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Islanders are being encouraged to share their views to help the Government develop an action plan to support neurodivergent individuals in Jersey.
Developed in partnership with Autism Jersey, the ‘Neuroinclusive Jersey Strategy’ will set goals and an action plan that will support neurodivergent individuals to live well within the island community.
Health Minister Tom Binet has also committed to the completion of the the three-year strategy.
Neurodivergent islanders and their family, supporters and advocates are being encouraged to share their thoughts via an online survey.
According to a statement from Autism Jersey, engagement with those who are affected by the strategy is the first key step and will allow officers to "better understand the needs and priorities of people within our community".
Interactive workshops will also be taking place in parish halls over the coming weeks to reach out to islanders.
The survey, which can be accessed here, is designed to understand the views and experiences of neurodivergent islanders and service providers in Jersey and must be completed before 20 September.
The statement said that responses would help officers to shape better support, services, and awareness around neurodiversity in the community, saying: "There are no right or wrong answers to our questions, we are simply looking to hear your views and experiences, whether you are diagnosed or undiagnosed."
Pictured: Deputy Binet, who is Minister for Health and Social Services, has committed to the creation of a Neuroinclusive Jersey three-year strategy.
Liz Lewry, Senior Commissioning Lead at Health and Community Services, said the strategy was a "significant step toward inclusivity".
She added: "We believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful impact.
"Your insights and perspectives are invaluable, and we are eager to see how our combined efforts will contribute to a more inclusive island community."
Lesley Harrison, Head of Charitable Services at Autism Jersey, said the launch of the consultation was a "welcome development" and was necessary to ensure those affected "have a voice and can contribute to a strategy that will influence and implement change and deliver positive outcomes".
She said the consultation period was designed to identify "quick wins" that have little or no cost implications or which require a simple enhancement of existing processes.
She added: "There will also be short, medium- and long-term objectives that will be prioritised and implemented under the direction of a diverse and inclusive Steering Group, with agreed delivery milestones throughout a three-year-period.
"This will in turn potentially create a positive impact on our small community and will be supported by strategic alignment of funding from different sources to implement key priorities.
"This Neuroinclusive Jersey Strategy is a community strategy and requires collaboration and a genuine partnership to design and deliver it, so all stakeholders have a role to play if we are to have a 'joined up' approach to building on existing foundations for a diverse and inclusive community."
The interactive workshops will be held at the following:
To reserve a free place, click the link on whichever venue you wish to participate in. Arrive five minutes prior to the start time to allow for tea/coffee to be served.
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