Become a Provider

Become a Provider

Join Barnardo’s in Empowering Families: Become a Licensed Cygnet Autism Support programme provider

Support parents and carers of autistic children (5–18) in your community with confidence and compassion.

Find out how to access the programme

Why deliver the Cygnet Autism Support Porgramme?

Developed in collaboration with families, practitioners, and young people (“co-created and compassionate”)
Evidence-based—backed by independent evaluations
Enhances understanding of autism and builds practical support strategies
Builds local community support networks for parents and carers

Find out more in details in the reports below:

Cost Benefit Analysis & Parent Survey Report CAS Provider Feedback Report

Your All-in-One Delivery Platform

Every licensed provider gets access to our secure Online Programme Delivery Platform.

Your personal dashboard makes it simple to:

Deliver session presentations directly from the platform
Download the latest handouts and activity sheets (always kept up-to-date)
Access a growing library of shared resources from the wider Cygnet provider community
Connect with peers and stay in the loop with programme updates

This means less admin, more focus on supporting parents and carers.

Programme Structure & Impact

Core programme: 6–7 sessions, each 2.5 to 3 hours, covering:
- Introduction, autism overview, sensory & thinking, social interaction & communication, behaviour understanding & analysis
Optional topics available:
- Supporting siblings, puberty & sexual well-being, sleep
Group sizes capped at 12 participants for meaningful interaction

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join Barnardo’s in Empowering Families.

Make an enquiry

Testimonials from the Cygnet Community

I really enjoy delivering the Cygnet programme and each time I am getting more and more confident. It’s always good to hear parent and carers feedback about the course and the positives it makes to their parenting and understanding of their child’s autistic needs.

- Provider

Licence Your Organisation to Deliver Cygnet

Place an order via the Cygnet Autism Support team (via form or contact link)
Undergo training and onboarding (materials, facilitator guidance provided)
Begin marketing and delivering your Cygnet groups
Join a national network of licensed providers with ongoing support

Note: Providers set their own session frequency and location. Programme referral criteria (e.g. geography, age, diagnosis) vary locally.

Questions?

Read frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, email cygnet@barnardos.org.uk or phone 0759 6569702 or 0772 9116214

01

How much does it cost to access the programme?

We offer a range of prices to suit the needs of your service. This flexible approach ensures that access to the programme can be tailored to your delivery plans, budget, and the families you support.

If you’d like to discuss pricing options in more detail, please get in touch.

02

How many lead trainers are needed?

A minimum of two lead trainers is required to be responsible for the programme. Additional facilitators can be included as needed to support delivery within your service, but they are optional.

03

When are materials available?

Information is available in advance to support preparation for training. Full access to the account portal and programme materials is provided after training has been completed.

04

How much training is required?

Lead trainers are required to complete 12 hours of training, which includes:

10 hours of facilitator training, and
a 2-hour lead trainer workshop.