Winter edition 2022 www.ne-as.org.uk
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WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME… Our Christmas campaign unwrapped
CELEBRATION OF GIVING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Plus… From the CEO’s desk Save the Dates and much more! 1
Notes from our CEO Here at the North East Autism Society we’ve been thinking long and hard about what Christmas means to us ... the theme of our festive campaign this year.
We’ve had a really good 2022. Everyone has pulled out all the stops to provide excellent services that are wellregarded nationally, and we should celebrate that fact. Our last big development of the year - Kiora Hall school in Stockton, Teesside – opened in September to meet the specialist needs of local children, and will be at capacity by the end of term. Parents have welcomed it as a godsend, and one mum told us: “When Kiora opened, it was like every Christmas had come at once!” The Society is in pretty good shape but we need to keep it like that, and we know we are entering uncertain times economically as well as a cost-of-living crisis. That means we will have to navigate the year ahead with caution. Given the potential cuts in public spending, we need to guard against overstretching with new work and making sure that the work we have got is sustainable. Everything we can do to save money through being careful will make a big difference. So, what does Christmas mean to us this year? First and foremost, it’s about pushing ahead with our mission to put autistic people at the heart of everything we do, advocating for acceptance and challenging our own understanding of autism.
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John Phillipson Chief Executive Officer
That’s why we are organising training on autism and neurodiversity for all our staff which will be delivered by autistic researchers at Sunderland University. Kieran Rose and Dr Amy Pearson will update us on the key issues being debated in academia because we want to be at the cutting edge of practice. The more research there is involving autistic people, the clearer their voice comes through. Secondly, Christmas this year is about kindness. People don’t have a lot of money to spare at the moment, so we’re focusing on the little things we can all do to make the festive season accessible to everyone (see pages 8-9). We’re also shining a light on the amazing work of our staff – which we’re celebrating in our Star Awards 2022 (page 14) – and the generosity of our donors and fundraisers with our Celebration of Giving (pages 6-7). However you’re marking it, I hope you have an enjoyable and peaceful festive season and a happy New Year.
John P hillipson
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Save the Date…
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Celebration of Giving
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What Christmas Means to Me
We’re on the countdown to Christmas and we’ve put together a list of festive dates you don’t want to miss.
Read some of the incredible stories of our top supporters this year and find out how you can join us in 2023 – there’s something for everyone!
Acceptance, kindness, joy… All these things and more, that’s what Christmas means to me my love! Unwrap our Christmas campaign..
10 Sharing the love
Read more about our limited-edition merchandise featuring Mackenzie Thorpe’s iconic artwork.
12 “NEAS support helped me understand what my child needs”
Read Alice O’Neill’s story on how our North Tyneside Hubs helped her family.
14 Spotlight on… our Star Awards finalists It’s back… but with a difference! Discover who’s been shortlisted for our Society awards evening.
16 Highlights of the Year
From our new school in Stockon to welcoming four new patrons – it’s been a year to remember.
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North East Autism Society Unit 15 Lumley Court Drum Industrial Estate Chester-le-Street DH2 1AN 0191 410 9974 info@ne-as.org.uk www.ne-as.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1028260 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620
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On your marks, get set … bake! c a u tis m a cc epta n e
Think Christmas puddings, mince pies and gingerbread men – all in the name of a jolly good cause. nc e cep ta aut ism a c
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How to get involved
How it will help
From ambitious gingerbread houses to festive puddings, cookies and cupcakes, you can be as creative as you like - the only criteria is that the bakes have to be homemade.
Be in it to win it
All funds raised will help us to continue delivering our vital frontline services to autistic individuals and their families across the region.
Challenge your family and friends, classmates or colleagues to don their aprons and whip up some sweet treats this Christmas.
And don’t forget to submit photos of your bake off entries to fundraising@ne-as.org.uk – there are prizes up for grabs for the most impressive designs!
Let them eat cake
Set up a stall or table in your home, office or classroom and ask people to make a small donation to taste the entries. au
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To register visit: ne-as.org.uk/bakeoff Contact the fundraising team: Fundraising@ne-as.org.uk 4
0191 410 9974
Registered Charity No. 1028260 | Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620
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Save the Dates
With Christmas just around the corner we’ve put together a list of festive activities you don’t want to miss!
Host your own fun-raising event!
Winter Fetes We’re excited to announce that our winter fetes are back! Step into Christmas and browse the amazing products on sale handmade by the children, young people and adults across our services.
