AUTISM INITIATIVES UK

INTRODUCES SUPPORT CARD FOR SERVICE USERS

Autism Initiatives UK introduced a Support Card for the organisation’s Service Users during an event at it’s Crosby Head Office on 3rd April.  The launch was timed to link closely with the United Nation’s declaration that 2nd April each year will be World Autism Awareness Day.

The Card was first discussed with Autism Initiatives UK special guest, Dr Claire Curtis-Thomas MP, over four years ago and has now become a reality with support from Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire Services.

Dr Curtis-Thomas, who has supported Autism Initiatives UK events for several years, identified Merseyside as the cradle of many such innovations and a real font of ideas which have help to bring a wider understanding of autism, and of people with autism, to people working in education, social services and to the general public.

Superintendent John Myles of Merseyside Police Community Relations identified that it is the Police role to look after people and emphasised the importance of recognising the condition.  Superintendent Myles highlighted Merseyside Police commitment to supporting this initiative.

Watch Manager Simon Chapman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services added his support for the initiative.

Trustees Mr Terry Hardy, Mrs Rose Buttery,

Chief Executive James Murray and Trustee John Johnson

The icing on the cake

To make a service referral, please contact us at Auchenhuive, or at our office in Edinburgh, and we will send our detailed pre-admission assessment. This would be followed up by a personalised programme of visits and service proposal, based on our recognised ability to provide flexible services, with attention to detail.

Auchenhuive offers a wide range of respite and short break services to adults with ASD from throughout the UK.

PLANNED RESPITE    Auchenhuive offers planned, proactive periods of respite for adults with ASD.  This can be used as a break for both the carer and the service user.  It can also be used to develop new and existing skills and to try new experiences in a safe environment. 

RECREATION AND LEISURE    Within the building and grounds there are a wide range of activities on offer. In particular we make best use of the gardens, outbuildings and pastureland to offer an exciting range of   activities for service users to enjoy.  Other opportunities include in-house recreation and the opportunity to develop home based skills.

Offsite activities make the most of the peaceful, rural setting with easy access to the coast and Aberdeen city.

ASSESSMENT    Each service user will benefit from a comprehensive pre-admission assessment.  This will include a link worker  spending time with the individual and relevant others to assess their support needs and the ways in which the Auchenhuive service can meet these needs.

The staff team will then work to ensure that the transition and time in the service is as positive an experience as possible.  Extended respite breaks are also offered which can enable intensive focused interventions or assessments.

Mill of Auchenhuive Croft

Whiterashes

Aberdeenshire

AB21 0QT

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Tel:    01651 882278

Email: aum@autisminitiatives.org

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Head Office Scotland

6 Melville Crescent

Edinburgh

EH3 7JA

Tel:    0131 240 2370

Email: hos@autisminitiatives.org

NEW LOCAL OFFICE OPENS IN BATHGATE, WEST LOTHIAN

Autism Initiatives UK has opened a new office in Bathgate which will function as the base for Outreach staff supporting people with Autism in West Lothian.  The office will also be used by the Number 6 Project (the One Stop Shop for people with Asperger syndrome in Lothians), providing information, advice and social opportunities.

Autism Initiatives has been providing support for people with autism for over 35 years and has recently established a number of new services in Scotland further developing the organisation’s reputation as a major provider of flexible and innovative services.

Richard Ibbotson, National Director - Scotland (right) with guests at the opening on Thursday 13th March 2008

 For  further information about Autism Initiatives UK in Scotland please contact us on 0131 240 2370 or email: hos@autisminitiatives.org

Or contact Keith Roberts (Information Officer) on 0151 330 9500 information.officer@autisminitiatives.org

CHARITY AUCTION

The Charity Auction put together by Steve Campbell - currently stationed in Cyprus - brought together a splendid array of prizes.  The revenues will support both Autism Initiatives UK and The Gurkha Welfare Trust

Details of all winning bids are recorded in Euros.

Some items did not receive bids.

Winning bids with no description were for military items.

The auction raised £1000 for each of Autism Initiatives UK and The Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Thanks to Steve and all of those people that submitted bids - winners or otherwise.

If you would like more information on the auction, please contact Keith Roberts information.officer@autisminitiatives.org