Christmas Newsletter 2023

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has supported our projects throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic 2024 filled with growth, success, and continued collaboration.


  • Conducted Mental Health Occupational Therapy sessions in collaboration with Cup-O Tea, generously funded by the Norman Lamb Coalition for Young People.
  • Orchestrated the Norfolk Lakes Residential Holiday,where 15 young people got to expirence many new activities and make lasting friendships, made possible through the support of the Norfolk Community Foundation.
  • Facilitated Teen Support Groups, with assistance from the Breckland Youth Advisory Board.
  • Established a Community Hot Spot with the backing of the Norfolk Community Foundation.
  • Hosted Mental Health Wellbeing Art workshops, offering a creative outlet for individuals seeking support.
  • Fostered Adult Social groups in partnership with Norfolk Libraries, creating inclusive and supportive spaces.
  • Continued to manage the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership and the Norfolk All Age Autism Partnership, both who are well on their way to publishing their new refreshed plans in mid 2024.


More information on supporting Autistic people can be found here:
How to Survive Christmas – A Guide for Autistic Adults and Parents of Autistic Children
Christmas tips for autistic people and their families
Preparing for Christmas: autism resources
Top Tips to help make your Christmas autism-friendly
An autistic person’s guide to an autism-friendly Christmas

Looking for a new challenge in 2024?
Why not think about volunteering some of your time to support autistic people in Norfolk?

We have many opportunities open. If you are interested please email contact@asdhelpinghands.org.uk

Christmas Closing times

Our offices will be closed from 15:00 Thursday 22nd December 2023 and we will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2023 at 9:30am.


Support over the Christmas Period

The Christmas period can be a very difficult time for many of us, and many of our usual support mechanisms and services are not open or have limited availability. But even over Christmas, there are still places that you can go if you are feeling low or need some support. Below is a list of some of these services available over the Christmas period.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.

CALM’s helpline and webchat are open from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year.

Combat Stress

0800 1381 619
combatstress.org.uk
Treatment and support for armed forces veterans who have mental health problems.

Combat Stress’s helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The Compassionate Friends

0345 123 2304
tcf.org.uk
Provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child.

The Compassionate Friends helpline is open from 10am to 4pm, and 7pm to 10pm, every day of the year.

LGBT Foundation

0345 3 30 30 30
lgbt.foundation
Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+.

The LGBT Foundation helpline is open on weekdays 9am to 9pm and weekends 10am to 5:30pm.

Men’s Advice Line

0808 801 0327
mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member.

The Men’s Advice Line is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.

MoneyHelper

0800 138 7777 (English)
0800 138 0555 (Welsh)
18001 0800 915 4622 (text relay)
moneyhelper.org.uk
Provides free and impartial money advice.

The MoneyHelper helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. The helpline is closed on bank holidays. 

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

0808 801 0331
support@napac.org.uk
napac.org.uk
Supports adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Offers a helpline, email support and local services.

The NAPAC helpline is open 10am to 9pm, Monday to Thursday. And 10am to 6pm on Fridays.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247
nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. Also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They also have a BSL helpline available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. And a live webchat open Monday to Friday, 3pm to 10pm.

NHS 111 (England)

111
18001 111 (text relay)
NHS 111 BSL service
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
jo@samaritans.org
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

Samaritans’ helplines are open every day of the year.

Shout

85258 (text SHOUT)
giveusashout.org
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you’re in crisis and need immediate help.

Shout are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Tommy’s

tommys.org
Information and support for people affected by stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.

The Trussell Trust

0808 208 2138 (Help through Hardship helpline)
trusselltrust.org
Emergency food and support for people in need. Includes a searchable list of local foodbanks.

The Help through Hardship line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The helpline is closed on public holidays.


A massive thank you to all our supporters this year.

We couldn’t continue to do what we do without your ongoing support.

If you could help support our work, please consider donating to our cause.


All that is left for me to do for 2023 is to thank each and every one of you once again for your support, and finally, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year.

Season’s Greetings,

Lee Gibbons
Operations Manager
ASD Helping Hands

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Spring has sprung, and so has our excitement here at ASD Helping Hands!
 