Whether you’re looking to take part in a school, office or even your home, we have ideas to help you sleigh your event.
New Warlands Farm – 26th November Aycliffe School – 13th December
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Looking to host your own event throughout the festive period and fundraise for NEAS? We’ve put together a festive pack YULE love.
Each school that pledges to join us this Christmas will receive a Christmas toolkit, to help educate pupils about some of the challenges autistic people may face throughout the festive period and how they can help a classmate.
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Sign-up to receive your pack at: www.ne-as.org.uk/CountdownToChristmas
2nd December On your marks, get set… bake! Join us for the North East Autism Society’s Great Christmas Bake Off. Find out more at: www.ne-as.org.uk/christmasbakeoff22
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9th December Back – like Santa – by popular demand it’s our annual Jolly Jumper Day. To take part simply don your Christmas-themed garment and make a small donation to us when you do. Sign-up to the event at: www.ne-as.org.uk/jjd2022
Find out more online at: ne-as.org.uk/events
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Celebration of Giving Much of the work we do wouldn’t be possible without the fundraising efforts of our incredible supporters, and this year they came out in force!
With 35 runners taking on the Great North Run, nine intrepid cyclists tackling our overseas challenge, our own services holding events and people thinking of new ways to support us, we celebrate some of our top supporters of 2022.
Craig Huddart Father-of-four tackles year-long challenge which sees him run 10k every day, except for Sundays where he runs a half marathon! Through all the challenges that have been thrown at Craig this year - not limited to starting his own company and catching Covid - he’s soldiered on and he’s now at the final leg of the journey. Craig’s fundraising has already topped £1,800 helping us to continue our lifeline services.
Holly Pemberton and James Gordon In May 2022, Hollie Pemberton and James Gordon trekked to Everest Base Camp in aid of NEAS. The pair, from Sunderland, took on the once-ina-lifetime challenge, aiming to raise £1,000 each for NEAS and the Ashleigh Lodge Care Home. Hollie’s nephew had been diagnosed as autistic. 6
They smashed their fundraising target during their 15-day trek, raising an incredible £2,926.59 including Gift Aid for NEAS. And they weren’t finished there – Hollie got in touch with her employer, Hays Travel, which matched her fundraising pound-for-pound, giving an overall donation of £5,561.59!
Cleardata In April, employees from Cleardata’s Blyth office took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The company is a long-time supporter of NEAS, having been a sponsor on our cycling challenge jerseys since the inaugural ride in 2019. The team conquered the gruelling 24-mile route within their 12-hour target. On top of their efforts on the Yorkshire hills, the team managed to smash their fundraising target, raising a total of £1,220.25 – more than double what they’d been hoping for.
Ezra Herrington As part of Autism Acceptance Week, six-year-old Ezra Hetherington set out to walk at least two miles a day collecting litter, accompanied by his family members and their dog, Betsy.
Pledge to join us in 2023… Will 2023 be the year you tick a challenge off your bucket list? Whether you’re a runner or a walker, cyclist or a swimmer – we have a host of activities coming up for you and your family to get involved in.
At the time, Ezra was on a reduced school timetable whilst waiting for a start date for a support worker, following his autism diagnosis. Ezra’s mum, Kelly, says they wanted to give back to a charity that supports local families in a similar situation. Kelly set up a JustGiving fundraising page to collect donations for NEAS, with a target of £50. Within a few hours, the donations had exceeded the target, and kept growing to an amazing £718.75
To start the New Year with a bang we’ll be launching our very own ‘Couch to 5k’ in January, with the goal of having all participants running 5k confidently in time for World Autism Acceptance Day on April 1st. Why not use the event to kick-start your training for Great North Run? Remember – it’s not about your finish time or when you cross the line, it’s about the atmosphere on the day and the cheers you hear along the way! If running isn’t your cup of tea, we’ll also be launching new walking challenges including a beginner-level accessible walk in the local area. And, as always, we’ll have our annual Walk for Acceptance in April with lots of new surprises on the day. 2023 will also see the return of our cycling challenge and virtual cycling challenge – meaning you can join us next year from your own home or gym, as well as family-fun events like Clarty Bairns and Junior and Mini Great North Run. Register to find out more about our events at: www.ne-as.org.uk/celebration-of-giving Or Whatsapp the team if you’d like to discuss ideas for your own event on 07585976080
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What Christmas means to me
Our theme is What Christmas means to me – after the vintage Stevie Wonder song – and we think it’s more important than ever during difficult times to shine a light on the little things that can make us happy. What does Christmas mean to NEAS? Acts of kindness, advocating for acceptance, supporting each other and educating people about neurodiversity … all these things and more are at the top of our wish list. So we’ll be highlighting what is important to autistic individuals and their families, and looking at what businesses and relatives can do to create an autismfriendly Christmas. Don’t miss our stocking fillers in the form of videos, downloads, interviews, stories and a great big digital 8
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This Christmas we’ll be focusing on what the festive season means to autistic people and their families, and how to make the big day more inclusive. advent calendar designed to help everyone get the same opportunities to celebrate Christmas. We’d love you to get involved. Whether it’s telling us what Christmas means to you, taking part in our Great Christmas Bake Off or Jolly Jumper Day, signing up to receive our festive toolkits or buying small gifts from our Christmas shop – you’ll be helping us to continue our lifeline support. Make sure you check your emails and follow our website and social media throughout December to stay in The Loop with our Christmas campaign. To send us a message, email marketing@ne-as.org.uk.
