Worcestershire Autism Mentor training helps support young people across the county - The Kidderminster Standard
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Worcestershire Autism Mentor training helps support young people across the county

WORCESTERSHIRE AUTISM MENTOR (WAM) training is transforming the lives of autistic young people by providing tailored mentoring support in schools just in time for World Autism Acceptance Month, writes Mia Whitehouse. 

Since being structured into a training programme in 2020 and its first members completing training in January 2021, WAM has trained 119 mentors across Worcestershire schools, helping to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.

The training is delivered by specialist practitioners at Worcestershire County Council’s Autism and Complex Communication Needs (CCN) team.

One of the programme’s success stories comes from Ethan, a pupil at The Chase High School in Malvern, who benefited from the support of his mentor Mr Griffin.

He said: “It’s just been a good time, when I’ve had stress with various things, to just tell Mr Griffin and share what was bothering me and come up with ideas to solve whatever the issue is.”

The training empowers school staff with a special interest in autism to become mentors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support pupils in understanding their diagnosis through a personalised and supportive approach.




Dawn, Ethan’s mother, highlights the programme’s value in reducing anxiety.

She said: “For a lot of autistic children and adults, anxiety plays a huge part in our lives, and it can be quite a barrier to learning.


“Having that mentor to help reduce that anxiety puts those barriers to learning down and I think allows them to really thrive.”

Worcestershire County Council is highlighting the impact these autism mentors have on autistic children and young people.

April’s World Autism Awareness provides an opportunity for everyone raise awareness, foster acceptance and create a society where autistic people are supported.

The Team Lead for the Specialist Teaching Service at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer the WAM training to schools in Worcestershire and it is fantastic to see the mentors transforming the way we support autistic children and young people.

“By equipping mentors with the right training and resources, we are fostering environments where pupils feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their diagnosis with confidence.”

Visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/Neurodivergent_Education_Support to find out more about WAM training on the Neurodivergence Zone.