AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Stepping out: From left: Malcolm McFie, Ailsa McFie, and Jane McFie, pictured when they took part in the K2B and C2B events to raise money for the National Autistic Society Furness Branch
A GROUP of dedicated parents and professionals are bidding to have their town recognised as the first autism friendly community in the country.
Those involved in the move hope to help individuals and businesses in the area understand more about autism so anyone with the condition is ‘accepted and not pitied’ across the area.
It will begin with the official launch of a new support group; Autism Around the Combe, and an awards scheme on April 2 - National Autism Awareness Day.
Jane McFie, whose son Sam was diagnosed with autism in 2001, explained there are 65 families in the Millom area with a child diagnosed with autism - though many more are in the process of receiving a confirmed diagnosis.
She said the group would help to boost support for these families who are unable to access other help because local services are so stretched.
In the future, the group, which will meet twice a month, could offer regular training and information sessions to improve knowledge of autism and autistic spectrum disorder.
Ms McFie said: “In an area where support services are massively stretched many believe this group fills a big gap and is much needed.
“The group offers direct support to families in need through bi-monthly meetings on Monday evenings at St James School, and through its facebook page and website.
“Having a child with autism can be very isolating so we want to create a network of families who can share advice and knowledge.
“People with autism are among the most vulnerable in our society.
“We know there are many businesses and services in our area who are already supportive and want to do more to help which is great.”
The awards will be given to local individuals and businesses, nominated by parents, who have demonstrated an understanding and awareness of autism, or have directly helped the lives of local autistic children and adults, and made a difference.
The launch of the autism champions awards will take place at an invitation only event to be held at Millom Rugby Club.
Ms McFie added: “The group intends to develop and enhance these awards by creating a benchmark of good practice enabling Millom to become the first autism friendly town in the country, where every individual is accepted and autism is seen as difference to be accepted and not pitied.”
READ MORE: Barrow mum flying high in her campaign to create autism friendly package holidays
READ MORE: New free autism school for Cumbria given the green light
Source: Group launches ambitious bid to create country’s first autism friendly town
Stepping out: From left: Malcolm McFie, Ailsa McFie, and Jane McFie, pictured when they took part in the K2B and C2B events to raise money for the National Autistic Society Furness Branch
A GROUP of dedicated parents and professionals are bidding to have their town recognised as the first autism friendly community in the country.
Those involved in the move hope to help individuals and businesses in the area understand more about autism so anyone with the condition is ‘accepted and not pitied’ across the area.
It will begin with the official launch of a new support group; Autism Around the Combe, and an awards scheme on April 2 - National Autism Awareness Day.
Jane McFie, whose son Sam was diagnosed with autism in 2001, explained there are 65 families in the Millom area with a child diagnosed with autism - though many more are in the process of receiving a confirmed diagnosis.
She said the group would help to boost support for these families who are unable to access other help because local services are so stretched.
In the future, the group, which will meet twice a month, could offer regular training and information sessions to improve knowledge of autism and autistic spectrum disorder.
Ms McFie said: “In an area where support services are massively stretched many believe this group fills a big gap and is much needed.
“The group offers direct support to families in need through bi-monthly meetings on Monday evenings at St James School, and through its facebook page and website.
“Having a child with autism can be very isolating so we want to create a network of families who can share advice and knowledge.
“People with autism are among the most vulnerable in our society.
“We know there are many businesses and services in our area who are already supportive and want to do more to help which is great.”
The awards will be given to local individuals and businesses, nominated by parents, who have demonstrated an understanding and awareness of autism, or have directly helped the lives of local autistic children and adults, and made a difference.
The launch of the autism champions awards will take place at an invitation only event to be held at Millom Rugby Club.
Ms McFie added: “The group intends to develop and enhance these awards by creating a benchmark of good practice enabling Millom to become the first autism friendly town in the country, where every individual is accepted and autism is seen as difference to be accepted and not pitied.”
READ MORE: Barrow mum flying high in her campaign to create autism friendly package holidays
READ MORE: New free autism school for Cumbria given the green light
Source: Group launches ambitious bid to create country’s first autism friendly town
