Senedd Member calls for more ALN support provision

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member has called on the Welsh Government to do more to support provision for people with additional learning needs (ALN).

Labour MS Hefin David made the call after visiting the Autistic Minds community hub in Caerphilly town centre alongside the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS, last week.

The pair met with the hub’s manager, Charmaine Williams, during their visit – which was arranged by Dr David to highlight the work the hub does for adults with autism, as well as their families.

Autistic Minds, which was previously known as the Autism Directory, opened its hub on Market Street in September 2020. As well as support groups and advice sessions, the hub offers support with job applications, social skills and more.

Dr David said: The work being done across Caerphilly to support individuals with additional learning needs is just brilliant.

“I have personal experiences with some of these groups, like Sparrows – where I go with my daughter – and also Valley Daffodils, who are based in my constituency office at Bargoed YMCA.”

Dr David said he had spent a great deal of time meeting residents at the Autistic Minds hub since his election and continued: “The extent at which the team go to in order to ensure that adults with autism have access to the opportunities and guidance they need, is invaluable.

“I wanted to bring these examples of best practice to the attention of Welsh Government and call on them to support these community lifelines in every way they can”.

Recently, Dr David visited Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni to see first-hand the work being done to support ALN pupils.

Speaking of that visit, he said: “Schools across our local communities are doing fantastic work in supporting this group of learners.

“It was evident [from the visit] that a lot of time, passion and hard work is put in to ensuring the best outcomes for pupils who need that extra bit of support.”

He added: “The transition in support for ALN from childhood through to adulthood is far too fragmented, so bringing these groups together, highlighting best practice and ensuring future funding is crucial for the success of future provisions.”