 We can’t wait to share with you all the incredible things we have in store for the coming months. From innovative new programs to partnerships that will knock your socks off, we are ready to make this spring a season of growth and renewal.

But we don’t want to keep all the fun to ourselves! We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to provide essential resources and support to individuals with ASD and their families. Whether you’re a long-time member or a brand-new supporter, we are grateful for your enthusiasm and commitment to our mission.

So grab your sunglasses and your sunscreen, because things are about to get brighter around here! Let’s work together to make this spring a season of hope and possibility for all those affected by ASD.


Its a wrap for Just Diagnosed? Aylsham

Working with our long-standing partners at Aylsham High School and The Aylsham Community trust we provided our Just Diagnosed? course to 12 parents and carers from the Aylsham Community.  With dates already in the diary for the Autumn term and 2024, we look forward to being back as soon as possible!

Family Voice Conference 2023

Great to be back at the Family Voice Norfolk Conference after a 2-year break! Gemma, Lucy, and Lee were there to offer advice and guidance on our services and any concerns that parents and carers may have had.
Thank you for inviting us see you next year!

Community Hot-Spots set to finish

Throughout the winter we have been one of many places opening their doors and providing a warm space for those who are struggling to heat their own homes.

This has been funded by Norfolk Community Foundation and is due to finish on the 31st of March.


Brand New: Workshops

ASD Helping Hands offers a range of workshops designed to provide information and support to individuals with autism and their families. These workshops focus on various topics such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Short Breaks, and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

DLA Workshop

This workshop aims to give you knowledge and confidence on how to complete the Disability Living Allowance form and the process of appeal.

PIP Workshop

This workshop aims to give you knowledge and confidence on how to complete the Personal Independence Payment form and the process of appeal.

EHCP Workshop

This workshop aims to give you the knowledge around the process to apply for an Educational, Health and care plan for your child

Short Breaks Workshop

This workshop will give you advice and guidance around the short breaks application in Norfolk.

Norman Lamb Coalition Funding granted!

We are excited to announce that we have been awarded funding through the Norman Lamb Coalition of young people to host Occupational Therapist sessions for Autistic young people who have been refused service by the Mental Health Teams.

We will be reviewing our referral lists and contacting those that qualify for this service. We will be working in conjunction with Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services to offer this new service. 

Professional Services are Now Available

ASD Helping Hands now provides various professional services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. They aim to improve the quality of life for people with ASD by providing comprehensive support and resources.

Here are some of the specific services offered by ASD Helping Hands:

  1.     Easy Read Translation: We offer easy read translation services to make written information more accessible to individuals with ASD who may have difficulty processing complex or unfamiliar language.
  2.     Visual Aid Shop: We provide visual aids such as social stories, picture schedules, and visual communication cards to help individuals with ASD better understand and navigate their daily lives.
  3.     External Training / Speaker: We offer external training and speaking engagements for organizations and schools to raise awareness and provide education about ASD and related topics.
  4.     Autism Consultancy for Employers: We provide consultancy services for employers to help them create an inclusive workplace for individuals with ASD, including training and support for managers and employees.
  5.     Disability Benefits Form Completion and Appeals Assistance Service: We provide assistance with completing disability benefits forms and navigating the appeals process for individuals with ASD and their families.

Support and Social groups

We continue to offer Support and Social groups for Families, Young people, adults, and parents and carers.

With the increase in interest and inquiries about Teen Groups, we are now operating a waiting list and we require you to register your young person to attend, we will then notify you when a place has become available. 

We are also asking people to register for the family group, however, there is no waiting list for these groups.

We are excited to let you all know that at our next Dereham Family Support Group (25th March 2023). We will have some of the team from Norfolk Fire and Rescue joining us from 10:00 am to speak to you all about fires safety and you will get to have a chance to look around the Fire Engine

(please note – that if there is an emergency the fire crew may need to leave at short notice or may not be able to attend)


Updates from the Norfolk Autism Partnership and the Norfolk LD Partnerships

The Learning Disability Partnership is a group of people who live or work in Norfolk and want to make the lives of people with Learning disabilities better.

