As part of a wider advocacy charity, Leeds Autism AIM contributes to advocacy support available to autistic adults in Leeds. We do this through supporting you to speak up for yourself – this is called self-advocacy. We also have free self-advocacy resources on our website to help you speak up for yourself and your rights.

Advocacy is working with you to:

  • Listen to what you want and act on your behalf at all times
  • Think about what choices you have
  • Put forward your views so they are heard
  • Stand up for your rights and interests

Advocacy is free, independent and confidential. More information about what advocacy is can be found on The Advonet Group’s website here: What is Advocacy? – The Advonet Group.

Access to Justice Project

We are working together with Citizens Advice Chapeltown to offer a combined advice and advocacy service for autistic adults in Leeds.

This work is funded by a grant from the Three Guineas Trust. Here is what it can do for you:

How We Can Help You

  • Understand your rights and choices
  • Talk through issues like benefits, housing, work, or health
  • Get clear, accurate information about what your options are
  • Feel more confident speaking up about what matters to you

Advice from Citizens Advice (CAB)

A trained adviser can:

  • Explain how the law applies to your situation
  • Help you understand your options
  • Talk through the pros and cons of different choices
  • Support with things like benefits, housing, employment, and more

Independent Advocacy Support

  • An advocate is there to support you and your voice. They can:
  • Help you prepare for appointments or conversations
  • Support you to explain your views, wishes, and concerns
  • Help you write emails, letters, or questions
  • Build your confidence to speak up for yourself
  • In some cases, they may also support you during meetings.

Our Approach

  • You are always at the centre of decisions
  • We support you to make your own choices
  • Support is short-term and focused (usually a few sessions per issue)
  • We work at your pace and in a way that suits you

Examples of What We Can Support With

  • Understanding benefits or challenging a decision
  • Talking to your landlord or the council
  • Asking for reasonable adjustments
  • Preparing for a difficult conversation or appointment

If you would like to access this service, please make a referral. If you have already made a referral to us before and want to access this service, please email us at [email protected].

The Advonet Group’s advocacy services

Away from Leeds Autism AIM, The Advonet Group offers a range of advocacy services. These include:

If you would like to make a referral to any of the above services, please click on the button below.

Get in touch

To find out more, you can either send us an email at [email protected] or call us on 0113 244 0606. We promise to get back to you as soon as we can.

To contact The Advonet Group, you can email [email protected]. You can also dial the above phone number.