Culture of Care: Embedding autism-informed approaches across Devon and Cornwall
In October, Devon Partnership NHS Trust and Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust hosted the first of five face-to-face Culture of Care workshops, focusing on embedding autism-informed approaches across mental health services.
Delivered by the National Culture of Care Team, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Lived Experience Advisors from Neurodiverse Connection, the event brought together healthcare professionals, people with lived experience, families, and carers to connect, learn and reflect on how we can create systemic, sustainable change.
The Culture of Care programme is built on 12 core standards and focuses on ensuring that our services are anti-racism, trauma-informed, autism-informed and co-produced to help make change so that people receive the best care possible.
Lived Experience Advisors Becca and Antonia shared powerful perspectives on autism and neurodivergence, including the impact of language and diagnostic definitions. They highlighted important statistics including:
- 70-80% of autistic people experience a mental health issue
- Autistic people are nine times more likely to die by suicide
- Up to 50% have self-harmed
The discussion also explored the overrepresentation of autistic people in mental health inpatient settings and introduced the SPACE framework (Sensory, Predictability, Acceptance, Communication, Empathy), which encourages compassionate curiosity and partnership with autistic individuals and their families.
Stories from services in Devon and Cornwall showcased practical changes already underway, such as creating sensory spaces and using the Residential Environmental Impact Scale (REIS) to improve therapeutic environments. Teams are continuing to collaborate and share best practice to make care more inclusive.
Clare McAdam, Deputy Chief Nurse Officer, at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, said: The Culture of Care presenters brought fantastic expertise and insights that got us all thinking, innovating, and opening our minds to improving how we support people with neurodiverse conditions.
The day ended with reflections and attendees considering actions they can make to ensure autism informed care such as developing quiet lounges, reducing noise on wards and ensuring welcome packs were accessible.
Alfie Palmer, Inpatient Transformation Lead, added: I want to extend my thanks to all who attended and engaged so wholeheartedly in the process with a real desire to improve our services for all, but especially those with a neurodiverse need.