Scottish Autism News October 2011
Transcription
Scottish Autism News October 2011
NEWS Issue 2, Autumn 2011 Scotland’s Autism Charity for over 40 years No longer lost for words! E very week a group of young men with Asperger’s Syndrome gather in our Glasgow centre to put pen to paper and write. Their poems, stories and essays, both imaginative and factual, are entertaining, often moving and always give a fascinating insight into the way they see the world. The Creative Writing group’s hard work can now be shared by a wider audience thanks to Write not Wrong, a new collection of writing and illustrations just launched at the Italian Centre in Glasgow. The launch of Write not Wrong took place at the Italian Centre, Glasgow. From left: Jon Dixon (writer), Darran Cameron (writer), Billy Love (writer), Chris Weatherston (writer) and Annette Alison of Lipsync. experiences and explore ways of transferring thoughts into words. The Creative Writing group is facilitated by Scottish Autism’s Jenni Roberts and Annette Alison of Lipsync Scotland, which offers tuition in communication skills and creative writing. Write not Wrong is on sale for £5. To order a copy, please call our office in Abercromby Street on 0845 300 9277. Clannalba Respite Service Pages 4-5 Some extracts from Write not Wrong: enjoy! All roads lead to Rome. Except for those that don’t. Paul Ritchie “That’s not exactly Rocket Science,” I said. Which was true. It wasn’t. It was mountaineering. Jon Dixon Helping people on the spectrum of all abilities express themselves – whether through speech, writing, art, music, dance or drama - is an essential part of our work and we rely heavily on donations, whether for equipment, software or specialist teachers. Isolation is often a fact of life for people on the spectrum so being in a group such as this can be a lifeline, offering a precious opportunity to share Kerry Ross, Scottish Autism service manager with copies of the book, Write not Wrong Paul Ritchie and some of his artwork. Members’ News Page 6 Understanding Autism (an excerpt) I sometimes think that having autism is a gift, and I’ve got lots of talents, like writing comic stories and working out the day of the week people were born. When I was a child I didn’t talk much. I used to be scared of loud noises and I also didn’t like cuddles. I am really glad to say that I have overcome a lot of my problems and I am really capable of a lot of things. Chris Wetherston Tune into Autism Page 7 Get Active For Autism FOLLOW US on Facebook Over 500 followers! NO TIME TO FUNDRAISE? Help us to reach people living with autism this Christmas by making an annual gift. Visit our website: www.scottishautism.org/donate Maureen Runs for Miles A recent convert to running, Dundee mum and grandmother, Maureen Murray has taken part in both the Great Scottish Run (Glasgow) and the Big Fun Run (Dundee) for Scottish Autism this year. She has two sons with autism, Charlie (pictured below with Maureen) and Francis, who both use our outreach centre in Dundee. Charlie joined his mother for the Big Fun Run in Camperdown Park. We All Got Wet! A lot of fun was had on the River Tummel near Pitlochry in August when six intrepid Scottish Autism employees put on their wet suits and went white water rafting. The adventurous group - Shelley McAskie, Heather Morrison, Kathy McInally, Raymond Stevenson, Stuart Aitken and Val Laurie took to the fast-flowing rapids like the proverbial ducks to water! Soaked to skin from start to finish, they still thought it was a great day out! Students Add Fundraising To Their Studies Enthusiastic students at James Watt College (Greenock), Langside College (Glasgow) and Forth Valley College (Falkirk) are fundraising for Scottish Autism. We have had stands at freshers’ fairs at various colleges and universities and many students are organising events as part of their courses. Any students who would like to fundraise, please email: [email protected] or go to our Facebook page. Do you like wine? Have you got friends or colleagues who also like wine? If the answer to both questions is yes then why not start a wine lottery? To find out more contact Heather McArthur in our West of Scotland office ([email protected]). Roll The Bones Best Foot Forward New supporter Glyn Dodds (left) joined thousands of runners at Glasgow Green for the Great Glasgow Run in September. Cheered on by his family and bride-to-be, Glyn completed the 10Km run in great style, raising £270. With the Big Fun Run (5km) coming up in Glasgow on 29 October, we’re expecting a big Scottish Autism team. Still time to join us for this fun family day out! Sign up here - www.bigfunrun.com 