Autistic adults in Sandwell do not all need the same kind of support. Some people want peer support, better information and a local community route. Others need a formal social care assessment, day opportunities, supported living or respite. Sandwell’s local system has both community-based autism support and adult social care routes, and it helps to know which one matches your situation.
Who this page is for
This guide is for autistic adults in Sandwell, families, carers and practitioners. It is also useful for people who think they may be autistic and are looking for local, adult-facing support while they work out what else they may need.
When to use community autism support and when to use adult social care
If you mainly want information, peer contact, practical advice and a local autism-friendly group, a community organisation may be the best first step.
If you are struggling with daily living, personal care, safety, managing at home, or you think you may need funded support, use the adult social care route and ask for an assessment through Sandwell Enquiry.
In practice, many residents use both. For example, someone may join a peer support group and also ask for an assessment for direct payments, day opportunities or supported living.
Autism West Midlands in the Sandwell area
A current Autism West Midlands page confirms that there is a Sandwell support group for autistic adults. It is for people aged 16+ who are registered with a Sandwell or West Birmingham GP and is based at West Bromwich Community Church, Victoria Street, West Bromwich, B70 8EX.
- Autism West Midlands helpline / help team: 0121 450 7575
- The group page describes it as a safe space to build friendships, learn more about autism, hear guest speakers and take part in activities together
For some residents, this kind of regular local group is the easiest starting point, especially where the main need is connection, confidence or advice rather than formal care.
Sandwell social care and day opportunity routes for autistic adults
The council’s Disability Day Opportunities information explicitly includes adults with learning disabilities and autism where there are additional care and support needs. This includes Portway-based activities, sensory and therapy work, community activity and the Stoney Lane service for adults with more complex needs.
If you need a more structured package of support, ask adult social care about:
- A care and support assessment
- Personal budgets and direct payments
- Day opportunities and community access
- Shared Lives or supported living where living arrangements are part of the issue
Supported living and longer-term support
Sandwell’s Information Point also lists local autism-related supported living provision and services commissioned or approved for adults with autism. That can be relevant if the issue is no longer only about advice or peer support, but about housing, structure, independence or daily support.
Shared Lives may also be relevant where a person needs flexible family-based support or respite, particularly if autism is part of a wider support need.
Useful Sandwell links
- Sandwell support group for autistic adults
- Learning disabilities
- Services for people with learning disabilities and autism
- Contact Adult Social Care
- About Sandwell Shared Lives Scheme
- Autism West Midlands supported living information
