Improving Individual Lives
About the Independent Lifestyles Service
The Independent Lifestyles Service is a support service for individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) living in the community. It offers individualised support packages based upon the individuals needs. The service has been running for almost 10 years.
The service operates across South East London, offering ASC specific, needs led, person centred support and:
- Is registered as a Personal Care Service with the Care Quality Commission
- Offers flexible, person centred support, seven days a week
- Offers support with daily skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking and cleaning
- Helps to motivate individuals with personal care and developing self esteem
- Offers support to develop social and leisure activities and interests
- Offers support to access educational and work opportunities
- Supports individuals, with great success, in supported living accommodation. There has been staggering progress made by several of our supported living tenants.
Supported Living
Burgess Autistic Trust offers supported living services to adults living in dedicated supported living schemes across the Bromley Borough.
Each service user in our supported living schemes needs a different level of support but all can expect support around:
- Domestic and financial skills: cooking, cleaning, budgeting and shopping etc.
- Personal development and Socialising – help in finding courses, full/part time work, voluntary work, healthy eating. As well as developing new friendship groups and visiting places of interest etc.
Referrals
Referrals can be received from the Learning Disability Teams, from mental health teams or other, Charities. Families and self-referrals are also welcome.
The support can be funded through Social Services, Mental Health teams, direct payments, or paid privately by the individuals themselves.
Charges
The service charges £15.60 per hour for ASC specific support.
Eligibility
Assessments for suitability for the service are completed by the Independent Lifestyles Manager.
The service is for people who have an ASC. They need not always have a formal diagnosis, but would be expected to have social and communication difficulties characteristic of ASC which make it harder for them to lead fulfilling lives without specialist support.
Some Service User Feedback
“I’m thankful for my time at Burgess While here I’ve grown as a person and learnt essential life skills that I was lacking at home. I’m far more capable and confident. It has also enabled me to become more comfortable with and come to terms with my Asperger’s p.s. The space is nice too!”. G
“Independent Lifestyles can improve your life, I recommend Burgess for a better life. I find them very helpful and I have gained confidence and independence.” M
‘Since I have been with Burgess, I feel that the support and care I get is 100%. I have settled in very well and Burgess staff have worked very hard to help me come out of my shell and achieve my goals”. D
For more information about the Independent Lifestyles Service, or to make a referral, please contact the Independent Lifestyles Manager using the contact details below:
E - [email protected]
T - 020 8464 2897
About the Lewisham Outreach Service
For information about our Lewisham Outreach Service please click here.
About the Bromley Outreach Service
The Outreach Service can provide information and guidance to support adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and their families and carers. The service is available to residents of Bromley and some neighbouring boroughs.
To be eligible for the Bromley Outreach Service you must:
• Be aged 18 and over
• Have a diagnosis of ASC
For those seeking a diagnosis of ASC, the service can provide information to support you towards getting a diagnosis.
We deliver this support in a range of different ways including:
Social Groups
The Outreach Service runs regular social groups and activities for younger and older adults with an ASC. The aim of these groups is to provide the opportunity for people to interact with others with similar experiences and enjoy the benefits of social contact.
BAT Lunch Clubs
Bromley Lunch Club - Held every Monday, 12:00 – 2:00pm, at a local pub in Bromley.
This club is for adults with an ASC, members may come with a carer if required.
Bexleyheath Lunch Club
Held every Thursday from 12:00 – 2:00pm at a local pub in Bexleyheath. This club is for adults with an ASC, members may come with a carer if required.
BAT Youth Club
Held every Wednesday, 6:00-8:00pm, at a local College (term time only). We also arrange regular outings and trips. This is a social group for adults with an ASC who can attend the group independently aged 18-25.
BAT Social Club
Held on Tuesdays, 6.00-8.00pm on a fortnightly basis at a local College (term time only). We organise regular events and activities suggested by the group members and organise outings based in the community. This is a social group for adults with an ASC who can attend the group independently and are aged 25 and over. All the Outreach groups are for people with an ASC
Parent Support Groups
We organise parent groups to offer information, reassurance and the opportunity for family members to share experiences and knowledge.
Enquiries and applications for membership of all the above groups must be made through the Bromley Outreach Practitioner
Workshops
We develop training workshops to support people to lead independent and fulfilling lives. We aim to develop their life skills and equip them with strategies to manage everyday situations.
Information Packs
Giving helpful written information on a range of topics including employment, education and diagnosis.
The Burgess Library
With over 1000 books, our Bromley resource library is a comprehensive collection of information on all aspects of the Autistic Spectrum for parents, professionals, teachers, siblings and people with the
condition. People are welcome to use this library by appointment only. BAT Members are able to borrow books and other resources.
One to one support
All Service users referred to the Bromley Outreach Service will be offered a one to one Initial Review Meeting to identify their support needs. One to one support is also available to complete benefit form.
Telephone and Email Support Line
Information Emails
All referrals will be invited to join our online mailing list to receive regular information updates about upcoming events and opportunities within the service and wider community.
Referrals
We accept all referrals including self referrals, family members and other professional and voluntary organisations, providing the individual has consented to the referral being made.
For more information about the Bromley Outreach Service, or to make a referral, please contact the Bromley Outreach Practitioner as below.
T - 020 8464 2897
About our Day Services
The Day Service offers individualised, specialist day provision for Adults with an ASC and complex needs. The service’s focus is developing skills that enable people to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
It includes
- Daily living skills
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Cookery and Healthy Eating
- Horticulture
- Improving Communication
- Arts and Crafts Projects
- Community Activities such as swimming, bowling etc.
All activities are geared towards the personal fulfilment of each individual and encourage community integration.
For more information about the Day Service please contact the Day Service Manager as below.
T - 020 8464 2897
"Independent Lifestyles can improve your life. I recommend the Burgess Autistic Trust for a better life"