Winter edition 2021 www.ne-as.org.uk
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…
Our Christmas campaign unwrapped
WALLINGFORD’S DISNEYLAND DREAM A YEAR TO REMEMBER
Plus… From the CEO’s desk Save the Dates and more.
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Notes from our CEO “I am so proud of how the Society has navigated this year” John Phillipson Chief Executive Officer
“I can hardly believe that another year has come and gone, and I would like to use this opportunity to reflect for a moment on the past 12 months. “As an organisation we’ve had many highs – and none of those would have been possible without the hard work and passion of the people who work within our services. “Across our care services, staff deserve recognition and thanks for the selfless commitment they showed throughout the height of the pandemic, while our education team has grown significantly over the past 12 months, helping to make a positive difference to the lives of so many families across the region and providing stability to children, young people and adults during a turbulent and unpredictable period. “We also celebrated our successful three-year partnership with Life Science Centre, created 250 jobs (and counting), hosted our first-ever virtual Acceptance Matters Conference, and even got a shout-out in the House of Commons in recognition of the work we do in collaboration with local authorities to support autistic children across the North-east. “Sadly we have also endured lows, none more so than the tragic loss of some much-loved colleagues, including Teaching Assistant Sandra Smith who dedicated more than 30 years of her life to working for the North East Autism Society. “We are also still dealing with the ongoing impact of the pandemic - but, while 2021 certainly hasn’t been easy, I continue to be inspired by the unwavering commitment of our staff and the excellent work they do within our services.
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“Regardless of restrictions or lockdowns, our employees have never faltered in their dedication to the children, young people and adults that the Society supports, always protecting and prioritising their safety and well-being, and having plenty of fun along the way. “With the end of the year closing in though, I am looking ahead to the New Year with huge excitement and anticipation, as 2022 is sure to be one of our busiest years to date. “We intend to hit the ground running in January with the opening of a brand-new school in Stockton-on-Tees. Kiora Hall School will be NEAS’ fourth school in the region and we’re poised to welcome the first cohort of pupils through the doors after Christmas. “Built in 1902, the Edwardian, red-brick building has had many uses, including a family home, an Army gun battery, youth club, school, and community centre. It was also used as an Italian prisoner of war camp during the war. “I visited the site of the school last month and it was fantastic to see how much progress has been made since work began on the historic building back in June and I can’t wait to see the classrooms filled with children and staff. “Lastly, I’d like to wish you all the best for the festive season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
John P hillipson
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Save the Date…
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Update on Kiora Hall
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Mackenzie Thorpe celebration
We’re on the countdown to Christmas and we’ve put together a list of festive dates that we’re sure you won’t want to miss.
With building work well underway, we’re on track to welcome the first cohort of pupils in January
Staff, pupils and parents came together for a special anniversary celebration.
10 Wallingford’s Disneyland dream
Support Worker, Cathrine Brannigan, is leading a fundraising campaign to send three children from Wallingford to Disneyland Paris next year.
12 All I want for Christmas
Everything you need to know about our 2021 Christmas campaign and how you can get involved!
14 Spotlight on… Jon Appleton Meet our Fundraising Officer, Jon.
15 Employee of the Quarter
Discover who we’re crowning our Employee of the Quarter.
16 A Year to Remember
From new independent living services to pressing our very own apple juice… Watch our highlights of 2021.
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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
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.
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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.
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To register visit: ne-as.org.uk/bakeoff Contact the fundraising team: Fundraising@ne-as.org.uk
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!
New Warlands Farm Christmas Fete 27th November
Looking to host your own event throughout the festive period and fundraise for NEAS? We’ve put together a festive pack YULE love!
We’re excited to announce that New Warlands Farm Christmas fete is back! Step into Christmas and browse the amazing products on sale handmade by our adults. Find out more at ne-as.org.uk/NWF-Christmas21
Whether you’re looking to take part in a school, office or even your own home, we have ideas to help you sleigh your event!
