We enable everyone with autism or a learning disability to lead the fulfilling lives they want to lead, actively contributing to their local community.
At Talkback, our passion is to provide continual personal development for every individual with autism or a learning disability, so they can embrace new opportunities no matter what their age. We ensure that every single person who walks through our door has the tools to thrive in whatever aspect of their life they choose.
Our Guiding Principles
Young people’s transition from children’s services is smooth and they are prepared for the challenges of adulthood
People will develop through education and life skills, and discover hidden talents and opportunities for employment
People can live as independently as possible, and can enjoy a full life and develop positive relationships
People will be fully accepted for who they are as part of their local community
Find Your Path
Our 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 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 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 is wide-ranging and encompasses all aspects of life. What always remains the same are our three core commitments to the people with autism or a learning disability that we help:
We will never assume
We understand that everyone has their own way of learning. We always look for someone’s potential and we believe that anything is possible.
We will always listen
We value the person in front of us. We always take the time to learn what is important to someone and 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. And, no matter what, we never give up on someone.
Our Services
Our programmes are always constructed around the individual, helping them create their own pathway. These include:
Equip to Learn
Operating in partnership with Bucks, Berks and Reading Colleges of Further Education, Equip offers young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, individual support programmes designed to prepare them for greater independence in their future lives.
Personal Development
and Skills
Enabling progression and growing an individual’s life journey is at the heart of our Personal Development and Skills Programme. Covering key areas, including employment, travel training, sports and well-being, relationships, personal safety, the arts, and DIY skills.
Employability
We know that finding employment can be hard for people with autism or a learning disability, but we are focused on destigmatising and showing employers the value of each person. We work with individuals to find the right opportunities for them.
Supporting Professionals
Our ability to help people speak up for themselves and gather their voices for councils and agencies has been at our core for over 22 years. We offer community engagement groups, autism training, consultancy services, experts by experience, as well as advocacy support.
Transitions
We work with individuals who are 14 years old and over in schools to help them transition and deal with the anxieties of moving into adulthood. Working with hand-picked partners, our programmes help individuals develop and grow, as well as learn new skills.
Sports and Performing
Arts Academies
Our range of sport and arts sessions offer a powerful way to maintain a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Our specialist coaches work to build confidence and provide an avenue for expression and personal development.
Talkback Digital
Talkback Digital is our unique, online delivery programme that helps to achieve a number of clear goals for our members. It’s all part of our mission to ensure that every single person who chooses to engage with us has the tools they need to thrive in whatever aspect of their life they choose.
People Stories
We’ve helped hundreds of people with autism or a learning disability realise their true potential. 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 him find work experience, which he did with the National Trust. Two years into his course we were able to reduce his need for one-to-one support as he transitioned to a group-based support structure, which also helped him develop relationships and friendships. The group focused on travel training, confidence building, and pragmatic solutions to understand his emotions and cope with the challenges of everyday life.
Upon leaving college, Rob transitioned to an adult social care programme which continued to help promote personal and social development and the importance of forging relationships with other adults. Rob attended group activities on art and sport therapy, all designed to continue his journey towards independence and to create a sense of internal confidence.
Rob now travels independently to his sessions, has taken holidays on his own in Germany and Spain and is a regular at our Sports Academy. His confidence is simply awe-inspiring, and he is now an active contributor in many of our communities.
News, Views and Campaigns
Find out the latest news and details on our campaigns to help raise awareness for people with autism and learning difficulties.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: 4th January 2021 Following the announcement by the Prime Minister this evening, the UK will be entering a new national lockdown. We
Closure of Services, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: 19th December 2020 Unfortunately due to Buckinghamshire and Berkshire going into TIER 4 and the ongoing COVID situation TALKBACK will be closing
Your Voice Wall
Your Voice Wall Your Voice Wall has been created by people with a learning disability and/or autism from across Milton Keynes, Reading and South Buckinghamshire.
Who We Work With
As a key organisation in the local community, we work with a number of partners that help create the opportunities for the individuals we work with. They include:
