22/3/2018
Future 50 appeal launches today
This year is Autism Together’s 50th Anniversary, and today we are launching our biggest appeal yet – our Future 50 Appeal. We want to build a world-first autism assessment and diagnostic centre where we’ll be using biometric technology to support those on the autistic spectrum.
Want to find out more?
Read on!
Christine McGuinness pledges her support for our Future 50 Appeal
Christine McGuinness, wife of TV star Paddy McGuiness, has pledged her support for our Future 50 Appeal by helping us create a short fundraising film. The star is mum of autistic twins Leo and Penelope, and introduces our special campaign film where you can hear our stories and learn how you can help our future vision become a reality.
What is biometric technology and how will we use it?
Scientists in the US have shown that changes in body signals may be able to predict rapid mood changes before they happen in people with autism, so support workers can monitor rapid mood swings and head off any potential crises.
AT will be trialling biometric wristbands from this spring with residents at a Wirral care home.
The placement crisis – how the Future 50 Appeal will help
NHS figures from 2015 show that as many as 24,000 people with learning disabilities or autism were at risk of admission to hospital, revealing the large number of people in crisis at any one time.
Autism Together believes biometric technology could help solve the national placement crisis.
Our plans for a world-leading autism centre
The Future 50 Appeal and building project will see the charity’s original residential home, Raby Hall in Wirral, replaced with an autism-specific building suitable for up to 12 patients.
Easter Egg Hunt
Join us for this EGG-citing event on Monday, 2nd April to have lots of Easter-themed fun and also to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day!
There will be lots to do for the whole family including Easter trails and egg hunts, crafts and refreshments, with the chance to pot your own blue cornflower seeds in your blue plant pot for World Autism Awareness Day.
This event will take place from 11am – 3pm at Port Sunlight River Park, follow this link below for further details.
Autism-friendly activities
Plenty going on in and around Wirral and Liverpool over the next month and all Autism Friendly! From cinema trips, to visits at the museum, get these dates in your diary.
If you are aware of any other regular autism friendly events taking place, please get in touch and let us know.
Cheshire Oaks Autism Friendly shopping – Tuesday 10th April 5-8pm.
Cheshire Oaks are part of our Autism Champions and once a month they host an autism friendly shopping experience, where lights are dimmed, music turned low, quiet spaces and if you go straight to the visitors centre you can collect a map of the site and an alert card you can use to show a member of staff if you require any assistance.
Mattel Play, Liverpool – Wednesday, 28th March – 4:30-6:30pm (£7 per child with 2 carers for free).
Capacity is limited during these sessions to ensure a calm and relaxed experience for all guests. Mattel Play are also one of Autism Together’s Champions and host monthly sessions.
Cinema Screenings
Autism friendly cinema screenings are great for the whole family, the volume is lowered and the lights are raised, there is also no adverts before the film as it goes straight to feature. Most cinemas offer discounted tickets and all cinemas accept CEA Cards.
Vue Cinema, Birkenhead & Cheshire Oaks – showing Ferdinard on Sunday, 25th March at 10:15am.
Showcase Cinema, Liverpool – showing Peter Rabbit on Sunday, 8th April at 10am.
FACT Cinema, Liverpool – showing Home 2D on Sunday, 25th March at 11:30am.
International Slavery Museum in Liverpool will be hosting an Autism Friendly session from 10am – 12noon on Sunday 25th March. The Gallery will be open to the public, but this is a quieter time and noise levels in the galleries will be reduced during this time (autism friendly visual guides are available on the Liverpool Museums website).
Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool will also be hosting an Autism Friendly session from 10am – 12noon on Sunday, 25th March. This is also open to the public, but this is a quieter time and noise levels will be reduced during this time (autism friendly visual guides are available on the Liverpool Museums website).
Spring City Trampoline Park, Liverpool – they host sessions every Sunday morning from 9am – 10am. A fun session to be enjoyed by the whole family, adults and children; staff have been trained in autism (not provided by AT) and the environment has been adapted to suit all.