*Please check our websites for updates, as this event may be subject to change due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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Sign-up today to receive your pack at ne-as.org.uk/christmas2021
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3rd December On your marks, get set… bake! Join us for our first-ever Great Christmas Bake Off. Find out more at ne-as.org.uk/Event/christmasbakeoff
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10th December Back – like Santa – by popular demand it’s our annual Jolly Jumper Day. To take part you simply need to don your Christmas-themed garment and make a small donation to us when you do. Sign-up to the event at ne-as.org.uk/Event/jjd2021
Find out more online at: ne-as.org.uk/events
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Kiora Hall on target to welcome first pupils in January THE transformation of an historic building into our newest school for autistic children on Teesside is “bang on target” for a new year opening.
We are giving the disused Kiora Hall, in Stockton-on-Tees, a new lease of life and investing around £1.3m in the site as part of NEAS’ expansion into the south of the region. Back in May we announced that NEAS had agreed a 25year lease with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to take over the building, and grounds, in Ragpath Lane, Norton. Six months on, Thornbrook Construction has delivered an upbeat progress report, saying it is well on schedule to complete the redevelopment by the end of the year, having employed mainly local people to work on the project. During his latest site visit, our chief executive John Phillipson said:
“We are thrilled with the progress, and it’s exciting to think we are on the cusp of having the school up and running, and launching a new era for Kiora Hall.” The official handover deadline is January 21 but Thornbrook Construction director, Ryan White, hopes that the development could be completed by Christmas. “It’s going extremely well, and everything is bang on target. It’s such an interesting project because of the history of the building and it’s fantastic to be able to put it back into such a positive use,” said Mr White. 6
“The challenge is to try to retain the historic features while making it fit for purpose for the charity and, from everything we hear, people in the local community are over the moon that something so worthwhile is being done with the site.” Kiora Hall has had varied uses since it was built in 1902, including a family home, offices, an Army gun battery, youth club, school, and community centre. It was also used as an Italian prisoner of war camp during the war. Around 120 people have been working on the redevelopment, with the vast majority of trades people and labourers recruited from the local area. Thirty-five children will be educated at Kiora Hall, and we have already begun recruiting teachers and teaching assistants.
“We want this to be a place that the people of the Stockton area think of as their own,” said Mr Phillipson. “It will not only become a school for autistic and neurodiverse children on Teesside, but our aim is to open it up for wider community use.”
The school will feature 12 classrooms, plus computer rooms, new kitchen, and bathrooms. A sports hall, complete with new changing rooms and showers, is also part of the refurbishment. The development follows the opening of The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, at South Bank, which has just celebrated its first anniversary, and will accommodate 30 pupils by the end of this year, in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. “This is just the beginning of us wanting to work with local authorities across the Tees Valley to improve the education of autistic and neurodiverse children and remove the risk, and additional cost, of them having to travel outside of the area,” added Mr Phillipson. Local councillor Jim Beale said:
“A building that’s been difficult to maintain now has an exciting new purpose that will change lives. It’s a win-win and we are delighted to be working with the North East Autism Society.” 7
Mackenzie Thorpe Celebration There was cause for celebration last month as the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre celebrated its first birthday.
Our newest school, which welcomed its first pupils in September 2020, marked the special occasion with a party for pupils, parents, carers and staff on the last day of half term. Pupils helped make the party buffet as well as producing celebration artworks and preparing a time capsule which will be planted in the grounds of the school. Principal, Tracey Train, says: “Words can’t describe how proud I am of what’s been achieved in the first year in the midst of a global pandemic, and now the aim is to carry on the momentum.” The school – which was named after world-famous artist, Mackenzie Thorpe, who was born in Middlesbrough and is the Society’s patron - opened with just three pupils and now has 23, with another seven due to be added by Christmas. As the number of pupils increases, the current staff team of 45 is also set to expand with the Society seeking to recruit another eight teaching assistants.
