Winter edition 2023 www.ne-as.org.uk
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TIPS FOR AN AUTISM-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT ON … OUR RELAXED SANTA EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Plus… Notes from our CEO Save the Dates and much more! 1
Notes from our CEO As we head towards Christmas, it is rewarding to look back over the year and see our services achieving such high standards. John Phillipson Chief Executive Officer
We’ve had good Ofsted results, good CQC reports and positive comments from local authorities and other organisations. But the main thing has been to see individuals in our various services making great progress because of the care and the commitment of the people who work with them every day of the week. For me, that’s always the biggest reward. You can read about one such staff member, Andy Marley, who won our Employee of the Quarter award (p.11) because of his “have-a-go” attitude which has meant new experiences and opportunities for the people he supports. There are many more like Andy in the organisation – and one of the things that’s been most important to me this year has been the conversations I’ve had with staff about developing their skills further by bringing more training to them.
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It’s part of a big push at the Society to improve quality for everyone who uses our services. We put 98 managers and key staff through advanced training in October and they are now drawing up plans to develop their staff and services in the New Year. So we have another busy and exciting year ahead of us. None of this would be possible without the generosity and kindness of our supporters, the public, companies and grant providers. The contribution you make never ceases to amaze me and it allows us to do what we do, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the North-east. Thank you on behalf of everyone at the Society, and I wish everyone all the best for the season.
John P hillipson
Contents 4
Festive events and resources
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Tips for an autism-friendly Christmas
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Gifts to support a good cause
Support NEAS this Christmas by taking part in our festive fundraising events, or download our free activity packs to inspire some ideas of your own.
The festive season can be overwhelming for autistic and neurodivergent individuals, but it doesn’t have to be.
Looking for Christmas present ideas? Why not browse our range of merchandise, from our branded bobble hats to products designed by our patron Mackenzie Thorpe.
10 Spotlight on … our relaxed Santa experience
For the first time ever, we’re running a relaxed Santa’s grotto experience at our New Warlands Farm Christmas fair.
11 Employee of the Quarter
Discover who has been crowned our final employee of the quarter for 2023.
12 Highlights of the year
From incredible fundraising feats to new services and more, it’s been a very busy 12 months for the Society.
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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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Friday 1st December
On your marks, get set … bake! Think Christmas puddings, mince pies and gingerbread men – all in the name of a jolly good cause.
How to get involved
How it will help
From ambitious gingerbread houses to festive puddings, cookies and cupcakes whether you bake it or fake it, you can let your creativity shine!
Be in it to win it
Challenge your family and friends, classmates or colleagues to don their aprons and whip up some sweet treats this Christmas.
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.
To register visit: ne-as.org.uk/bakeoff Contact the fundraising team: Fundraising@ne-as.org.uk 4
0191 410 9974
All funds raised will help us to continue delivering our vital frontline services to autistic individuals and their families across the region.
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!
Save the Dates
Host your own fun-raising event!
Christmas Market
Saturday 25th November at New Warlands Farm, DH7 6EX Pick up some delicious festive treats, that unique gift you’ve been searching for and browse the fantastic selection of handmade products designed by our young people and adults which simply cannot be found on the high street. Find out more at: www.ne-as.org.uk/Event/christmasmarket2023
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With Christmas just around the corner we’ve put together a list of festive activities you don’t want to miss!
