BLAST is a grassroots charity dedicated to supporting autistic young people, young adults and their families across Staffordshire and surrounding areas. The organisation offers a range of activities, events and workshops designed to create safe, inclusive spaces where families can connect, learn and thrive.
BLAST is also committed to ensuring Autistic voices are heard in shaping policies and best practice, advocating for meaningful change and greater understanding within the community.
Monthly Support for Parents and Carers
Each month BLAST hosts an evening support session for parents and carers called BLAST Lounge.
There are two types of Lounge sessions. The first is a relaxed and informal gathering hosted by the BLAST volunteer team, who welcome parents, facilitate discussion and provide peer support in a friendly, understanding environment. These sessions are ideal for connecting with other families who may be on similar journeys, sharing experiences and learning from one another.
The second type is an “Ask the Expert” session. These events feature a guest speaker and include a short presentation followed by a Q&A. They are designed to help families better understand the often complex and overwhelming processes surrounding SEND support, providing practical guidance and reassurance.
Refreshments are available at all BLAST Lounge sessions, and the atmosphere is always welcoming and inclusive.
Next BLAST Lounge Event
The next BLAST Lounge will take place on Thursday 26th March, from 7.30pm to 9pm, in the Community Room at Tesco Extra.
This will be an “Ask the Expert” session featuring Ken Upton MBE from Talking SENse!.
Ken is a well-known independent SEND advocate with extensive experience in SEND law and policy. During the session, he will share his expert observations and lead a discussion on key proposals within the SEND White Paper.
With so much discussion and concern around proposed changes to SEND systems, BLAST recognises that many families are feeling worried or overwhelmed. The session will provide an opportunity to cut through misinformation, explain what the proposals actually mean and explore how they may affect families.
It’s also a chance to ask questions, hear expert insight and connect with other local parents and carers navigating the SEND system.
Places can be booked via the BLAST SumUp store, where further details about the venue and access information are available:
https://blast-burntwood-and-lichfield-autism-support-togethe.sumupstore.com/products
Saturday Club for Autistic Children
BLAST also runs a fortnightly Saturday Club for autistic children aged 4–16 (including those awaiting assessment), along with their siblings, families and carers.
Sessions take place at St John’s Community Church from 10am to 11.30am. The club provides a safe space where children can relax, unmask and spend time with others in a supportive environment. While a variety of activities are available, there is no pressure to participate.
Parents and carers are asked to remain on site, which also offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and experiences of supporting autistic children.
The next session will be a Mother’s Day special on March 14th, with an optional activity for children to create a gift for the mother figure in their lives.
Upcoming sessions include:
- 28th March – Easter-themed session
- 11th April – BLAST Big Birthday Bash
All sessions can be booked through the same SumUp store link.
Find Out More
For more information about BLAST, BLAST Lounge sessions and Saturday Club, visit:
Website: https://blastsupport.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLAST.Charity/
