We will be celebrating Wokingham‘s Autism Partnership and World Autism day with a special  free event at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley, on Wednesday 2 April. Everyone is welcome – neurodivergent people of all ages, their families and friends, and professionals. 

You do need to tell us you’re coming, but you can drop in anytime between 2pm and 7pm. There will be information stalls, activities and workshops to join, including a fun LEGO building experience in a Brickies room.   

New partnership strategies to support residents 

There will also be a space to find out about the All-Age Autism Strategy and the SEND and Inclusion Strategy. These two strategies will help shape plans that support residents in our borough to have access to the resources they need to thrive.

If you have any questions about the event, you can contact the Autism Partnership by email, or by calling 0300 777 8539 (Promise Inclusion)

We’re running a competition to design a logo for the Autism Partnership. It’s open to all who live, go to school or work in the borough. Visit our website to find out more and take part.  

There is a prize of an Amazon voucher for the winner and runner ups. We will have a showcase of the logo ideas at the  Autism Awareness Day event on 2 April and invite visitors to help choose the best.

When we held our Carer’s workshop last Autumn, one of the things family carers told us they would value was practical, financial, health and wellbeing information and advice. 

We’ve partnered with national charity Carers UK and subscribed to their digital resources so that all local residents can now enjoy free access. To access all the support that’s available on the Carers UK platform, you will need to register for an account using the free access code: DGTL9788 

A range of information is available on the platform for carers, including;  

• resources
• e-learning courses
• hands-on guides
• tools 

We’re excited to see the award-winning ‘Forest of Imagination’ arts project is coming to the borough, thanks to a grant from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination 2025 will offer a wide range of free arts and cultural experiences for residents to connect with nature and learn about the climate emergency.  

Kicking these off are engaging sessions led by Toby Thompson, an award-winning poet, musician and global storyteller, from Thursday 6 March to Sunday 9 March. The project continues with a four-day showcase at Dinton Pastures Country Park from 22 to 25 May, featuring sensory installations, activities, performances, digital experiences and more.  

As part of the Forest of Imagination (FOI) programme, pupils in 14 primary, secondary and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools across the borough are also participating in creative workshops led by the FOI artists.  

Don’t forget, if you ever need to speak to a friendly person face-to-face, to get help, advice or recommendations about local support services and activities, come along to a Resident Reception.