Call for nominations to autism working group

PLANS to create a cross-party working group to examine autism provision in Darlington are progressing.

A call has been put out for the different political parties on Darlington Borough Council to nominate representatives for the group.

Proposals for the working group are part of a drive to make Darlington the UK’s most autism friendly town.

The campaign saw the Council join forces with the North East Autism Society and other partners, including schools.

Councillor Rachel Mills, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “I am calling on all parties across the council to put forward representatives to form an effective cross party working group to specifically examine autism provision and services in Darlington.

“It is important we, as the local authority, lead from the front in our interactions with and support for people with autism and neurodiversity.

“The recent announcement about the Cygnet facility at Newbus Grange adds to the urgency.

“It is imperative we make a start and forge a way to hold providers more accountable, champion best practice and build on some of the work already done, by us as an authority and our partners, to help create a positive environment here in Darlington where people with autism and neurodiversity and their families feel safe and supported, are resilient, included in our communities and can thrive.”