Blue is the colour of World Autism Awareness Day – April 2, 2015

Wirral Autistic Society (WAS) is asking families, schools, businesses and communities across the region to join in with a campaign to raise awareness of autism.

(L to R) Laura Edwards - Wirral Autistic Society, Ken Dodd at the launch of Get Your Blue On

(L to R) Laura Edwards – Wirral Autistic Society, Ken Dodd at the launch of Get Your Blue On

The ‘Get your blue on’ campaign encourages people to take part in World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday 2 April by dressing in blue, pinning a blue ribbon to their lapel, decorating their workplace or school with blue balloons – or even illuminating their building with blue lights.

Public buildings and venues across the region have already promised to light up blue, including Goodison Park, Chester Cathedral, the New Brighton and Hoylake lighthouses, Wallasey and Birkenhead town halls, the Bromborough Village Hotel and shops, the Light Cinema in New Brighton and the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight.

The United Nations General Assembly first designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. WAS, which employs 800 people and supports over 300 people with autism, has marked the day every year.

Chief executive of WAS, Robin Bush, said, “The reality is that one in every hundred people is affected by autism. We want to increase understanding of the condition and how people with autism can lead full, productive lives, contributing to community life.

“World Autism Awareness Day is a day to be positive and have fun promoting a very worthwhile cause. We’d love as many people as possible to get involved by getting their blue on – and want to say a huge thank you to the organisations which have already promised their support.

“We’re also working with partners to put on a range of special events across the region to mark the day including autism-friendly film screenings and evening of music, dance and drama in Port Sunlight.”

HOW TO GET YOUR BLUE ON

  • Hold a blue-themed cake sale at school or work
  • Sell Wirral Autistic Society’s blue ribbons
  • Decorate your school, office or home with blue balloons or bunting
  • Hold a blue-themed non-uniform day at school
  • Make blueberry pancakes or blue cupcakes for your friends
  • Wear your favourite blue shirt, tie, scarf or hat
  • Turn your Facebook profile picture blue
  • Put blue cellophane on your windows, with white bulbs behind them
  • Drape your building with blue fairy lights or rope lights
  • Change regular light bulbs for blue bulbs
  • Email fundraising@wirral.autistic.org for a fundraising pack or call 0151 334 7510
    Tell us your plans on Facebook or Twitter – @WAStweeters

SPECIAL EVENTS TO MARK THE DAY

  • Mass balloon release from The Dips in New Brighton – 4.30pm. The opportunity to write a comment about your experience of autism and attach it to the balloon. For further information please contact: Terry Usher 0151 334 7510 or email terry.usher@wirral.autistic.org
  • Autism-friendly film screenings at The Light cinema in New Brighton. 5.30pm – Home, 7.30pm – Insurgent (12A). Tickets cost £5 on the door and include popcorn.
  • Me, Myself and I – an evening of music, drama, song and images from the media and performing arts groups of WAS. Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight – tickets cost £3 from www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk