disability or autism and feel you are in a position to want to support other parents who may be struggling, consider becoming a peer supporter. Help those by giving them the support and guidance you wish you had in past times of struggle: give informal advice over the phone at your convenience, on a voluntary basis.

If you are interested in being a peer supporter, please contact matt (as above), or fill out the below form:

https://forms.office.com/e/zMSSj86a0r

Side by Side is a partnership project delivered by PACT for Autism, Essex Carers Network and Families InFocus Essex.

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