Lucy our Learning Disability coordinator has been working hard on setting up the five different locality groups and we look forward to seeing you at your nearest one.

We are always looking for people with a learning disability or their parents and carers to join the partnership. Do you want to have a say on how Norfolk changes for the better for people with a learning disability find out how by clicking the button below?

The Norfolk Autism Partnership has been working with the Norfolk Library service to offer social events for Autistic people across the county. We know have around 40 events a month. To find out your nearest check out our ‘What’s on?’ calendar. 

The next Autism Forum Norfolk is being held on the 22nd March via zoom. The next Autism Forum Norfolk is being held on the 22nd March via zoom. You will need to register to attend this event. This month our topic is Advocacy, we have two guest speakers and a chance for you to tell us about advocacy in Norfolk for Autistic people and anything else that is or isn’t working.


ASD Helping Hands is an independent registered charity supporting those with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Norfolk.

We rely on the generosity of our donors to keep going. If you can support us with any amount no matter how small please consider donating by using the button below.

Are you worried about paying monthly bills?

With the rise of inflation, fuel prices and the current cost of living crisis, it is understandable that many of us are feeling worried or anxious about making it to the end of the month while staying on top of all of our financial obligations.

Just remember you are not alone. Below we have compiled a list of support that you may wish to look into help you during this difficult time.

Broadband and Telephone Costs – Social tariffs

Social tariffs can provide a safety net for eligible households who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services.

Visit the Ofcom Website to see if you are entitled to join any of these Social Tarrifss and the eligibility.

Water & sewage charges

Talk to your water provider about getting help if you are finding it hard to pay. They may have another tariff available and can explain how they can help.

Anglian Water 03457 919 155

Other contact options: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/contact-us/

https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/account-and-bill/help-paying-your-water-bill/

Essex & Suffolk Water 0345 782 0111

Other contact options https://www.eswater.co.uk/help/contact/

https://www.eswater.co.uk/services/extra-support/financial-support/

Food Costs

Community fridges

Community fridges provide business and individuals with the opportunity to share food that otherwise would have been wasted. They are public places where surplus food is shared between people in a community. Anybody can access the community fridge, there is no need to register.

https://www.norfolkrecycles.com/communityaction/communityfridges/

Use the Google map below to find you local community fridge

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Social Supermarket

This is a new way of shopping, offering a wide range of affordable groceries to help people eat healthily. This brings together food that larger supermarkets might not sell, such as items with minimal damage to packaging or past their best before date. The priority is helping the community – not profit.

The Burrell Shop

The Burrell Shop provides good quality, affordable food to everyone on our estate. If you live in the ‘Burrell Ward’ you can become a member. After showing proof of address and paying a one-off joining fee of £3.50 per household, members can buy fresh, frozen, dried and tinned food, alongside toiletries, nappies and personal care items.

Billie Lawler is the shop manager: “Now, more than ever, people in our community are struggling financially. If you have been furloughed and are receiving just 80% of your usual wage, it can be impossible to manage,” she says. “The Burrell Shop will help people stretch their income further to ensure no one goes hungry. The shop stocks a fantastic range of food items and household essentials, and so much more besides. We plan to introduce recipe cards and cooking advice and have lots more ideas to help our local families!”

The shop is open

 MON TUES WED SAT 10AM TIL 12 MIDDAY
THURSDAY 9 TIL 1PM
CLOSED FRIDAY
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4PM TIL 6PM

To find out more contact: billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk



Transport costs

If you get the state pension, have you applied for a concessionary bus pass? If you have a disability, have you checked if you could get a disability bus pass?

www.norfolk.gov.uk/concessionarytravel

Telephone Norfolk County Council customer service centre 0344 8008020 Text Relay 18001 0344 800 8020

If you still need extra help  

You may be able to get help from a charity based on what job you do or have done, if you have a specific health condition, or live in a particular town/village. Some focus on people over/under a particular age.

