Islington’s autism service example of good practice, says independent accreditor
Staff and attendees at Islington Council’s Spectrum day service for adults with autism and complex needs are celebrating after the service was independently accredited by the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The accreditation followed a review of the service by the NAS, which described Spectrum as “a service which caters well for its service users within a relatively new environment, which is well thought and appropriate for their needs”.
In particular, the panel highlighted “the engagement of the service with the families of service users”, concluding this “is not only an area of strength but is representative of good practice within the field”.
Islington Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, Simon Galczynski, presented the accreditation certificate to Spectrum staff and attendees at a celebratory event at the centre last Friday, during World Autism Awareness Week 2016.
Service users dressed up in blue-themed fancy dress (see pictures) – the colour formally associated with autism awareness.
Simon said: “Two years ago, we helped to prove our commitment to making Islington a fairer place for residents with complex needs by opening Spectrum, and I’m delighted to be celebrating its excellent, independent accreditation today.
“It’s well-deserved and a testament to its dedicated and passionate staff, who work so hard to make Spectrum a fantastic place to be.”
When asked how Spectrum made her feel, regular service user and drama enthusiast Rebecca, 25, replied: “Happy”.
The NAS panel’s report noted “the way in which [Spectrum] has developed strong links with families in order to build a shared understanding of service users and the ways in which their needs can be met”.
It added: “Families are valued and listened to and are closely involved in the development of individual support plans”.
Established in 2014, Spectrum offers personalised support to local people with autism, to help them access the sorts of community activities and educational opportunities they want and value, and to promote their independence, health, and wellbeing.
It has a team of 13 staff, a team leader, and a manager – all specifically trained to work with people with autism – enabling it to provide intense one-to-one support, as well as supporting a range of small group activities.
Notes to editors
About Daylight Spectrum
Daylight Spectrum is a specialist service designed for adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities with an autism spectrum condition. The service operates from 19 Highbury New Park and has been carefully designed to ensure it is specific to the needs of people with autism. There is a state of the art sensory room comprising an interactive dance floor, a soft play room with a trampoline and a gymnasium.
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