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Friday 1st 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/Event/great-christmas-bake-off
We’d love for you to support North East Autism Society this festive season - whether that’s by helping us to spread our message of autism acceptance, attending one of our festive events, purchasing some merchandise or doing some fundraising. We know that Christmas can be a busy time though, and that not everyone can afford to give, which is why we have created three special Christmas packs this year. Free to download, the packs are filled with ideas and inspiration on how to get involved with NEAS and support autistic people and their families across the North-east. From our Festive Family Fun pack, designed to help families of autistic children navigate the holidays to our Festive Fundraising Pack, aimed at those who want to raise money in aid of NEAS, and our Teacher’s Christmas Toolkit, there is a way for everyone to engage with and support NEAS this Christmas. Visit our website to download your pack today: www.ne-as.org.uk/festive-resources
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Thursday 7th December Back – like Santa – by popular demand it’s our annual Jolly Jumper Day. To take part simply don your Christmasthemed garment and make a small donation to us when you do. Sign-up to the event at: www.ne-as.org.uk/Event/jolly-jumper-day
Find out more online at: ne-as.org.uk/events
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Tips for an autism-friendly Christmas It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for those of us who are autistic or have loved ones that are, the hustle and bustle of the festive season can sometimes be too much. That’s why we’ve put together 10 top tips for an autismfriendly Christmas. Check out our festive resources on the NEAS website, too.
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2. Deck the halls with .. whatever you like!
Disruption to routine can cause anxiety. So planning ahead and preparing is key. A tool widely used to help children is a social story. Using simple images, it explains what is going to happen and when, and can cover scenarios such as “there may be lots of people .. if there are we can wait in a quiet space.” Why not create your own social story book using drawings or photos? You can also use an advent calendar to talk through what’s coming up each day. Also consider an opt-out option for children who need their schedule to be as close to normal as possible.
Some people love a giant Christmas tree, tinsel, flashing lights and shiny baubles. But for others, it could cause sensory overload and a lot of stress. Let people choose the things they might want in their environment, and put up decorations gradually rather than all at once. Go for appropriate lights with different brightness settings, and involve family members in making their own hand-crafted decorations. It might also be worth creating a Christmas-free area with no decorations at all.
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1. Preparation is everything
3. Look out for autism-friendly Christmas events They do exist in the North-east, and we’ll be putting together guides as we get closer to Christmas. Ranging from pantomimes with relaxed performances (check out the Sunderland Empire’s Instagram post here) to sensory Santa’s grottos (see p.10 for news of our very own relaxed grotto), there is a host of festive outings you can take part in and enjoy.
7. Gift giving Gift wrapping can cause sensory difficulties for some autistic people, especially when it’s ripped off and starts to fill up a room. Consider wrapping gifts in brown paper or plain fabric – or not at all – and putting them in a separate space so they’re not too overwhelming. And don’t insist on joy and gratitude from the receiver .. that’s too much pressure on a big day.
8. Take the pressure off Christmas food 4. Get together a survival pack In a familiar rucksack or bag, pack any comforters used at home along with favourite snacks and drinks, ear defenders, electronic devices, fidget toys, a visual timer like an egg timer to help with transitions and comfortable clothes to change into ... anything that will help you or your child cope with a shopping trip or social gathering.
Some people love pigs in blankets and sprouts, but sensory issues around texture, taste and smell can make Christmas dinner an ordeal for others, along with the disruption to normal routine. But why stick to the rules? Talk about the menu in advance and ask for suggestions, include a favourite dish, allow weird and wonderful combinations, and consider a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner.
5. Social demands
9. Not everyone loves Santa!
Social gatherings can be a source of fun or fear. Social interactions, sensory stimuli, unstructured time and different foods can all create feelings of anxiety, fear and overload. If you’re planning a party, think about creating a quiet space for when people just want to opt out. If you’re inviting people to your home – even relatives – consider putting a time limit on their visit so it doesn’t all get too much. And when you’re out, discuss the signals you will use when one of you wants to go without appearing rude.
Let’s face it, he’s a tricky concept. Some autistic children see Santa as a stranger who comes into their homes, watches them sleep and leaves random parcels, and this idea can terrify some of them. If they don’t believe in him, or would prefer not to think about him, don’t keep talking about him.
6. Shop sensibly Find out which stores have an autism quiet hour, or just when that particular store is calmest. If you’re buying for neurodivergent children, make sure you insert batteries or assemble toys in advance so everything is up and running immediately. Consider a sensory toy, which can help children regulate their sensory needs, like a peanut ball, a busy board or a fidget toy.