Turn2us has a grant search tool https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ Norfolk Citizens advice grants directory https://www.ncab.org.uk/grants-directory

Money Support Service – Norfolk County Council

There are many reasons why people struggle with money. It may be a loss of benefits or a job, a relationship breakdown, an increase in living costs or a lack of budgeting skills. We can offer help and advice over the phone, or face-to-face support in your own home if needed.

www.norfolk.gov.uk/moneysupportservice  Phone: 01603 223392 (option 4) Email: MSS@norfolk.gov.uk

Turn to Us Benefit Calculator

Check that you are receiving all the correct benefits available to you.

Turn to Us Benefit Calculator

For more information on Disability Benefits please visit our Benefit information section

You can download the word document with this information if you prefer.

Download fact sheet here

Government release Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults: 2021 to 2026

The Autism Act 2009

In 2009 the Government passed the Autism Act. The aim of this act was to improve “services for autistic adults, underpinned by legally binding guidance to councils.”
National Autistic society

This was due to be reviewed every 5 years to make sure the priorities were being met and so that the guidance can be updated.

The Autism Act was put together by Dame Cheryl Gillian and Autistic charities and communities from across the UK.

2021 marks another review of this Act and with it the Governments priorities for the next 5 years.

The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026

To read the startgey at full you can click the buttons below:

 

The 6 Priority Areas

Below are the 6 priority areas that the 2021-2026 Autism Startegy focus on:

1. Improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society

The Goverment will significantly improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of autism, and show that autistic people feel more included and accepted in their communities. The Goverment also want the public to understand how autism can affect people differently, including the difference in how autistic women and girls present, and to help change people’s behaviour towards autistic people and their families. They want many more businesses, public sector services and different parts of the transport system to become more autism-inclusive, so that autistic people can access these spaces and services, just like everyone else.

2.Improving autistic children and young people’s access to education and supporting positive transitions into adulthood

The Goverment want the SEND system to enable autistic children and young people to access the right support, within and outside of school. We want schools to provide better support to autistic children and young people, so they are able to reach their potential, and to show that fewer autistic children are permanently excluded or suspended from school due to their behaviour. They will make improvements to the support autistic people get in their transitions into adulthood, so that more autistic people can live well in their own communities, find work or higher education or other opportunities. This is important in preventing more young people from avoidably reaching crisis point or being admitted into inpatient mental health services.

3. Supporting more autistic people into employment

The Goverment will make progress on closing the employment gap for autistic people, ensuring that more people who are able and want to work can do so and that those who have found a job are less likely to fall out of work. They want more employers to be confident in hiring and supporting autistic people, and to improve autistic people’s experiences of being in work.

4. Tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people

The Goverment want to reduce the health and care inequalities that autistic people face throughout their lives, and to show that autistic people are living healthier and longer lives. In addition, they want to have made significant progress on improving early identification, reducing diagnosis waiting times and improving diagnostic pathways for children and adults, so autistic people can access a timely diagnosis and the support they may need across their lives.

5. Building the right support in the community and supporting people in inpatient care

The Goverment will achieve the targets set out in the NHS Long Term Plan to reduce the number of autistic people and people with a learning disability being admitted into inpatient mental health services. They will do so by improving the treatment of autistic people in mental health legislation to prevent people from being avoidably admitted to inpatient care and improving the provision of community mental health and crisis support. The Goverment will also improve the suitability and availability of housing support and social care. In addition, for people who do need to be in inpatient mental health settings, the quality of care will be better and more tailored to their individual needs and people will be discharged back into their communities as soon as they are well enough to leave.

6. Improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems

The Goverment will build a clearer understanding of how autistic people come into contact with the criminal and youth justice systems, and the type of support they may need across court, prison and under probation supervision. They will improve the police and wider criminal and youth justice system staff’s understanding of autism so that autistic people are more able to receive the right support, adjusted to their needs, as well as ensuring that different parts of the justice system – from prisons to courts – become more autism-inclusive.

In order to achieve this an Implentation plan has been drawn up, you can see this by clicking the button below

Our thoughts

Wer have come along way since The Autism Act of 2009 espically here in Norfolk. We have one of the most sucessful All Age Autism Partnership boards with input from multiply Autistic people and their family/carers as well as a wide ranging of professional from Health Local Autority and voluntary (charity) sector.

