APPLICATION FORM
Please refer to the ‘2016 Guidance for Applicants’
before completing this application form.
The application form is split over four sections. It is up to you to decide
the content and length of each section, but your application must not
exceed three pages in total (excluding the cover pages).
Please ensure that your application covers the key criteria that we are
looking for and is effectively presented. Any questions relating to your
application or the submission process should be directed to
[email protected] or 0131 474 9275.
The deadline for submission of entries is 5pm on FRIDAY 23 October
2015.
Submitting Your Application Form
Please use our online application portal to submit this application form.
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PLEASE PROVIDE SOME DETAILS ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION:
CATEGORY APPLIED FOR
Achieving Better Outcomes
PROJECT NAME
(as you wish to see it
published)
Implementing the Autism Strategy in Stirling and Clackmannanshire: Innovative
approaches to serve the community better
LEAD ORGANISATION
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils
DEPARTMENT/TEAM
Social Services, Planning and Commissioning Team
PARTICIPANT NAMES OR
PARTNER
ORGANISATIONS
Social Services Stirling &
Clackmannanshire Councils
Police Scotland
Education, Stirling &
Clackmannanshire Councils
NHS Forth Valley
Housing, Stirling &
Clackmannanshire Councils
Job Plus Scotland, Skills Development
Scotland, Employability, Whins Centre
Scottish Autism, Enable
Central Carers Clackmannanshire &
Stirling Carer Centre
Forth Valley Advocacy, Central
Advocacy Partners
Forth Valley College, Stirling University
CONTACT NAME
Lorene Amet
CONTACT DETAILS
Autism Development Officer
Planning and Commissioning Social
Services
2nd Floor, Municipal Buildings
8-10 Corn Exchange Road
Stirling
FK8 2HU
CAN WE PUBLISH THIS APPLICATION FORM ON OUR WEBSITE?
YES
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EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
In one short paragraph please describe this project is about, what it has achieved, and
why it is delivering excellence.
Please note that we may use this summary for promotional purposes on our website and elsewhere.
Stirling & Clackmannanshire councils and our partner agencies have developed a 10-year Autism Strategy which has
been recognised by Stirling Community Planning Partnership (CPP), Clackmannanshire Alliance Community Planning
and the councils’ elected members as a positive example of what can be achieved through partnership working and
meaningful engagement. The strategy makes a commitment to improving the life outcomes for adults and children
with autism and their families and carers. In developing the strategy we have involved over 50 statutory and third
sector organisations with representation from over 100 professionals, service users, families and carers. We have
successfully engaged with our community and raised awareness of autism through a range of creative and public
events. We have:
 involved children and adults with autism, siblings, and 15 schools and organisations, who have created over
120 pieces of art work, an animation film and a musical production
 organised several art exhibitions across both councils, in rural and urban areas
 organised an autism film screening and public debate
 created 2 information and awareness-raising films which represent the voices of local people with autism and
their families.
We have developed several novel and innovative resources:
 an Android Autism App to support individuals through transition
 a stand-alone autism website and online directory of local services
 social media support networks for families and service users, integrating with safe social media specifically for
young people and adults with ASD to help them connect with likeminded individuals in their community
 autism training packages for professionals and parents
 we have partnered with Stirling University to evaluate the benefit of using Quality of Life Indicators as a
means of providing evidence-based evaluation of the strategy outcomes.
We further plan to develop a Safe Place scheme for individuals with autism living in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
By adopting a forward thinking approach we are delivering improvements for people with autism and serving our
community better. The Autism Strategy in Stirling and Clackmannanshire delivers excellence through a high level of
stakeholder engagement, the quality and innovation of the projects, and the effectiveness and affordability of the
services that have been created. The Autism strategy has been recognised by both councils as a benchmark model
for the development of other strategies, as well as for the integration of Health and Social Care Services.
PLANNING
What is your project about, and why is it important? What are you aiming to achieve,
and how does this fit with the bigger picture? Does it tackle the issues that matter most
to your community or your organisation?
In 2010 the Scottish Government identified Autism as national priority. Autism is a life-long developmental
condition that affects how individuals communicate with and relate to other people and the world around them.
The Scottish prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children is rising yearly. In 2003 it affected 1 child in
163 and in 2013, 1 child in 67. This is equivalent to 1.5% of children having a diagnosis of ASD. Approximately 1% of
adults are thought to have the disorder though many individuals are undiagnosed and their exact number is
unknown. It is not solely the extreme difficulties individuals and their families experience, it is also the impact
autism has on our community and public services. A study conducted by Kings’ College, London estimated the cost
of ASD across the lifespan to range from £0.80 million to £1.23 million per individual depending on the cooccurrence of an additional intellectual disability.
