An autism family drop-in hub is to be launched in Kirkby on Monday.

It will be held at The Diamond Centre, Diamond Avenue, Kirkby, on the fourth Monday of each month, from 4pm to 8pm.

The Big Lottery-funded hub sessions, run by Autism East Midlands, will provide a regular meeting point for families affected by autism, enabling them to access activities for children and young adults, as well as gain support, specialist training and advice.

Autism East Midlands is the largest specialist autism charity in the region and has been supporting people affected by autism for more than 45 years.

The launch of the hub, one of several that will offer support to more than 600 families in the region and open to all the family, is the first phase of a three-year project.

It will include the development of an online forum for parents to gain additional advice and support.

The project is funded until August 2018 thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, with the possibility of extending the scheme if further funding becomes available.

Further information is at www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk or email [email protected]