While the past ten years have seen great strides int he supprot offered to Autistic People of all ages there is unfortunatly more that needs to happen. Espically in Norfolk we are faced with :

  • Long diagnosis waiting lists from both Adutls and Children, sometimes up to 3/4 years
  • Struggiling educational provision with a high percentage of Autistic children not in a placement or not in a suitable placement, and even more not recieve the help and support they need at our main stream provisions
  • A high number of unemployed Austistic Adults
  • Parents and Carers who struggle to support the SEN Childrend and disabled family memebers both financially and emotionally due to lack of support and services

We will keep on working and championing the rights of  not only Autistic people but their families and carers. We welcome the Autism Strategy for 2021-2026 but the work isn’t and is far from over yet.

What are yout thorughts on The national strategy for autistic  children, young people and adults:  2021 to 2026? Do yout think the priorities are correct has something been missed that you think needs action now ?  Let us know!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It’s not too early, is it? I have had my tree up since 30th November and I think that should be allowed considering the year we have had.

As we look back over 2020 it was one turbulent ride but with light at the end of the tunnel, I hope we can soon start to look forward and begin to start planning again.

As you will all be aware 2020 has taken its toll on our services and how we can interact and support you. In March we had to close all of our Support groups across the country and were unable to open these after the first lockdown as we were unable o make them truly secure for you and your family. We are now working towards getting these back up and running for March ’21 depending on how things go but we can’t wait to to see you all again.

Although this year has certainly been difficult it has made us work differently and look for new opportunities none of which were as big as our online Autism Information Day which was accessed by over 1800 people before the 4th December. it was great to see so many people involved from speakers to stallholders and the attendees themselves. Lot’s of great discussions going on during the Zoom sessions and plenty more questions and answers afterwards. This worked so well this year that we are considering making this an annual online event. What do you think?


With Christmas on the horizon, I hope you have managed to find time to get those presents from your highstreets or the Amazon deliveries have made it on time, but the big changes in routine and te expectations can be the ultimate challenge for someone with Autism and Neurodiversity. I headed over to our Social Media Profiles to get some ideas from you about how to make Christmas a much more bearable experience fro you and your families. Here are a few I have picked out for you:

Don’t give all presents at once. Steady them out throughout the day to allow time to process and regulate

Gemm (Facebook)

I would say try to tone down the hype around Santa coming on Christmas Eve, too much excitement and lack of sleep teamed with the massive build-up can quickly cause sensory overload on Christmas morning

Lauren (Facebook)

I fully agree with spacing out presents, over several days if necessary.

If you have relatives who want to swamp them with presents and then watch them open them all, you could explain in advance that they find it too much in one go, but that doesn’t mean you don’t all appreciate the effort/thought/sentiment etc.

Oh and if someone’s Christmas dinner is chicken breast, mashed potato, raw carrot and absolutely no gravy, that’s ok😀

Sandra (Facebook)

My tips are to keep the decorations to one area of the house making it easier to escape if people become overwhelmed or frustrated and don’t try to reach other peoples expectations. You have a day that you and your family can enjoy and that’s all that matters.

More tips and advice about Christmas can be found on the National Autistic Societies website here

Do you have any tips for a stress-free Christmas (if there is such a thing) share them with us on our Facebook / Twitter or leave them in the comment section below?


As we look forward to the New Year, have you ever wanted to take on a new challenge and try something new??

What about becoming a member of our Board of Trustees ?

It might sound like a lot of work and stress but we meet 4 times a year to discuss the charity makes plans for the next few months and ensure we are doing everything we can to support those with Autism and their Families.

Think you up to the challenge? Take a look at the role and apply by clicking here


To finish off we are having an extended break over the Christmas after this year I think we all deserve it. So we will be closed from Wednesday 23rd December until 5th January 2021

All that is left for me to do is wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year and for those who do not celebrate Christmas. I hope you have an enjoyable and well-deserved break, but a bigger good wish to all those key workers, NHS staff, Emergency services and retail staff that will keep us going over the festivities.

Lee Gibbons
Operations Manager
ASD Helping Hands

The Autism Information Service

Good Morning,
 
I am writing to update you on the offer of support that ASD Helping Hands will provide from the 12/10/2020.
 