Aligned with national and local priorities the Autism Strategy for Stirling & Clackmannanshire makes a commitment
to improving services and support for adults and children with autism, their families and carers. It identifies 6 local
goals and 16 key priorities and covers a range of services from pre to post diagnosis including transition and
employability. The development and implementation of the strategy has demonstrated a high level of stakeholder
engagement through consultation events, focus groups, online surveys, and questionnaires. Further engagement,
including exhibitions, music performances, film screenings, public debate and the creation of autism information
and awareness-raising films have helped involve the whole of our community, and in partnership work together to
improve outcomes for individuals with autism. Each stage of the project meets the objectives and priorities
identified by stakeholders. Furthermore the development of an Android-based App is a unique, innovative and
groundbreaking initiative to tackle issues around transition. By listening to the autism population we are improving
and implementing what is important to them and through effective partnership working we are reducing
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inequalities, ensuring better outcomes within our local community and demonstrating competence in delivering
best value.
DELIVERING
How have you carried out your project? How did you ensure that this was done
effectively? What are you doing to continue to improve?
We believe the success of this project is evidence of what can be achieved through innovative thinking and
meaningful partnerships across the statutory, independent and third sectors and through building positive
relationships with local businesses and communities.
Consultation events, March 2013 and November 2014: We have listened to the people of Stirling and
Clackmannanshire, their stories of what has worked well for them, where they feel services can be improved and
what they want for the future. The data and information obtained was collated and analysed and helped identify the
goals and priorities which have driven our Autism Strategy.
Launch of the Autism Strategy, April 2015: We launched the Autism Strategy for Stirling and Clackmannanshire to
coincide with World Autism Awareness Month, April 2015.
Creative Autism Art Project “Nothing About Us Without Us”, April 15: This project was supported by 6 artists in
residence and was about giving a stronger voice to children and adults with autism by engaging individuals in a series
of creative activities of a visual and musical nature. At the launch of the main exhibition (which can be viewed online)
at Stirling Tolbooth, a group of 10 young musicians from St Modan’s Autism base took part in a musical performance.
The evening demonstrated the effective involvement of young people and adults irrespective of their difficulties.
Film screening at the Macrobert Art Centre and Debate, April 15: The Macrobert Centre screened a special showing of
a BBC Autism film titled “X+Y” this was followed by a Q &A session. Panel members included Autism professionals and
parents and individuals with ASD. The film helped raise awareness and generated a lively discussion of what can be
done to make our communities, schools, local businesses and health services autism friendly.
The following will be implemented/launched over the next 9 months:
 An online directory of services October 2015;
 Beta Trial of the Autism Transition App and launch of the App name contest, November 2015; selection of the
Autism Transition App name, January 2016; and launch of the Autism Transition App alongside other
awareness raising events for World Autism month, April 2016;
 Launch of a Safe Place Stirling and Clackmannanshire scheme, April 2016.
We wish to continue improving on the effectiveness and delivery of the strategy. To this end, we have been
successful in receiving external funding from the Scottish Government Autism Innovation and Development Fund.
This provided seed funding to develop all of the projects described and we are currently exploring further funding
sources to develop new services in areas of employability.
INNOVATION &
LEADING PRACTICE
Why is your project innovative? How is it helping to prepare for the future? What is
happening to help other organisations benefit from your approach?
The Autism Transition App (April 15-April 16)
This App is unique in its technology-based format and versatility. It acts as a self-contained piece of software that is
designed to help individuals transition more easily, i.e. at post school stage or in preparation for respite or a hospital
stay. Users of the App input information, e.g. on their preferred method of communication, or likes and dislikes. They
can also choose to record their own voice and/or include photos. Precise content as well as font size and Autism
friendly colour schemes can be self-selected and the App allows sharing with others by e-mail. This method of
technology is particularly suited to individuals with ASD, as they tend to be good visual learners and adept at using IT.
It is also suitable for less able individuals as it can be used by families and carers on their behalf. It has the potential to
be adopted by other councils and organisations as well as at a national level. We have already received requests from
other organisations to use this App to support adults through transition, and there is also national interest in utilising
the App to help support transition with other service user groups.
Autism Forth Valley website/Social media (Apr 15)
We have developed a standalone Autism website which will act as a virtual one stop shop. Given the geographical
spread of our communities it was felt that an online presence was the most viable and sustainable channel of
communication. The website also links with CK Friends, a safe, secure social network for people with learning
difficulties, aged 16 and over to share their hobbies, interests and keep in touch with old and new friends. We have
also developed a range of social media tools, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Vimeo and YouTube accounts to communicate
with the ASD community and share information on events and strategy developments.
