Local charity the North East Autism Society (NEAS) celebrated the end of the summer holidays with a family fun day, ‘Fab Friday’ at their North East Centre in Newton Aycliffe.
Families enjoyed a range of activities including basketball, face painting, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, falconry displays, drama and dance workshops and trampolining.
All funds raised from the day will go towards supporting the charity’s Family Support Services. Working across the region, the Family Support team help more than 150 families by providing a wide range of positive activities for children and young people with autism during school holidays which includes residential short breaks.
Victoria Wilson from Bishop Auckland, enjoyed the fun day with her daughter Kayleigh. “We’ve had a great day today. We heard about the event because we have been attending the Dance and Drama group here at the centre, it’s a fantastic service that allows my daughter to run around and express herself in a safe environment where she can enjoy herself and relax. We’re hoping to start the trampolining lessons on a Saturday morning that begin in September.”
Susan Tron, Trust Fundraiser for the charity explains: “Children with autism have a distinctively different way of processing information and of seeing the world. They have a need for structure and routine otherwise they may become stressed or anxious. As a result of their complex needs they can often become isolated from society and their peers. Children with autism therefore have restricted access to leisure facilities and new opportunities as choices are limited and parents can struggle to find suitable activities.
Our Fun Day provides a safe supported environment in which parents can relax and children can enjoy doing what they like best. We have a huge sports hall and park with plenty of room to run wild! It is also a great opportunity to find out about all the other services we have on offer.”
For more information about the work of North East Autism Society and their Family Support Services please contact them on 0191 410 9974 or check out their website at www.ne-as.org.uk.