10. Above all, do your own thing Focus on what makes a great Christmas for you or your family – not what you see everyone else doing on social media. Whether that’s Chinese food for Christmas dinner, or curling up to watch your favourite movie instead of going out, there is no right or wrong way to spend the holidays. Just have fun
Find out more from our festive resources 7
Sharing the love this Christmas
So we can’t think of a better way to share the love this Christmas, than by gifting someone one of our products featuring Mackenzie Thorpe’s artwork. The Middlesbrough-born artist – a patron of the North East Autism Society – launched the bespoke range last Christmas and the products were a hit. The products will be on sale at our New Warlands Christmas Market on Saturday 25th November but you also purchase them online. 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. 8
“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.”
Range of products: Mug
£7.50
Greeting Card
£3.50
Pin Badge
£5.00
Pen
£3.50
Trolley Key Ring
£2.00
Key Ring
£1.00
Bookmark
£1.00
Tote Bag T-Shirt
£15.00
£7.50
Browse our online shop for the full range of Mackenzie’s products along with our festive merchandise. Happy shopping!
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Spotlight on... our relaxed Santa experience
For the first time ever, we’re offering a relaxed Santa’s grotto experience during our Christmas fair at New Warlands Farm on Saturday 25th November. Visiting Santa in his grotto can be a big part of Christmas for many people, but often they are crowded places, with bright lights and loud music playing. We know this environment can prevent challenges for autistic and neurodivergent people, which is why we’ve decided to host our own. So, ahead of the event, we spoke to the big man himself to find out what guests can expect from the special experience… Hi Santa! Are you excited for your visit to New Warlands Farm?
What can guests expect?
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by some of my most helpful elves. You will then enjoy a short, accessible walk through the sensory garden to find me in my grotto. There will also be a quiet waiting area for those who wish to make use of it. In case of bad weather, the elves will move my grotto indoors. After booking, guests will receive an email with their ticket enclosed and contact details of someone they can get in touch with to discuss any additional or specific needs that might be required for their booking.
What changes and adaptations have been made to make the event autism-friendly?
The grotto will be located outside, away from the noise of the fair and attendees will be able to walk through the garden to come and find me at their own leisure. Guests will be given a timeslot for our meeting, and the elves have asked that people turn up no more than 10 minutes before their allocated time slot to ensure that people are not waiting for too long.
I’ve heard that the young people and adults at New Warlands Farm have been very good all year, so I can’t wait to visit them this Christmas.
Will guests receive a gift?
Mrs Claus has also asked me to take back some delicious cakes from the fair, so I hope there’s something left for me once I’ve greeted all of my guests in the grotto.
Can guests book on the day?
What time is the grotto taking place?
My grotto will be open between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 25th November.
Where will the grotto be?
I will be setting up my grotto - with the help of my trusty elves, of course - within the sensory garden at New Warlands Farm. The postcode for the farm is DH7 6EX.
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Yes, I will be handing out a small gift to each guest during their visit. Subject to availability, ticket holders will be given a specific slot to attend, but any remaining slots can be booked on the day.
How much are tickets?
Tickets cost £5.00 for up to two children/guests, and £10.00 for up to four children/guests. Accompanying adults and carers do not need to pay.
Do you have a message for everyone at the North East Autism Society this Christmas?
I’ve heard wonderful things about the North East Autism Society and the work it does to support autistic individuals and their families across the region - so I can’t wait to visit the charity later this month, and to meet as many of you I can!
Well done Andy Marley
Employee of the Quarter We’re pleased to announce that Andy Marley, Programme Support Worker at Number 24, has been selected as the final Employee of the Quarter for 2023.
“The individual has a sight impairment, so any community activity needed to be thoroughly planned and assessed,” she added. “Andy suggested we try a trampoline session. He took the lead and liaised with the trampoline instructor to ensure the individual’s health and safety needs were robustly met.
Andy, who also works several nights each week at our Brentwood adult’s residential home, was nominated by registered manager Cath Todd in recognition of his “get up and go” attitude.
