A NEW hub providing support for both adults with autism and their families has been launched.

The West Cheshire Autism Hub has had to launch virtually for the time being due to the coronavirus pandemic but will eventually be based at The Bluecoat in Chester.

The hub will be a welcoming space for autistic people to visit and access services, such as post-diagnostic support, supported volunteering and internship opportunities, and social and community group activities.

For now, the hub will be provided advice and information online until it can open its doors at The Bluecoat.

Organisations from across west Cheshire that deliver autism services are involved in the project, which is supported by the likes of Cheshire West and Chester Council, NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The council company, Vivo Care Choices, has been working closely with the autism hub to help get The Bluecoat ready, bring partners on board and develop a unique brand for the project.

Alistair Jeffs, Managing Director of Vivo, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the West Cheshire Autism Hub.

"The plan was for the Autism Hub to be up and running by now at The Bluecoat, but there has been a change in direction because of Covid-19.

"The Autism Hub has been launched virtually and plenty of hard work is being put in over the next couple of months to make sure The Bluecoat is ready for when it's safe to open.

"At Vivo, we support autistic people and those with learning disabilities so it's going to be an important service for us moving forward.

"Everyone involved in the project is really excited as it' important we have space like this that is easily accessible for all autistic adults and their families."

Councillor Val Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: "It’s great to see the West Cheshire Autism Hub launching virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"While plans are being put in place for the Autism Hub to open at The Bluecoat when it is safe to do so, the information and advice autistic adults will be able to access online in the meantime will be really useful.

"This is going to be an exciting project for people in communities across west Cheshire to get involved with."

Tracey Cole, NHS Cheshire CCG Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships, said: "The Clinical Commissioning Group is proud to be supporting the development of a new Autism Hub in Chester.

"It is really important that people living with autism are able to access support in a calm and welcoming environment.

“Establishing the Autism Hub amid the Covid-19 response is testament to the power of working in partnership to support local people."