North Yorkshire Council autism open days begin as part of new strategy

North Yorkshire Council has arranged a series of open day events across the county to gather views

A series of open days have been announced as part of a council consultation aiming to create a new strategy to help people with autism.

North Yorkshire Council said its draft All-Age Autism Strategy had been developed with input from those with the condition.

"The document aims to reflect the ambitions and priorities of communities across the county," the authority said.

The first event will take place in Skipton on Monday afternoon.

According to the council, there are more than 6,000 people living with autism in North Yorkshire.

The consultation also includes online and paper surveys, online webinars and visits to disability and older people forums, with the final draft strategy considered by councillors in 2024.

Councillor Michael Harrison, the council's executive member for health and adult services, said: "Being autistic means your brain works differently to how other people's brains work - they may need to access different levels of support across their lives.

"Many different organisations across North Yorkshire have a part to play and it is important that we reflect all this in our strategy by encouraging as many people as possible to take part."

The open days are:

• 4 December at Skipton Town Hall (13:00-15:00 GMT)

• 18 December at Harrogate Civic Centre (10:00-12:00)

• 9 January at Mercury House, Richmond (14:00-16:00)

• 1 February at Mencap, Northallerton (15:00-17:00)

• 9 February at Brayton Community Centre, Selby (10:00-12:00)

• 28 February at Friends Meeting House, Malton (10:00-12:00)

• 7 March at Friends Meeting House, Scarborough (14:00-16:00)