“Andy took the individual for his first couple of sessions and it became very clear that this was something he was starting to enjoy!”
“Andy is always willing to try new activities,” Cath said in her nomination. “He will suggest new ideas and new things to try. “He is an asset to wherever he works within NEAS – whether it’s his regular day activities or when he works alongside my team at Brentwood.
Earlier this year, Andy also worked closely with his managers and colleagues across both services to plan a group visit to Flamingo Land for two adults. “This was a successful day trip that was enjoyed by everyone - and it would not have been possible without that little bit of joined-up working,” Cath added.
Well done Andy!
“Andy is calmly confident, proactive and definitely always willing to try something new.” Cath went on to explain that Andy had been instrumental in developing an engaging and enriching programme of activities for a new service user, who moved into Brentwood in April 2022.
Find out more about our education vacancies at ne-as.org.uk/careers
Highlights of the Quarter We might be nearing the end of the year, but it’s been another busy few months for everyone at the North East Autism Society. Here are our highlights of the quarter…
Cyclists raise £6,300 for NEAS
Dreams come true for SAFC flag-bearers
The total fundraising figures are in for our Quaternity Cycling Challenge, which took place at the end of August.
A group of students from Thornbeck College, Aycliffe School and Thornhill Park School enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome their Sunderland heroes onto the Stadium of Light pitch.
A team of five riders cycled 270 miles from London to Amsterdam, in just three days - and their incredible efforts have seen them raise more than £6,300 for NEAS.
They were thrilled to be official flag-bearers for the match against Cardiff on September 24th, forming a guard of honour in front of more than 41,500 cheering fans, as well as highfiving the Sunderland players and watching the match from prime West Stand seats.
Fundraising manager Kevin Meikle, who took part in the challenge, said: “Every year we like to make our challenge even bigger and better than the one before, so doubling the number of countries from our 2022 ride seemed like the perfect plan! “We’re overjoyed to have raised so much towards the vital work that NEAS does to support autistic children, young people, adults and their families.” Click here to read the full story
Unique jobs fair for autistic jobseekers hailed ‘huge success’ A pioneering employment event to support autistic jobseekers has been staged in a partnership between a North-east charity and one of the region’s biggest councils. The inaugural ‘Disability Confident Information and Employability Event’ was organised by our Employment Futures department, alongside Newcastle City Council’s economic development team. The pilot was attended by 42 neurodivergent jobseekers and nine key ‘disability confident’ employers, and Rachael Leisk, Employment Engagement Officer for NEAS, described it as “a huge success”. Click here to read the full story
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Connor, 20, from Thornbeck College in Newton Aycliffe, said: “To walk out onto the pitch and to shake hands with the players was unbelievable. It’s been an amazing opportunity and a great day.” His friend Marcus, also from Thornbeck, added: “We had the best day ever. It was absolutely epic.” While Brooke, 13, a staunch SAFC supporter from Thornhill Park School in Sunderland, described it as a “dream come true”. Click here to read the full story
Thornbeck extends baby bank service Following the success of last year’s baby bank in Newton Aycliffe, our learners at Thornbeck College have expanded the service to a new location. Held on a fortnightly basis at the Red Hall Community Centre in Darlington, the baby bank offers essential supplies such as: nappies, wipes, baby milk, baby food, clothes, toys, blankets, books and much more. The items on offer at our baby bank are all free of charge, or if people wish to, a donation can be made. Donations are then used to purchase additional supplies.
Highlights of the year As this is the last edition of The Loop magazine for 2023, 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. 13
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Back - like Santa – by popular demand on
Thursday 7th 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. We have both red and navy blue t-shirts capturing Father Christmas’ sleigh leaving a gold neurodiversity infinity loop in its wake. By buying one of our festive products you will automatically be making a generous donation to our 2024 Youth Programmes – AND you get a top quality autism acceptance product to show off. We can’t wait to have you on board.
To register visit www.ne-as.org.uk/jollyjumper Call 0191 410 9974 or email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk
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Registered Charity No. 1028260 | Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620
