Slough's autistic residents and their families can benefit from a grant that has helped to fund advice services in the area.

Autism Berkshire is able to help residents with the help of #OneSlough's community grant, which means that help that autistic people and their parents or carers in other parts of Berkshire must pay a fee for is available free of charge.

The grant, which Autism Berkshire applied for via #OneSlough's Community Fund is provided by Slough Council for Voluntary Service and Slough Borough Council.

Autism Berkshire is also able to help borough residents who have been referred to them by local organisations. This may include those with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Chief executive officer at Autism Berkshire, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “Families with autistic children often face extra costs, while unemployment is high among autistic adults, so securing benefits that they are entitled to can be a lifeline, especially at a time when the cost of living is rising.

"Our service is here to guide them through what can be a confusing and stressful process and the #OneSlough grant is vital in helping us to provide that support.”

The benefits service helps Slough residents who are eligible for its support to understand their rights to the following benefits and how to apply, including help to fill in forms, and will represent them at assessments and appeal hearings if required.

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children aged up to 15
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for over-16s
  • Universal Credit and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) for adults
  • Carer’s Allowance

Advice and support is available by appointment - either face-to-face in Slough, on the phone or online via video link. To request an appointment, email benefits@autismberkshire.org.uk or call 01189 594 594 (option 2) and leave a voicemail message.

Full details of the advice and support available from the Autism Berkshire Benefits Service for Slough residents and in the rest of Berkshire are available online at autismberkshire.org.uk/benefits-service

About #OneSlough

The #OneSlough initiative was created at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Its aim was to bring together the voluntary and business sectors and faith communities with the help of Slough Borough Council.

Resources and skills were combined, to deliver essential services to Slough residents.

Last year the #OneSlough Community Fund launched an application process to fund and deliver projects that meet Slough’s key priorities for the upcoming year.

To find out more visit #OneSlough