Autism support group open hub for west Cumbrian families

Shirley Murphy founded the charity in September 2014, to provide help and support for parent carers, relatives and friends of children and adults who have (or are waiting for) a diagnosis of Autism.

ASAAC provides services such sensory play, youth clubs, home education group for individuals that cannot physically attend an educational setting due to their anxiety levels being so high.

The group has now opened a new hub  in Workington where they deliver some of their sessions including things such as sensory play. ASAAC said: "Our old premises was in a community centre in Workington and members of the public didn't know we were there, so the move has now made us more central and easier to find and can just pop in when we are open.

"The new premises means there has been more foot fall through the day, and an increase of people at the regular session we offer. We are busy trying to raise enough funds so we can have an all purpose sensory room installed.

Neurodiversity Champion PCSO Pete Nichol and Shirley from the Allerdale Autism Support Group (Image: Supplied)

"The charity will reach out to care homes and hire the room out for birthday parties as some children and adults who have Autism don't like to be sociable. It will be wheel chair accessible and will be open to hire to members of the public."

ASAAC works in partnership with other similar charities to help raise the awareness of Autism, as well as the local police who has a neurodiversity champion PCSO Pete Nichol who himself has Autism and ADHD, this role has been running for 2 years. The role works by doing home and school visits to talk to individuals about the impact that getting into trouble with the police may have on their future.

The charity has recently been approved to be an AQA centre to support individuals of any age to work through educational modules and receive an award certificate afterwards, which promotes self confidence and self-esteem.