Families in South Cumbria can now access earlier support for children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs.
Neu Way Support, launched today, Monday July 6, and will offer personalised advice, guidance and practical help based on need rather than diagnosis for families who are navigating concerns about autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences.
The service has been commissioned by Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and will be delivered by Spring North in partnership with local community organisations that are specialists in supporting children, young people and families.
Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “We’re really happy to be announcing the launch of this new service as we know this is something families of loved ones with neurodevelopmental differences need.
“Last year the ICB formally committed to a three-year transformation programme for the ASD and ADHD pathways for children and young people and this new service has been co-produced as part of this improvement work.
“We know families often wait too long to have access to vital support and we feel that this service will be able to offer this earlier ensuring they can get the help they need when they need it.”
Neu Way Support was developed based on previous neurodevelopmental support work delivered in East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
The experience, insight and learning gained from supporting families have shaped the design of a new Lancashire and South Cumbria-wide service.
Martin Hartley-Smith, chief executive officer at Spring North, said: “Neu Way Support has been shaped by those who will use it.
“By listening to children and young people, parents, carers and our partners, we’ve created a service that combines neurodevelopmental support, information, advice and guidance with the knowledge and strengths of local communities, all accessed via one central phone number.
“We want families to feel supported, understood and connected to the help available to them.”
Families will be able to self refer into the service and once they’ve had a conversation with a trained co-ordinator, they will receive tailored resources, practical guidance and clear next steps, enabling them to access support sooner and with greater confidence.
To access Neu Way Support, visit https://springnorth.org.uk/projects/neu-way-support/ or call 0300 365 5030.
