Wirral Autistic Society, working in partnership with Wirral Coastal Rangers, have secured two grants for development around the new Thurstaston visitor centre, ready for summer 2014. The Love Wirral Grant was supported by an online vote where local residents have had the opportunity to vote for the projects they would like to see receive funding, and our glacial rock display had the most votes out of any of the current projects.
Neil Murphy, Wirral Autistic Society – Community Development Activity Manager, said “Our service users are overwhelmed to have been successful in two grant awards and cannot wait to get started with both projects, which will compliment the development at the Thurstaston visitor centre.
Our service users are very proud to have won the “Love Wirral Grant”. The team will be creating an exciting glacial rock display in a prime location at Thurstaston visitor centre. The display will open to everyone and will include wheel chair and pram friendly access. The group will also further extending the access path to the cliff edge for everyone to enjoy the spectacular views over the estuary to North Wales.
The second grant we were successful with was from the Wirral West Public Health Grant Fund, This grant will fund the team to create access paths for all, around the hidden ponds of Thurstaston common. The hidden ponds are a haven of wildlife and environmental education which will soon reveal their hidden beauty. The new paths and seating areas will also provide escapism and a beautiful place to relax
I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to attend the Volunteer Task Days and show what can be done by a motivated and dedicated community..”
The team plan to have completed both projects by July 2014 ready for the summer.
Volunteer Task Days
As part of the Wirral Walking Festival 2014, service users will be inviting anyone interested to join them carry out important access and pathway maintenance.
Booking essential. Contact 0151-648-4371 or email: wcp@wirral.gov.uk
Both projects and the volunteer tasks days enable people with autism to overcome everyday challenges whilst creating and achieving things everyone in the community can share and be part of.
Vicky Gawith, Wirral Autistic Society – Trusts Fundraiser, said “The work that Neil and Sevice Users, from our Enterprise Centre, carry out is a real benefit to all in the local community. It will allow access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters to the Dee cliffs for the first time, enabling many more people to appreciate the spectacular views over to Wales. It was really exciting for us to receive such good feedback to the online vote and we would like to thank everybody who took part.”
