Respond

03/06/2026

Respond’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities who are victims of sexual abuse.

We offer advice and advocacy to victims who have reported an incident of sexual violence to the police. We can meet you to talk about what you need, how you are doing and the support that you would like from us.

Find out more including how to make a referral at https://respond.org.uk/independent-sexual-violence-advocacy-isva-service/

28/05/2026

Respond provides specialist trauma-informed psychotherapy for people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma and also family members and their carers.

Our therapists use a psychodynamic and relationship-based approach, adapted to each person’s communication and sensory needs, to support recovery, safety and emotional wellbeing.

Find out more at https://respond.org.uk/therapy-services/

20/05/2026

We're at the BILD - The British Institute of Learning Disabilities International Positive Behaviour Support Conference in Bristol.

If you're here, come and see us in the breaks to find out more about Respond.

14/05/2026

Respond is delighted to be attending the BILD - The British Institute of Learning Disabilities International Positive Behaviour Support Conference in Bristol next week!

If you are joining the conference in person, come and see us during the breaks to find out more about Respond and how we support people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

There's still time to register to join the conference in Bristol or online on 19-20 May. Find out more:

There is just one week left to register for this year's International Positive Behaviour Support Conference, 'Advancing PBS: From expert-driven to experience-led'!

Join us in Bristol or online on 19-20 May for two days of inspiring keynotes, cutting edge debate and interactive workshops to spark learning, discussion and community.

Don't miss out. Register today and connect with a fantastic line-up of leaders in the field, professionals and experts with lived experience at the forefront of the evolution of PBS: bild.org.uk/IPBSConf26

08/05/2026

Have you signed up to 'Respond in Practice', the quarterly newsletter from Respond?

'Respond in Practice', contains practical updates and referral information for professionals, practitioners and organisations who support people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Sign up to receive to our newsletter here: https://respond.org.uk/mailing-list/

01/05/2026

Respond is proud to be a specialist organisation within the CouRAGEus partnership.

CouRAGEus is a pan-London programme delivered by 10 specialist organisations across the Violence Against Women and Girls sector. It supports young women, LGBTQ+ young people and disabled young people from Black and Global Majority communities in London.

As part of the programme, Respond provides tailored support to girls and young women who are autistic or have a learning disability who are at risk of or have experienced gender-based violence.

Find out more at respond.org.uk/courageus

08/04/2026

This Spring, we have had the privilege of welcoming Lilian to Respond, and specifically to our Advocacy Services Team as our new Advocacy Service Manager.

We asked Lilian what inspired her to join Respond, what she is most looking forward to in her new role, and what meaningful support for survivors means to her.

Find out more about Lilian and our Advocacy Service: https://respond.org.uk/welcoming-lilian-responds-new-advocacy-service-manager/

02/04/2026

Today is .

Autistic people can face additional barriers when reporting abuse or accessing justice.

Respond provides specialist advocacy and trauma-informed support designed for autistic survivors.

Accessible services help ensure every survivor is heard.

Find out more at https://respond.org.uk/

We're back for another day of Autism Acceptance Week!

This year, for Autism Acceptance Week, we wanted to go further than acceptance. We spoke to autistic people who also have learning disabilities to find out what makes people proud to be autistic.

Being comfortable in yourself is one of the most important things for anyone, but it can be difficult for autistic people to feel safe expressing themselves. A member of the Worcester Night Club told us that they were proud just to be themselves.

We hope you're proud to be yourself today as well.

27/03/2026

An important update on our Domestic Abuse Support Service:

For the past four years, Respond has had the privilege to support people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced domestic abuse — work made possible through the Ministry of Justice and London Community Foundation.

As this funding comes to an end, we regret to update that our specialist domestic abuse service is currently unfunded, and we’re unable to accept new referrals. We know this gap will be deeply concerning, especially for those who already face significant barriers to safe and accessible support.

We remain committed to survivors and to ensuring they receive the tailored, empowering support they deserve. Respond is now actively seeking new funding and partnerships to sustain this vital service.

If you’re interested in working with us or exploring funding opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Read our full news update here: https://respond.org.uk/domestic-abuse-support-service-update/

19/03/2026

Have you signed up to 'Respond in Practice', the quarterly newsletter from Respond?

'Respond in Practice', contains practical updates and referral information for professionals, practitioners and organisations who support people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Sign up to receive to our free newsletter: https://respond.org.uk/mailing-list/