It was important to try to hear from a range of voices and to try to reach people who may not be known to traditional services or organisations.

We worked with people in different ways to do this, including a survey promoted borough wide and workshops run through different voluntary sector organisations to speak to local people.

In total we heard from over 200 people who shared their views and experiences with us.

The survey, which was promoted through partners, the Bexley Magazine and social media, received 120 responses. Of those, 24% were autistic people, 68% of these were family or unpaid carers and 8% were people who work with autistic people.

We also spoke with over 100 people aged 5 years and up across a number of workshops and engagement sessions. Of those, approximately 37% were autistic people, 27% of these were family or unpaid carers and 34% were people who work with autistic people.

This strategy was developed by Bexley Mencap in partnership with local voluntary sector organisations and local autistic people. The Bexley Autism Partnership Board oversaw the work to help to shape the final strategy.