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“It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but the staff have been amazing,” adds Tracey. “Covid-19 hasn’t got in the way of anyone’s determination to get the school up and running and make a real difference. “It’s lovely to see how a real school community has developed so quickly.” Since the school opened, a new kitchen has been added to enable hot meals to be served, and an independent living area has also been created so pupils can practise life skills. The next stage of the school’s development will be an outdoor space, featuring a horticultural area, sensory garden, and outdoor play equipment.
SOPHIA’S STORY
IRENE’S STORY
Sophia was diagnosed as being autistic when she was five, and she struggled in a mainstream school before it was decided that she needed specialist help.
Irene Recseg has been part of the team at the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre for eight months after retraining as a teaching assistant.
Her mum, Sam, says it was “like winning the lottery” when Sophia was given a place at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, starting in January this year.
“For ten years, I’d done voluntary work for a sports development company, so I’d been around children, and I was like a lot of people who were pushed into doing something different by the pandemic.
“She’s got her sparkle back,” says Sam. “We can see the light in her eyes, and now I feel she will reach her full potential because she’s getting the right guidance. She used to find going to school difficult, but now she skips to the door every morning.”
“The training was fantastic, and it gave me so much confidence. The support was even there after hours and I’m lucky to work with the most amazing team. It’s like a family with everyone looking out for each other.”
Dreaming of Disneyland!
For Cathrine Brannigan, the strong relationships she has developed with the autistic children she supports far outweigh the perks that any other career path could offer.
“It all started when one of the children was asking about my holiday I had booked to Disney in America,” Kayley adds. “I spoke to my manager Deb about fundraising for the children to go on holiday, and she loved the idea!”
The 29-year-old, from Sunderland, worked at a call centre for eight years before finally deciding to follow her ambitions of working in the health and social care sector in September 2019.
Over the past two years, Kayley, Cathrine and the wider team at Wallingford have held numerous events, racking up more than £6,500 in donations.
“One day I thought, ‘I just don’t want to be here anymore’,” she says. “It was a great job, but I was just craving something different.”
So far they’ve held a coffee morning, a virtual horse-racing event, several raffles and virtual games nights. But their most impressive feat to date is the 2,400-mile sponsored walk that the staff and children completed in April.
Cathrine got her wish and went from working as a manager at the call centre, to landing a role as a support worker at the North East Autism Society’s Wallingford children’s residential care provision. And, after almost two years with NEAS, Cathrine says she now can’t see herself doing anything else.
“One morning over breakfast we came up with the idea of a big sponsored walk,” Kayley explains. “We decided we would collectively walk America’s Route 66, all 2400 miles - and we smashed our target. In total from this event we raised £2500.” Kayley says: “We haven’t really set a goal, we just want to raise as much as possible to be able to give the children a holiday of memories!
“Even if I’ve had a really bad day or a really long day, I go into work and see how happy the kids “The reason we need so much money is because the children are to see me and it doesn’t matter anymore. all have different needs that we need to accommodate. We You just don’t get that anywhere else. Everyone are hoping to be able to get them away next year.” at Wallingford feels like my own family.” “I just hope we get there,” Cathrine adds. “We’ve still got to raise some more money, but I don’t see why it won’t be able to happen.”
Cathrine is also leading a fundraising campaign to send three children from Wallingford to Disneyland Paris next We’re currently recruiting for Residential Child Carers join our experienced and dedicated care teams in Sunderland and year, with the help of her friend and colleague Kayley to Percy. Newton Aycliffe. Apply today at www.ne-as.org.uk/careers 10
Care roles at Join us for Career Progression Training Innovative Practices
Million dollar smiles
Working for the North East Autism Society is your first step towards a life-changing career. Exciting new opportunities have arisen to join our care services across the North-east. While we value experience, it is not essential – all we ask is that you’re hard-working, willing to learn and want to make a difference to the lives of others.
www.ne-as.org.uk/careers recruitment@ne-as.org.uk 18
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All I want for Christmas
This Christmas we’ll be shining a light on what autistic people and their families from across our region really want for Christmas - and beyond! From autism acceptance to more support for families, reducing diagnosis times to more employment opportunities for neurodiverse adults, we’re making it our mission this Christmas to highlight what we can all do better. We’ll be offering some unmissable stocking fillers in the form of videos, downloads, interviews and stories all designed to help make Christmas great – and to start conversations that will hopefully snowball. Best of all – you can get involved!
