Autism East Midlands is celebrating its 50th anniversary with annual programme of events and campaigns
In 1968, with the support of renowned psychologist Elizabeth Newson, a remarkable group of parents started the charity which would become Autism East Midlands. They opened Sutherland House School to provide the education that no one else could offer support to children on autism spectrum.
In the 50 years since the charity has grown to be the largest specialist autism charity in the East Midlands, providing services for both adults and children, and improving the quality of life for thousands of families. To this day everything they do is based on a deep and specific understanding of autism and the charity is still led by people with personal experience of the condition.
Every year they provide tens of thousands of hours of highly-specialized support to families affected by autism. Their individually-tailored support, education and training enable people with autism to live independent, fulfilling lives. Autism is still very much a hidden disability, despite affecting around 700,000 people in the UK, and the charity needs your help to continue raising awareness of this lifelong condition.
Autistic people are amongst the most disadvantaged in society, with only 16% of people in full-time work and around 70% living with the effects of at least one mental health condition. You can help the charity change this by providing the right support at the right time.
The charity held the Retro Run — a fundraising retro inspired 5K run for the whole family — in March and future events planned include:
- Autism East Midlands Sport’s Day Challenge will see staff, service users and supporters take part in array of fun and sporty challenges in May 2018
- Spectrum will be an all inclusive festival on 23rd September, which will aim to inform and educate the public about autism all whilst retaining the fun and atmosphere that a festival brings.
- Autism East Midlands Art Exhibition will showcase an array art created by the students, service users and will be held in October/November
- 50th Anniversary Fundraising Ball in October
- A Christmas Fayre will be held in Nottingham City Centre with staff, students and service users hosting a seasonal market place, with additional fun activities, fairground inspired rides in December
- Autism East Midlands celebratory baton relay throughout 2018
To find out more about the celebrations see www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk.