The Wirral Autistic Society’s Connected Department, attended the National Autistic Society`s Professional Conference in Harrogate on the 4th and 5th of March, 2014.
The Connected group, which is facilitated by Yvonne Crowhurst and Hema Chandrashekhar, was shortlisted for a National Award for the Best Innovative Community Project at the Awards Dinner.
There were a range of speakers including professionals, drawing together examples of best practice across a range of sectors, keynote sessions given by top international speakers, including Professor Roy Richard Grinker and Professor Christopher Gillberg, presenting an overview of the changing autism environment and a series of expert seminars provided practical strategies for professionals. It was very exciting and interesting to listen to the speakers talk positively about autism. The guest speakers included Ros Blackburn (a woman with autism) and stand-up comedian John Williams (who has a son with autism) who was hilarious.
Robin Bush, Chief Executive, said “The Conference and Awards Dinner was very exciting and although we didn’t win, we took third place nationally which reflects the high standards of our organisation, the whole team had a great time and were able to meet some very interesting people involved with autism along the way.”
Pictured (L to R); Jill Lockett, Jane Carolan, Robin Bush, Yvonne Crowhurst, Yvonne Smith and Hema Chandrashekhar.
Connected runs every Thursday evening 5 till 7pm and is for people with Asperger’s. People outside of WAS join who may otherwise be isolated but want to make friends and go out and have fun.
The Connected group go on social outings, decided by the group members such as cafés, cinemas, restaurants, bowling, film nights at Oak House and chatting sessions where we can discuss topics and people get to know each other and make friends.
