Spectrum Peer Support is a culturally inclusive peer support and navigation offer for carers of autistic children from Black and minoritised communities in Surrey. It reduces inequalities by providing trusted, relationship-based support that helps carers understand pathways, access timely help, and feel less isolated, particularly where language, stigma, digital exclusion, low trust and complex systems create barriers.

• Autistic children and their families from ethnic minority backgrounds face barriers to diagnosis, support and understanding.

• Language, stigma and lack of cultural competence often result in isolation and delayed access to help.

• SMEF bridges this gap through peer-led advocacy, trusted community relationships and partnership with professionals.

• Purpose: early help for carers, preventing crisis by strengthening confidence, coping and access to the right services at the right time.

• Scope: peer support (including WhatsApp/community spaces) + targeted 1:1 navigation/advocacy (including home visits where appropriate).

• Boundaries: not a clinical service; complements statutory SEND, health and social care pathways through practical support, warm signposting and escalation where needed.

• Culturally safe peer support spaces (including digital peer networks) to reduce isolation and build mutual support.

• 1:1 navigation and advocacy for carers facing additional barriers, support with forms, appointments, referrals and understanding entitlements.

• Practical ‘next steps’ planning with families (goal setting/action plans) to improve confidence and engagement with services.

• Targeted signposting and warm handovers to statutory and VCSE support, with clear safeguarding/escalation routes.

• Reduced isolation and increased wellbeing for carers, evidenced through simple pre/post measures and qualitative feedback.

• Improved navigation and access: carers report increased confidence and successful engagement with appropriate pathways/support.

• Improved experiences: carers feel listened to and respected, with clearer information and fewer repeat ‘bounce’ referrals.

• Earlier help and reduced escalation: carers access support sooner, reducing avoidable crisis points.

• System change: partner actions agreed and implemented to remove barriers (e.g., information, referral routes, accessibility and cultural competence).

1.    Recognise culturally inclusive carer peer support as essential inequalities infrastructure within SEND/autism pathways, especially for families facing language, stigma and digital exclusion barriers.

2.    Embed clear, consistent referral routes and warm handovers between early help, SEND teams, schools, health and VCSE carers support so carers do not fall between thresholds.

3.    Invest in accessible information and navigation support (translation/interpretation, non-digital routes, and practical help with forms and appointments).

4.    Strengthen cultural competence across autism/SEND services and commissioning to ensure equitable access, respectful experiences and improved outcomes for children and families.

5.    Use community insight to improve pathways: agree a routine learning loop where barriers and solutions from carers are translated into practical service improvements.