I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents, underneath the Christmas tree. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is YOU! 12
Whether it’s sending us your Christmas wish, taking part in our Great Christmas Bake Off or Jolly Jumper Day, signing up to receive our festive fun-raising pack or purchasing 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 channels throughout December to stay in The Loop with our Christmas campaign. If you would like to take part in our #AllIWantForChristmas campaign by submitting yours or your loved ones Christmas wish, email marketing@ ne-as.org.uk.
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Our Christmas shop is now open!
After the success of previous years, we’ve restocked our shelves with lots of new festive products for you to enjoy. And by purchasing from us you will be making a generous donation from the sale of each item - to help fund our 2022 youth initiatives.
Head to ne-as.org.uk/ festive-shop 13
Spotlight on... Fundraising Officer, Jon Appleton
Jon Appleton hit the ground running when he joined the North East Autism Society in March this year, by helping to organise the hugely successful Virtual Walk For Autism, which formed part of our annual Autism Acceptance Week campaign. Since then, not only has Jon organised a number of brilliant fundraising events, and supported others to do so, he has also led by example and taken part in several himself. A keen runner, who recently took part in the Virtual London Marathon, it’s no surprise that the events Jon has opted to take part in so far involved pulling on his trainers. In June he led a team of 14 runners in the Sunderland 10K, who collectively raised over £1,000 for NEAS. He also took part in the Great North Run in September and secured a course-best time – well done Jon!
“It really was a case of hitting the ground running when I joined NEAS as the Virtual Walk for Autism was nearly upon us. It was brilliant to be able to help make it such a success, especially as it was the first time the walk had gone virtual, and it really spurred on the inspiration and planning for future events as lockdown restrictions lifted,” says Jon, originally from West Yorkshire. “It was great to be back outdoors and together again for the Sunderland 10k, but the Great North Run has been the absolute highlight so far. It was incredible to see everyone back out running together again and the oneoff, adjusted course made it a real ‘I was there’ moment. We had such a success with fundraising too, next year’s event can’t come soon enough!” 14
Before joining the Society, Jon - who is based at NEAS Head Office in Chester-le-Street - spent three years working for a charity in Morpeth, Northumberland. “I was part of a very small team and was, for a while, the only fundraiser at the charity, having to keep a lot of plates spinning!” Jon adds. “The experience I gained though, in both creating and managing events and working with the local community and businesses, was invaluable. I was delighted to be able to bring this to such a proactive organisation as NEAS and help develop our community and events programme even further.” Things are showing no sign of slowing down for Jon either as he’s currently gearing up for a jam-packed festive period – even preparing to launch a brand-new event. While NEAS supporters will be familiar with our annual Jolly Jumper Day – which will take place on Friday, 10th December this year and sees people don their best festive knits, in exchange for a small donation – there will be another opportunity to raise funds for the charity this Christmas. Preparations are currently underway for our first-ever ‘Great Christmas Bake Off’ – with schools, businesses, community groups and individuals all welcome to get involved!
“The great thing about The Great Christmas Bake Off is that everyone can get involved,” Jon says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a total novice in the kitchen, or an experienced baker, it’s the taking part that counts. “Don’t forget to send photos of your entries to fundraising@ne-as.org.uk - we’re really excited to judge them – and there are prizes up for grabs for the most impressive bakes!” If you’d like to get involved with any of our fundraising events, or would like some help organising an event of your own, you can contact Jon by emailing jon.appleton@neas.org.uk or calling 0191 492 4383.
Well done Katherine and Kerris!
