“To help everyone with a learning disability or autism embrace new opportunities, lead the fulfilling lives they want and actively contribute to their local community.”
At Talkback, our passion is to provide constant personal growth. For anyone with autism or a learning disability. Because this allows them 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.
Enough is enough. It’s time we truly valued people with learning disabilities.
At Talkback, we’re forever focused on improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. And we’ll never stop. We’ve spent a considerable amount of time over the last year systematically reviewing the 2001 paper to see what exactly has changed. And whilst that has taken many hours to do, the same cannot be said for the time it has taken to make the following conclusion on what’s actually changed. More or less nothing.
Our Guiding Principles
Young people’s transition from children’s services is smooth, therefore they are ready for the challenges of adulthood
People will develop through education and life skills, and discover hidden talents and chances for employment
People can live as freely as possible. As a result, they can enjoy a full life and develop positive relationships
People will be fully accepted for who they are and as part of their local community
Find Your Path
We provide autism and learning disability support and service programmes. 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
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 is wide-ranging and 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 Services
Our programmes and support groups are so much more than just day services for autistic people or other learning disabilities. Therefore, they are always built around the person. Above all, we help them create their own pathway. Because of this, our services include:
Equip to Learn
Equip offers young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, personal support programmes. So, we operate in partnership with Bucks, Berks and Reading Colleges of Further Education. Above all, our programmes are designed to prepare people for greater independence in their future lives.
Personal Development
and Skills
Our programme enables progress and therefore helps to develop a person’s life journey. Because of this, we cover key areas that include employment, travel training, well-being, relationships and personal safety. In addition, we provide access to sports, the arts and DIY skills.
Employability
Finding employment can be hard, especially for people with a learning disability or autistic people. As such, our service is focused on removing stigmas and showing employers the value of each person. Because we support people with learning disabilities and autistic people find the right chances for them.
Supporting Professionals
We help people speak up for themselves, by gathering their voices for councils and agencies. It has been at our core for over 22 years. 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. We work with hand-picked partners and our programmes help people develop and grow. As well as learn new skills.
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 or 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 independence 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 people and learning difficulties.
What do we think about the Down Syndrome Bill?
Learning Disability England (LDE) would like to know what Talkback members think about the Down Syndrome Bill that is going through Parliament. The Bill says
How Many More Times?
When a 2019 BBC Panorama programme revealed the appalling mistreatment of patients at Whorlton Hall Hospital, there was a depressing feeling of déjà vu. The
Trustees Week: A huge thank you to our trustees
This week has been Trustees week and we couldn’t let this pass without mentioning and thanking our wonderful trustees both past and present. Without their,
Who We Work With
We are an autism 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:
