Changes to autism support services in Kent and Medway
NHS Kent and Medway has worked with autistic people who have lived experience to review and redesign the support available (known as the 'care pathway') for autistic adults.
Changes to autism services in Kent and Medway
What is this change based on?
- Feedback from autistic adults living in Kent and Medway
- A need for more personalised and flexible support
- A focus on services that offer better value and reach more people
As a result, the current service provided by Advocacy for All (AfA) will end on 30 September 2025. New services will be available from October 2025 through other providers.
NHS Kent and Medway will also continue working with autistic people with lived experience to help shape what replaces the current AfA offer, aiming to reach more people across a wider area of Kent and Medway.
Supporting you through the change
We understand that changes to services can feel uncertain. That's why Advocacy for All is working closely with NHS Kent and Medway and other organisations to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
- They will continue to support current clients until 30 September 2025
- Working together with NHS Kent and Medway and partners, they will help decide the best place for each person to get support until the new service is fully in place
This approach is designed to make sure no one is left without help during the change.
New services, same commitment to support
A new service called the Adult Autism Keyworker and Peer Support Service is being introduced. It's part of a new care pathway, co-designed with autistic people.
This service will be run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and will start accepting referrals from 1 July 2025.
What will happen first?
Everyone referred to the new service will begin with a set of workshops. These are designed to help people understand autism and build useful skills.
Workshop topics include:
- Autism awareness
- Communication skills
- Managing anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep and sensory needs
- Transition and change
- Psychological wellbeing
These workshops are the first step in the new support offer.
What support comes next?
After the workshops, people may also be supported by:
- Peer support workers - people with lived experience of autism who can offer guidance and understanding
- Keyworkers - professionals who help people find the right support for their needs
Who can use the new service?
You can be referred if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have a diagnosis of autism (without a learning disability)
- Are registered with a GP in Kent or Medway
- Have low to moderate needs related to autism
How to get referred
Referrals must come from a health or social care professional.
Learn more and access forms at the Adult Autism Keyworker Service
Looking ahead
NHS Kent and Medway hopes to fund more support for autistic adults in the future - especially services that offer good value and can help more people. However, this depends on government savings targets, so future funding is not guaranteed.
Questions or feedback
For any questions or to feed back about the redesign of autism support services, please contact NHS Kent and Medway on kmicb.