I see your smiling face Like I’ve never seen before Even though I love you madly It seems I love you more The little cards you give me Will touch my heart for sure All these things and more, darling That’s what Christmas means to me, my love - Stevie Wonder song
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Sharing the love World-renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe puts love at the centre of much of his work in the form of bright red hearts.
So we can’t think of a better way of sharing the love this Christmas than a new range of products featuring Mackenzie’s iconic artwork. The Middlesbrough-born artist – a patron of the North East Autism Society – will launch the range at our Christmas market at New Warlands Farm on Saturday 26th November. It will also be available to buy on our website. Every penny from sales of the greeting cards, gifts and stocking-fillers will go directly to NEAS to help support our lifeline services. The range includes cards, mugs, tote bags, trolley keyrings, pin badges and pens, and all feature designs from Mackenzie’s paintings Love Picker and Picked With Love. Mackenzie is a proud patron of NEAS, which he describes as “a wonderful organisation with an undeniable sense of family to it. It is my honour to be part of that family.
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“I have seen first-hand the difference their support makes to individuals and families giving autistic people hope of a bright future as they take their next steps. I am so very lucky to be able to help in my own small way.”
Mackenzie has already been incredibly generous to the charity, donating an original painting called Welcome To My World to mark the opening of our new Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school in South Bank. He also created the labels for the cider produced at New Warlands Farm.
Here is a short guide to the artist and his work: His life
The hearts
An undiagnosed dyslexic, Mackenzie struggled at school but loved drawing. “I’ve drawn all my life – I don’t remember not drawing,” he told the Teesside Gazette in an interview.
The child
The artist was born in Middlesbrough in 1956 and was the oldest of seven children. His dad was a labourer and his mother an auxiliary nurse.
He left school at 15 with no qualifications and worked in the shipyards before getting into Cleveland College of Art, followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. “I took my paints out and painted a man in a steelworks – everyone else was painting flowers,” he says. He and his wife Susan returned North to Richmond to set up a gallery, and he has since become one of the world’s most collected artists, touring Asia, Australia and the US. But he has never left his North East roots behind: “It’s just me – I can’t escape it. It’s my therapy, it’s my world.”
Hearts feature A LOT in Mackenzie’s work. He says love is the biggest and most important part of life, and that he draws hearts “because everybody recognises it means love.”
A whole series of paintings features a faceless child, a symbol of love and innocence. They have no face because they represent everyone: “We’ve all been there, we’ll all be there again, and we’ll all get through.”
The duffle coat
The duffle coat was a hand-me-down from Mackenzie’s uncle when he was young: “That made me feel I was as strong as him, I didn’t have to be scared.” So the coat is a form of protection. See Mackenzie explaining his work here.
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Hub helped me understand what my child needs
Alice O’Neill
The idea that her toddler son Sam might be autistic had not even occurred to Alice O’Neill when she reached out to her health visitor for help.
“Without the hub, I don’t think I would have been as far forward or have the correct understanding of autism and the support my child needs.”