Employee of the Quarter It’s no secret to us that our employees are inspirational – which makes the task of selecting Employee of the Quarter all that much harder. That’s why this quarter we’ve chosen to honour not one, but two members of Team NEAS, in recognition of their recent fundraising efforts. Kerris Bewick and Katherine Carter pulled on their trainers and completed the Great North Run in support of NEAS in September, tackling the gruelling 13.1-mile course in aid of the charity – and they raised hundreds of pounds in the process. The friends both work within Adult Short Breaks, based at New Warlands Farm, and said they will be counting on their colleagues to join them for the half marathon next year. “Doing the Great North Run was all about taking part, having fun and seeing if we could raise some money for NEAS,” they said.
“A lot of our younger work colleagues said they will definitely run it next year. They need to keep their word now - we know who they are!”
Set within 77-acres of countryside, our residential short breaks service provides respite care for parents and carers, as well as the individuals we support. The service can be accessed by those aged 16 and over, and offers a safe environment where young people and adults can have fun, make friends, learn new skills and develop independence. Area Manager for Short Breaks Sonja Evans said both Kerris, who is one of the team leaders at the lodges, and Katherine, a support worker, are valuable members of her expanding team.
“We’re very lucky to have an experienced team of dedicated employees at New Warlands Farm, and Kath and Kerris are perfect examples of the commitment our team has, not only to ensuring the well-being and happiness of the individuals we support, but also to promoting the work of the wider charity,” Sonja said. Due to increasing demand, NEAS is currently recruiting for a number of support workers to Kath, Kerris and the team at New Warlands Farm. Sonja added: “There has never been such high demand for our services and we are always on the lookout for hard-working, caring and dedicated candidates.”
Well done Katherine and Kerris!
Find out more about our Support Worker 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…
Team NEAS raised thousands at Great North Run A team of runners donned their gold acceptance vests and pulled on their trainers for the Great North Run in support of North East Autism Society. Staff and supporters alike took on the 13-mile challenge and raised an amazing £13,703.63 in sponsorship! Thank you so much to all our runners and everyone who supported team NEAS throughout the event. If you’d like to join us for next year’s Great North Run, which has recently been confirmed as returning to the original course from Newcastle to South Shields, you can register your interest now on our website: ne-as.org.uk/GNR22
We welcomed back our terrific toddlers!
Our apple ap-peal made headlines Our apple juice proved to be popular this summer as we completely sold out of our signature drink and as a result, we needed more apples… lots more! We launched our apple ap-peel calling on people across the region to donate unwanted apples from their gardens and allotments to support with the delivery of our vocational training programmes at New Warlands Farm. Last year the training programme was expanded to include fruit juice production, and we launched our own brand of pure apple juice, which is handmade and bottled on site by the adults in our services. Each bottle of the juice also features artwork by NEAS patron Mackenzie Thorpe, after the artist created a new pastel work called “Picked With Love” specifically for the charity.
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Our Family Development team have been busy as we saw the return of our toddler groups. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the team have been unable to deliver the groups face-to-face. Our toddler groups are available for children ages 5 and undergoing through the diagnostic process or with a diagnosis of autism. Groups are currently running in: Sunderland, Stockton and North Tyneside. To book email: Rebecca.Welch@ne-as.org.uk or telephone: 0191 4109974.
A Year to Remember…
As this is the last edition of The Loop magazine for 2021, we would like to reflect on some of amazing achievements we’ve made this year.
From starting the year in a national lockdown to seeing families reunite over summer, planting over 450 apple trees and pressing our own juice to building work beginning on our new school in Stockton - it’s been a year to remember. As we look to the future, we look forward to bringing the many exciting developments we have in the pipeline to life.
Thank you again for your continued support. 17
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Back - like Santa – by popular demand on
Friday, 10th 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 #AllIwantForChristmas To register visit www.ne-as.org.uk/jollyjumper Call 0191 410 9974 or email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk 18
Registered Charity No. 1028260 | Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620
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