Autism Co-Production Network to welcome new members from the Autism community

Rochdale Gateway Leisure is the venue for the event

Autistic people living in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, their families and caregivers are being invited to join the Autism Co-Production Network.

A meeting is being held to enable people to find out more about how they can get involved with co-production to influence the way that services are designed, commissioned, and delivered.

Rochdale Gateway Leisure has been selected to host The Autism Co-Production and the next event will be held on Saturday 1 March.

Service and training manager at Rochdale Gateway Leisure, Roxanne Sharp said: “The Autism Co-Production Network creates opportunities for autistic individuals, professionals, caregivers, and organisations to co-produce services, policies, and initiatives that directly impact the autistic community.” 

The event will be at the Rainbows Café at Rochdale Gateway, 2 Kenion Street, Rochdale, OL16 1SN from 11am to 1pm on 1 March and free refreshments will be available,

Roxanne said: “The autism co-production network is about listening to autistic people to understand themes and issues that are important to improve life and opportunities.

“What is important is that people who are autistic, or have experience of people who have autism, help to shape the future.

“Their input is key to making sure their lived experience helps to shape, design and improve services.

“Through meaningful collaboration, co-production fosters empowerment, innovation, and the development of accessible, person-centred solutions which will help us shape the future.”

At the Autism Co-Production Network Session, members of Rochdale Adult Social Care will also be present and will be discussing the Rochdale Borough Autism Strategy and introducing the Co-Production Charter.

Roxanne said: “This session will focus on the Co-production Charter, Autism Strategy and will look into transport and exploring what support is needed for autistic individuals.

“Your input is vital in helping to co-produce meaningful changes that improve accessibility and inclusion.”

The Rochdale Gateway building is fully accessible and for more information contact Roxanne on 01706 515800 or email roxanne.sharp@gatewayleisure.co.uk.