A lot of families feel quite isolated when they get a diagnosis and don’t know where to turn for help. That’s where the Family Development Team steps in, Kerrie says. “To have So she was surprised when the health visitor put her in that direct link is really important because it gives families touch with the Family Development Team at the North East the right information at the right time in the right place.” Autism Society to attend an autism workshop. Alice agrees, and has told friends with autistic or It turned out to be a godsend, however. Kerrie Highcock, neurodivergent children all about the hubs. Family Development Manager, helped support Alice through the maze of getting Sam assessed, seeking an Education, Health and Care Plan, and applying for Disability “It gives parents somewhere to go, ask questions,” Living Allowance.
she says.
And the autism hubs, workshops and one-to-one sessions that Kerrie’s team runs have also helped Alice understand autism better and what three-year-old Sam needs.
“Because it’s relaxed, you don’t feel anxious and never feel like you’re saying the wrong thing. It’s all about support and help, which I think parents “Before I came to the hub, I didn’t know anything need.” about sensory needs – I didn’t even realise it was a thing,” says Alice, who lives in Hazelrigg, No referral is necessary to access support from Kerrie’s Newcastle, with Sam. team. Instead, parents should contact Family Development via email at kerrie.highcock@ne-as.org.uk or by phone at 0191 492 4384.
“I always learned about stimming (selfstimulating behaviour) and realised that Sam You can also apply to join their Facebook group called does lots of things that I would never have known North East Autism Society – Family Networking. were stims until it was explained to me. 12
Support for families in North Tyneside Autism Hub: free for parents / carers of children 5 and over who are post diagnosis of autism and living in North Tyneside Toddler Groups: free for parents / carers of children pre, during or post diagnosis of autism
For more information contact: Kerrie.Highcock@ne-as.org.uk or visit: www.ne-as.org.uk/family-development-services
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Team of the Year
Meldan, Adults Residential New Warlands Farm Short Breaks The Court, Adults Residential Independent Supported Living, Bedlington Independent Supported Living, Parkland Court Residential Activity Support Class 1, Thornhill Park School
Star Awards On Tour It’s that time of year when we celebrate our brilliant staff at the Society’s annual Star Awards.
People’s Choice
Emma Wise, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre School Family Development Team Belford, Children’s Residential Adam Bowes, Cedar House Chloe Winter, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre
Unsung Hero
Colleagues, families and members of the public were asked to nominate members of staff who had gone the extra mile during lockdown and beyond.
Training team Emma Watson, Education Sandra Renney, Ashton Claire Robson, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre
The stories they told about acts of kindness, devotion and unstinting care were incredible, and left our judges with a very difficult job.
Newcomer
Here are some of the stories they heard …
“I’ve never worked with a team with such patience and love. They inspire me to be better every day.” “She helped me cope during the most difficult times. Her work is so precious and a real lifeline.” “I can’t imagine my son’s world without this staff member. How lucky we are to have him, he’s a superhero.” You can see all the finalists for our eight awards here. The winners were being announced on Thursday 17th November at a ceremony with a difference. Instead of a red-carpet ceremony, NEAS was taking the party to our services with the Star Awards On Tour. Prizes and trophies were to be delivered directly to homes, schools and centres with the help of some very special guests.
Katie Moffat, Independent Supported Living Jon Appleton, Fundraising Tanisha Corcoran, Thornhill Park School Monika Salamon, Ashton
Making a Difference
Redhouse, Independent Supported Living Sarah Huntley, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre Joan Scott, Ashton
Mackenzie Thorpe Award
Sarah Winter, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre Lucy Sinclair, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre Thornbeck College Thornhill Park School
Chairman’s Award
Braemar, Children’s Residential Rae Markham, Braemar Belford, Children’s Residential Iain Watson, PPS team No. 24, Day Services
Inspirational Leader
Beth Forster, Independent Supported Living Nicole Dowell, No. 24 Amanda Shevill, Independent Supported Living Clovelly Judith Lawson, New Warlands Farm
CEO Commendation
Honor Lamb, Independent Supported Living Seaham Jolanta Hillier, HR Michelle Ireson, Mackenzie Thorpe Centre Kimberly Pearson, Adult Short Breaks
Lifetime Achievement
Winner to be announced on the day 14
Well done Alicia Nash
Employee of the Quarter Every quarter, NEAS staff are asked to nominate a colleague who has gone above and beyond in their care for colleagues and the individuals that we support. Our CEO John Phillipson has selected Alicia Nash, a teacher at the newly-opened Kiora Hall school in Stockton, as the employee of this quarter. Alicia teaches the youngest communication and sensory pupils at Kiora Hall, and has created an innovative, play-based environment in her Sycamore classroom which has won praise from fellow teachers and parents alike. Alicia has spent a lot of time researching ways to support the development of children’s communication and social interaction needs, and has designed an inviting classroom which uses creative play and a multi-sensory approach to learning. Sarah Harrison, vice principal at Kiora Hall who nominated Alicia, says:
“Staff love spending time in Alicia’s classroom and circle time with Alicia and her team is a delight.” Alicia’s classroom was featured in the BBC Look North report on the opening of the school, which you can see here. Parents whose children are in the class say they are the happiest they’ve ever been at school. “One parent commented that her daughter slept through the night for the first time in her life during her first week in Kiora Hall,” Sarah says.
