At Talkback, our passion is to provide constant personal growth. Because this allows the members to embrace new opportunities, no matter what their age. Therefore, we ensure that every single person who walks through our door has the tools to thrive. And that’s in any aspect of their life they choose.
How We Create the World of Possibilities
Young people’s transition from children’s services to college, life and work is smooth. So they are prepared for the challenges of adulthood.
People will develop through education and life skills learning to discover hidden talents. As well as finding opportunities in the community and employment.
People can live as independently as they want. So they enjoy a full life with positive relationships and acceptance in the community.
Hot off the press. Our latest news.
Festival of Sport and Fun
We are thrilled to be holding our first ever Festival of Sport on the 20th July at the prestigious Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Sport and being active are integral parts of what we do at Talkback and we want to be able to showcase that in a way that encourages everyone to get involved. The day will be packed with a wide range of sporting sessions run by our partners, each of whom has significant experience in providing sporting opportunities for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
The Accessible Workshop
The Accessible Workshop covers a wide range of woodworking and practical skills. It teaches people how to plan and manage projects, as well as how to market and sell.
Each individual works to clear and structured plans, with each project treated as a commissioned piece of work. The income generated is then reinvested back into the enterprise, or is used to aid charitable partners that we work with.
Find Your Path
We provide autism and learning disability support and service programmes in Bucks and the surrounding areas. And they are all designed around all key stages of life. Because of this, we call it “The Talkback Pathway”. So, whatever stage you or your loved one are currently at, we can help. Because we have services designed for any age. From 16 through to 100+.
Pre 16
Transitions Work in Schools
- Knowledge, advice and guidance
- Travel training
- Advocacy
Post 16
Education Provider
- Education support
- Life skills for independent living
- Travel training
- Employment skills training
- Relationships and building social networks
and personal safety
Post 18
Adult Social Care Funded Provision
- Personal development and skills
- Independent living skills
- Travel training
- Developing relationships
- Social and personal safety
- Sports and wellbeing
- Employment and work activity
Employability and Increased Independence
including reduced support need and work opportunities
Find Your Path
Our autism and learning disability support and service programmes are designed around all key stages of life, “The Talkback Pathway”. So, whatever stage you or your loved one are currently at, we have services designed specifically for your age, from 16 through to 100+.
Pre 16
Transitions Work in Schools
- Information, advice and guidance
- Travel training
- Advocacy
Post 16
Education Provider
- Education support
- Life skills for independent living
- Travel training
- Employability skills training
- Relationships and building social networks
and personal safety
Post 18
Adult Social Care Funded Provision
- Personal development and skills
- Independent living skills
- Travel training
- Developing relationships
- Social and personal safety
- Sports and wellbeing
- Employment and work activity
Increased Independence
including reduced support need and work opportunities
Find Your Path
Our autism and learning disability support and service programmes are designed around all key stages of life, “The Talkback Pathway”. So, whatever stage you or your loved one are currently at, we have services designed specifically for your age, from 16 through to 100+.
Pre 16
Transitions Work in Schools
- Information, advice and guidance
- Travel training
- Advocacy
Post 16
Education Provider
- Education support
- Life skills for independent living
- Travel training
- Employability skills training
- Relationships and building social networks
and personal safety
Post 18
Adult Social Care Funded Provision
- Personal development and skills
- Independent living skills
- Travel training
- Developing relationships
- Social and personal safety
- Sports and wellbeing
- Employment and work activity
Increased Independence
including reduced support need and work opportunities
Our Commitments
Our work with autistic people and those with learning disabilities is wide-ranging. So, it therefore covers all aspects of life. However, one thing always remains the same. And that’s our three core commitments to autistic people or those with a learning disability that we help:
We will never assume
We understand that everyone has their own way of learning. So, we always look for someone’s potential, because we believe that anything is possible.
We will always listen
We value the person in front of us. So, we always take the time to learn what is important to someone and therefore how best to engage with them.
We will forever explore
We embrace new ideas and always find the right solutions for every person we work with. Because, no matter what, we never give up on someone.
Our Autism and Learning Disability Services
Our programmes and autism support groups are so much more than just day services. Because they are always built around the person. Above all, we help them create their own pathway. Because of this, our services include:
Equip
Equip offers young people between 16 and 25 personal support programmes in colleges and community.
Personal Development
and Skills
Is geared for adults who have left education or older and covers life skills, well-being, sport, relationships, arts and DIY amongst others.
Employability
Finding employment can be hard, especially for people with a learning disability or autistic people. Because we support people with learning disabilities and autistic people, we will find the right chances for them.
Your Voice
We help people speak up for themselves, by gathering their voices for councils and agencies. So, we offer engagement groups, autism training, consultancy services and experts by experience. In addition, we offer advocacy support.
Transitions
We work with people who are 14 years old and over in schools. Our service is designed to help them transition and therefore deal with the fears of moving into adulthood.
Sports and Performing
Arts Academies
Our range of sport and arts sessions are powerful. Because they offer a way to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Specialist coaches work to build confidence. As well as provide an avenue for expression and personal growth.
Talkback Digital
Talkback Digital is our online service programme and it’s unique. It helps to achieve a number of clear goals for our members. And it’s part of our wider mission. Because we ensure that every single person, who chooses to engage with us, has the tools they need. Therefore, helping them thrive in whatever aspect of their life they choose.
People Stories
We’ve helped hundreds of autistic people and those with a learning disability, so they can find their true potential. Because they deserve it. And, at the heart of what we do, is a promise. To provide more than just support groups and day services for those with autism or other learning disabilities. And here’s an example of just one.
Rob's Story
Rob joined Talkback as he began his time in higher education. To start with, he received regular one-to-one support, on a five-day package, whilst at Amersham and Wycombe College.
During his time at college we also helped Rob find work experience. He did this with the National Trust. Two years into his course we were able to reduce his need for one-to-one support. At this point he moved to a group-based support structure which, in turn, also helped him develop relationships and friendships. The group focused on travel training, confidence building, and practical solutions to understand his emotions. And to cope with the challenges of everyday life.
Upon leaving college, Rob moved to an adult social care programme. This continued to help promote personal and social growth, as well as the importance of forging connections with other adults. Rob attended group sessions, for example on art and sport therapy, all designed to continue his journey. A journey towards freedom and, above all, creating a sense of internal confidence.
Because of his progress, Rob now travels on his own to his sessions. In addition, he has taken holidays on his own in Germany and Spain, as well as becoming a regular at our Sports Academy. His confidence is simply awe-inspiring, and he is now an active member in many of our communities.
News, Views and Campaigns
Find out the latest news and details on our campaigns, as well as stories about our members. Above all, we want to help raise awareness for autistic individuals and people with a learning disability.
Can you help our colleague Sophie?
In July 2022, Archie was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that has a 40-50% chance of long-term survival at diagnosis.
Rocking the boat
This outstanding piece of work, looks relatively simple. But as Alan Lawrence, Joe’s dad, who also supervises the Accessible Workshop, explains, it is anything but:
My Autistic Self, a new Talkback group
If you’re an autistic adult, based in Milton Keynes, but have only recently been diagnosed, you may be struggling to understand your diagnosis. We can
Who We Work With
We are an autism and learning disability charity that operates in the local community. In light of this, we work with a number of local partners. They help provide support and help for the people we work with. As well as create fantastic chances for them to grow. They include:
