CCSG

04/09/2026

Understanding and supporting school attendance for autistic children
You may be interested to read this information about school attendance difficulties. School attendance can be particularly challenging for autistic children and may reflect anxiety, sensory overwhelm, communication differences, bullying, difficult peer relationships or burnout from masking, rather than unwillingness to attend.

Parents and carers are encouraged to look for patterns and early signs, respond with curiosity rather than blame, and work with the school’s SENCo or pastoral lead. Involving children in decisions and using visual or written communication can help build confidence. Where full attendance is not yet manageable, smaller steps, such as shorter days, may help. Families can also access practical advice and peer support through Autism Central. Find out more.
https://happiful.com/5-ways-to-support-an-autistic-child-struggling-with-school-attendance

01/09/2026

Welcome to our Summer Newsletter for 2026. Scroll through and see what catches your attention. Please do share it with others who may find the information helpful. If the there is anything different you would like to see more of email [email protected] or text 07807210913 😀

31/08/2026

For this year's Poetry Competition, we're inviting you to create poems exploring the many emotions and experiences involved with caring at Christmas.
Whether you are an experienced poet or trying your hand for the very first time, we’d love to hear from you.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners and one of the poems will be read at the Carers UK Carol Service in December 2026. Shortlisted poems will also be featured on Carers UK’s website.

Entry to the competition is free and entries must be submitted by Wednesday 30 September.

Full details of the competition, including guidelines for entries, can be found here

As well as being a time to enjoy with family and friends, we know that Christmas can be a very difficult and isolating time for carers. We are therefore running a competition to encourage you to create poems which explore the many emotions and experiences involved with caring at Christmas.

30/08/2026

Mental health and exercise�Moving your body can boost your mood. Read our free guide on how physical activity benefits your mental health, and how to get the most from it.

This useful guide provides you with tips on how to look after your mental health using exercise.

25/08/2026

After Umbrage
After Umbrage exists to care for carers. They offer FREE four day breaks in self-catering cottages in tranquil and comfortable surroundings. The breaks help to give carers a chance to rest and re-charge before returning to their unpaid caring roles for their loved ones living with life limiting and sometimes terminal conditions. Visit their page HERE.

After Umbrage is a UK registered charity that provides free, short breaks for carers looking after loved ones with life-limiting conditions.

24/08/2026

Downloadable Resources
Autism

2025 transition to Secondary school booklet Movingclass Starting New class Checklist Starting School booklet. Starting School Checklist Transition to new class 2024

22/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BYAc6ctMm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Our latest blog is now live! 📣

Raising a complaint about NHS care can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re already managing stress or ill health. Our latest blog explains how independent NHS complaints advocacy can help you understand the process, communicate your concerns clearly and ensure your voice is heard.

Family Welfare provides free, confidential and independent support with complaints about NHS-funded services, including hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, pharmacies and community healthcare providers.

Read the full blog to learn more:
https://familywelfare.co.uk/nhs-complaints-advocacy1/

📞 01942 867 888
✉️ [email protected]

21/08/2026

Eric (The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity) Support and information events for parents and carers of children facing continence challenges.

Together for 35 years: leading change in paediatric bowel and bladder health. Join us for an exciting event for healthcare professionals.

20/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ELRsSrPoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Update: ADHD and autism assessments in Greater Manchester

We’re sharing an update following clarification from NHS Greater Manchester regarding access to ADHD and autism assessments.

NHS Greater Manchester has not stopped access to ADHD or autism assessments. Assessment services are currently prioritising people with the greatest clinical need and managing Right to Choose referrals within the funding available.

Anyone who needs an ADHD or autism assessment can still access services.

For the latest information about ADHD and autism assessments, changes to local pathways and available support, please visit the NHS Greater Manchester website.

We’ll continue to share updates and information to help keep our community informed.