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East Anglian Charity Joins National Autism Campaign

Devised to build ‘autism-friendly' communities

Local charity Autism Anglia has joined forces with other autism charities from across the UK to launch a new campaign designed to improve access to facilities and services for people living with autism in East Anglia.

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 BeWilderwood Adventure Park and the Theatre Royal Norfolk who are receiving training, advice and consultancy from Autism Anglia in order to make their venues more Autism friendly. Projects in the pipeline include a training and consultancy sessions for Colchester Youth Offending Team, Colchester United football club, Essex Police Force and Essex County Council.

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, cricketer Gordon Muchall and actress Jane Asher have already signed up to the cause.

Commenting on the Connect to Autism scheme, Clive Stobbs OBE Chief Executive of Autism Anglia 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.

Children's author and owner of BeWilderwood Adventure Park in Norfolk Tom Blofeld added: "As the father of an autistic son, I know the whole family can be affected when choosing a day out. That's why we want the entire family to come together as if that helps raise awareness of autism with our other visitors, we have achieved a lot.

"BeWilderwood is planning a Silly Sock Day on Saturday 6th June to raise awareness of autism and to give families with an autism member the opportunity of going out together."

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 is the Autism Alliance UK and Autism West Midlands are rolling out a free social network 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 toimprove 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