Autism Training March- June 2015: Our Autism Development Officer has undertaken an Autism Trainer award (SQA
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level 7) to facilitate the delivery of training to both parents and professionals. We have already received training
requests from the Police Force, Job Centre Plus, parents and staff from local schools and social services. We are also
in the process of developing an Autism Champion Award Scheme to increase knowledge of autism and the training
capacity of public and third sectors organisations.
Online Directory of Services (Oct 15)
Consultation with stakeholders highlighted issues around the lack of clarity on locally available services, as well as the
exclusion of individuals with ASD from many mainstream opportunities. We have developed a Directory of Services
which details information of over 185 local services, eligibility criteria, route of referral, and contact details.
Research into evaluation and monitoring approaches April- August 2015: We have conducted research into the benefit
of using Quality of Life Indicators as a measurement of service delivery outcome. This project was conducted in
partnership with Stirling University, Master course of Autism Research Method.
Safe Place for Stirling and Clackmannanshire (Sep 15 to Apr 16- launch date)
The Safe Place Scheme aims to provide safe environments in Stirling and Clackmannanshire for people with ASD, by
giving them access to a safe place within the community should they need help. For many individuals with autism
accessing their community can be a challenge, our research indicates that amongst young people age 16-25, only a
minority have access to community places such as cafes, restaurants or even shops. Barriers to inclusion include a
lack of knowledge and understanding about autism. ‘Safe Place Stirling and Clackmannanshire’ proposes to break
down these barriers, by providing opportunities for raising awareness of autism, encouraging the development of
positive and realistic values, promoting inclusion and diversity, helping individuals with autism feel more confident,
safe and supported in their community, and by enabling and equipping local businesses to support individuals with a
disability to become more included in community groups and activities. The second stage of development will extend
the scheme to other disabilities and conditions; learning disability, mental health and dementia thus providing greater
sustainability and ensuring effective use of resources.
RESULTS & IMPACT
What impact are you having, or expect to have? Are you delivering what you set out to
achieve? How are you measuring this?
In measuring the impact of the Autism Strategy it is essential to monitor its effectiveness, efficiency, affordability, and
sustainability. As the plan is completing its first foundation stage (by year 2), we are able to measure the impact of
the work in several ways:
Consultations: Consultation events conducted in 2013 involved 37 people taking part in multi-agency workshops. In
November 2014, we reached out to 170 service users, parents, carers and professionals, this is a 350% increase in the
level of engagement. The online survey received over 80 responses, and over 200 people were involved in the last
round of consultation. We will continue to increase the level of engagement in future events.
Creative Autism Art Project “Nothing About Us Without Us”: Individuals ranging in age from 5 to 49 years from over 15
schools and adult services took part in this project. Over 120 pieces of artwork and a short (animation film) were
produced and 10 young musicians took part in a musical performance. Feedback from the public was recorded in
comment books. The launch night and other events received media coverage in local newspapers and radio stations
as well as a radio interview on Central FM. Several of the art works are on public display and have encouraged a
programme of awareness raising amongst local businesses and the police.
Autism Forth valley website and social media: As a bench mark for the level of interest in autism, the Autism pages of
Stirling Council website have received 183 views in the last quarter and 90 views in the last month. The Autism Forth
Valley website went live in September 2015 with links to google analytical. We will continue to monitor the level of
interest, new visits and time spent on the web pages. Our Facebook page has over 350 likes.
Quality of Life Indicators: The research involved 64 participants with autism, aged 16 to 49. This work is currently
being compiled for publication and was presented at a National Autism Strategy meeting (September 2015). The QofL
Indicators will be used as part of a mixed-data collection monitoring approach, which also includes service user and
professional questionnaires, case studies and interview-based research to reliably and objectively monitor the
outcomes of the autism strategy.
The Autism Transition App Project: We plan to reach 100 families of children and adults with ASD during the beta trial,
and we are purchasing 50 android tablets to help schools and carers use the App. 20 tablets will be used in primary
schools, 20 in secondary schools and 10 in adult day services to assist with transition. We hope this will enable the
App to be adopted by all children with ASD. Requests have been received from other local authorities to use the App
and it has the potential to assist individuals at a national level.
Safe Place for Stirling and Clackmannanshire: This project has the potential to benefit all people with ASD, and in the
second stage, it will benefit people affected by a wider range of disabilities.
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NEXT STEPS
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