The Family Support service we have offered for the past ten years will change to the “Autism Information and Advice Service
 
There have been a number of reasons we have had to make this change including:
 
-Reduced funding for the Family Support Service
 
-An exponential increase in refferals over the past years. We can now recieve anywhere from 8-12 refferals a week from families and professionals, creating an increased demand on the service.
 
-Avaliability of volunteers
About Us page featured image
The Autism Information and Advice Service will allow us to address your concerns and queries quicker while offering better support to those families who require it.
 
Instead of refferals you can submit your queries/questions and one of our Autism Advisors will be in contact to discuss and offer you advice, guidance and solutions on a case by case basis. There will be avenues if you require further support on a  specific issues, for example an Education, Health and Care Plan application.
 
The Autism Information and Advice service will offer information and advice on:
  • SEN Support and Educational Health and Care Plans
  •  The Autism Diagnosis Pathway for Norfolk both Children and Adult
  • The Welfare system and guidance on how to complete and apply for disability benefits, as well as information on appealing decisions
  • Challenging behaviours relating to an Autism Spectrum Disorder or associated condition.
  •  Housing issues which impact the individual with Autism and their family
  • Short break applications and young carers groups.
  • Adult Social Care and Personal Budgets
  • Suitable Training courses and Events

We will also signpost you to other services if their support would be more appropriate. 

Activity Days featured image
When this service goes live (on the 12/10/2020) you can submit queires through our website www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk or using the email address contact@asdhelpinghands.org.uk.
 
If you are still waiting to be contacted by our Family Support team this will still happen and we ask that you bare with us during this transistion period. 
 
Refferals for the Family Support service will close immediately.
 
We hope that this new approach will allow us to reduce the waiting times and increase the value of advice and guidance we provide.
 
We will still continue to offer advice and information to those of any age, any location, with any Spectrum condition and most importantly to those with and without a diagnosis.
 
Thank you for your continued support,
 
Best Wishes
 
Lee Gibbons
Operations Manager
ASD Helping Hands

 

Ageing With Autism 2019

Our Third Ageing With Autism Information Day was held on 16th October 2019 and we welcomed a variety of professionals, parents/carers and organisations.

(more…)

Autism and Social Gaming Report – #WalkingForAutism

It all started back in January when I decided to write about some of the good experiances that I have had / seen whilst playing the Pokémon GO app, both through general play and whilst doing my job helping young adults out in the community. As I started to make this a reality I had a sudden thought that Niantic (the creaters of the game) might be interested in my experiances and also might be able to help us run a event locally as part of our Autism Awearness Week lineup.

I sent the e-mail in mid January and soon got a reply from someone the Niantic Partnership team that wanted to have a video chat with myself and our Operations Manager where we explained what our Charity does and some of our experiances with the game and how I had now started to write up a report on how the game had helped people that we worked with and also others in the local area.

During the video chat they confirmed that Niantic were going to support us putting on the #WalkingForAutism Event and that they were more then happy to put some in-game bonuses at a location of our choosing with the aim of showing support and doing some fundraising at the event. They have also offered to match donations made during the event (10am – 2pm GMT) which the money raised will be used by our charity for local projects for people living with Autism.

The event which is hapening on Saturday 6th April is called : #WalkingForAutism at Whitlingham Country Park, Norwich, the event will have the following in game bonuses, additional game locations (Pokéstops) along the walkways around the beautiful Whitlingham Great Broad. Trainers will also find that Lures last for hours and may see more Pokémon than usual.

I would like to also thank the amazing people from both the “Pokémon GO! Norwich/East Anglia” Facebook group and the “Pokémon GO! Norwich” Discord for the huge responce and input when I asked for some personal experiences to put into the report. (Sadly I could not use all of them in as the report would have been alot bigger)

The event page can be found here : #WalkingForAutism Event Page

Blog Posted By : Ben Thomas

Images Designed By : Ben Thomas

Thank you for reading our blog post, we look forward to seeing everyone at the event on Saturday.

To keep up with our future updates please like our Facebook Page here : ASD Helping Hands