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New Autism Charity Campaign Launched

Devised to build ‘autism-friendly' communities

Autism charities from across the UK have joined forces to launch a new campaign designed to improve access to facilities and services for people with autism.

The Connect to Autism scheme, which is funded by the Department of Health, aims to work with national and regional organisations across a range of sectors spanning retail, entertainment, sport and transport, in order to help them become autism-friendly, while also raising awareness and understanding of autism within the community.

Changes that could be implemented include clearer signage, physical changes to premises, staff training and awareness coupled with support for employees with autism.

A number of pilot projects are already underway with organisations including, car manufacturer Rolls Royce, national retailer Rymans, Leisure operator Butlins, Birmingham Hippodrome and Liverpool Airport, with training, advice and consultancy provided by the participating charities.

In order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with autism, particularly within social or group situations a number of individual supporters forming a ‘Champions Network' are also being recruited. ‘Champions' include TV personalities, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and academics. TV presenters David & Carrie Grant, celebrity chef Mark Lloyd, Durham cricketer Gordon Muchall and actress Jane Asher have already signed up to the cause.

Commenting on the Connect to Autism scheme, John Phillipson Chair of Autism Alliance UK which is co-ordinating the project said: "People with autism are often excluded from their own communities through lack of understanding. They can feel extremely anxious when in social situations or public places and this has an enormous impact on their quality of life."

"With a basic appreciation of autism and the willingness to make reasonable adjustments, the general public, companies and venues can help improve the lives of people with autism, their families and carers.

Mark Lloyd former River Cottage Head Chef added: "There's no set recipe for helping someone affected by autism. Autism touches the lives of 2.7 million people every day. I am delighted to add my support to the Connect to Autism campaign to make venues more accessible to people affected by autism."

Pete Colby, Area HR Manager of Derby and Hucknall for Rolls-Royce PLC said "The training that we received was incredibly informative, and many of my colleagues commented that they had gained a lot from the discussions. I would recommend all businesses to sign up as they really do give you a good awareness of Autism and Aspergers, and the challenges that people can face on a daily basis".

Autism is thought to affect one in 100 of the UK population with more males diagnosed with the condition than females. Around 50% of people with autism also suffer from anxiety or depression, while 90% have sensory differences.

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Notes to the editor

About Connect to Autism

The Connect to Autism project is co-ordinated by the Autism Alliance UK. The Autism Alliance UK is the main UK network of specialist autism charities, committed to improving the lives of people with autism and increasing their skills and independence.

Alongside the Connect to Autism project the Autism Alliance UK and Autism West Midlands are rolling out a free social network for people with autism and their relatives to reference those venues trained through Connect to Autism

About Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects people's ability to communicate with and relate to others. Problems arising from these difficulties can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation.

By increasing public awareness and understanding, people with autism will be enabled to access their communities as equal citizens.

The Department of Health is funding this pilot project, delivered by the Autism Alliance UK to improve public awareness and understanding of autism. Please join us in effecting real change for people with autism.

For further press information contact:

Carole Pendle

Pendle PR

On behalf of the Autism Alliance

Tel: 07768 462601

Email: carole@pendlepr.com