“Another parent commented that her son now waits at the door each morning with his school bag and asks to go to school since joining Alicia’s class.” Alicia is now training and supporting other staff to encourage pupils to interact with their environment and stimuli to promote communication skills.
“The results of her approach are clear for all Congratulations to Alicia and the whole team at to see. Many visitors into school comment Kiora Hall who have had such an impact in Stockton, on how creative, vibrant and interactive the Teesside, since the school opened in October. environment is for children. Find out more about our education vacancies at ne-as.org.uk/careers 15
Highlights of the Quarter It’s been another busy few months here at the North East Autism Society! Here’s our highlights of the quarter…
Behind the Mask At the North East Autism Society we’re passionate about listening to, and learning from, the autistic community. Even though we’ve been a charity for over 40 years, there’s still so much we, and society, have to learn from autistic people and their own experiences. This passion has led to us becoming more informative with the content we share with you, our followers and supporters, most of which we know are parents / carers of autistic people. We launched our ‘Behind the Mask’ campaign in August, talking to autistic adults and practitioners, in a series of videos and podcasts about everything to do with masking. Find out more about the campaign at: www.ne-as.org.uk/behind-the-mask Listen to the This is Autism podcast here: www.ne-as.org.uk/podcast
5% pay increase for all NEAS staff We announced an above-average pay increase for all staff to help cope with the cost-of-living crisis and to attract new recruits amid a major recruitment drive across our services.
Cyclists raise £7,300 for NEAS A team of intrepid cyclists raised thousands by taking part in our annual bike ride challenge. This year’s ride, titled Twin Town Tour Twenty Twenty Two, took place overseas in Germany and the Netherlands. Kevin Meikle, our fundraising manager and participant, said: “There’s no doubt this has been our toughest ride yet, but it’s also been the most rewarding.” Find out more about how you can get involved in 2023 on page 7.
There is a particular urgency to recruit Care Support Assistants in Durham, Northumberland, Newcastle and Sunderland due to the expansion of new Independent Supported Living services across the region. See our current vacancies at: www.ne-as.org.uk/careers
Supporting your autistic child conference sell-out We received an overwhelming response when we announced we would be hosting a free conference for parents / carers in November and filled all places. The conference, ‘Supporting Your Autistic Child’, will feature guest speakers: Kerrie Highcock, NEAS’ Family Development Manager, Anna Taylor, CEO of Autism Matters in Stockton, Claire Stirling, Occupational Therapist & founder of Sensory Worx and Emma Parker, National Executive for the NEU, SEND Specialist. Although the conference has now sold out, we will be sharing the recordings to our email subscribers.
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Highlights of the year As this is the last edition of The Loop magazine for 2022, we would like to reflect on some of the amazing achievements we’ve made this year across our services..
It’s been a year to remember. As we look to the future, we look forward to bringing many exciting developments we have in the pipeline to life.
Thank you for your continued support. 17
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Back - like Santa – by popular demand on
Friday, 9th December
And just like Rudolph this one will go down in history You can either wear your own noel knitwear OR you can purchase our limited edition North East Autism Society Christmas merchandise.
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We have both red and navy blue t-shirts capturing Father Christmas’ sleigh leaving a gold neurodiversity infinity loop in its wake… and we even have red and blue bobble hats with embroidered infinity loops! By buying one of our festive products you will automatically be making a generous donation to our 2022 Youth Programmes – AND you get a top quality autism acceptance product to show off. We can’t wait to have you on board.
Welcome to
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To register visit www.ne-as.org.uk/jollyjumper Call 0191 410 9974 or email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk autis m acce ptance
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Registered Charity No. 1028260 | Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620