2 Scottish Autism has been chosen by Sainsbury’s staff in Stirling as their local Charity Partner. They are doing an amazing job fundraising and raising autism awareness in the local community. Staff are doing a two-day bag-packing on 27 and 28 October and there will be face painting and dressing up at Halloween for Spooky Sainsbury’s. We have created a special Fright Night Pack for pubs and other groups. It includes a special Halloween Quiz, posters and balloons so you can make Monday 31 October a bit different this year! Call the fundraising team to find out more: 01259 720044. Donate by texting ZOMB11 to 70070 Skelly the Skeleton was created in our Art Opportunities studio Alloa. www.scottishautism.org [email protected] Thank Yous Abbie gets MMS Makeover which needed a facelift. The team was helped by Scottish Autism staff and MMS kindly paid for the paint, rollers and other equipment. The Albert Hunt Trust has given £3,500 towards a sensory room in the new Woodend Centre in Fife. There have also been contributions from The Beatrice Laing Charitable Trust and Alexander Moncur Trust. Paul Mullan from Human Resources at MMS, mobilised a team of 15 staff to give up their Sunday. They not only provided the manpower but also provided the sandwiches for the day! The People’s Postcode Trust has given £2,000 towards the renovation of a shower room at Clannalba. To find out more about the Trust go to www.postcodetrust.org.uk Donations from The Jennie S Gordon Memorial Foundation, The Forbes Charitable Foundation and The Templeton Goodwill Trust have funded some boardmaker software for our South West of Scotland services. The Hospital Saturday Fund Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation and Children’s Aid (Scotland) Ltd have all generously donated to Scottish Autism. Thank you to all our regular Trust donors, including the JTH Charitable Trust. Stuarts of Buckhaven in Fife - a chain of over 20 bakeries and butchers have our collecting cans on display. Pop in for a pie if you are passing. A group of sixth form pupils at St Leonards School in St Andrews held its first bake sale for Scottish Autism in September (below). The queue was long, the cakes were colourful and plentiful, selling out in only 20 minutes! A great effort from everyone involved which raised over £100. Paul said: “We’re really glad we could help, and we all had great fun too.” Volunteers from UK legal firm Maclay Murray and Spens (MMS) spent a long day in September redecorating the Abbie Centre, a day centre in Bridgeton, Glasgow. This huge job involved painting six large rooms and the central hallway Local law firm Russel + Aitken is offering to donate 15 per cent of its usual fees to Scottish Autism until September 2012. This applies to all new clients who mention the charity when they meet with the firm in their Alloa or Falkirk offices. To contact Russel+Aitken call 01259 723201 or email [email protected]. Tracey Lafferty, manager of the Abbie Day Centre said: “It really has made an enormous difference to the centre - it has cheered it up and made it look brand new. The individuals who attend the centre are very pleased with the new look. It was fabulous that we got the generous help from MMS.” The MMS team has offered to help us again in the near future. A LASTING GIFT Scottish Autism receives occasional bequests, which are used to help us buy equipment and improve facilities. Leaving a gift in your will is not difficult and makes a big difference. Find out more by talking to a solicitor, visiting the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/ will.htm or contact Carolyne Nurse on 01259 720044. Sunshine and Saddles Cycle Cuba November 2012 Think Caribbean and sunshine: join our ten day cycle ride, beginning in Havana and ending by the Carribean Sea in Trinidad some 350kms later. Wallace attended his first highland games event in Crieff in August as a guest of phone company, O2. Deposit £295 and raise at least £2650 in sponsorship, or pay £1588 for yourself and set your own fundraising target. More information is available on our website. Fundraiser Heather McArthur opened her doors in June for a Big Breakfast, cooking over 120 Scottish Breakfasts with her mother-in-law Doreen Dickinson. “It was like a non-stop truckers’ café!” said Heather. Their efforts raised an impressive £800. telephone: 01259 720044 To Bonnie Balloch Jim Reynolds has done it again! Our long-term supporter spearheaded the summer cycle run from Clydebank to Balloch. This is the sixth year in a row he has organised and taken part in the 30-mile trip, and this year over 40 others took part. 3 Focus on Clannalba, Scottish Autism’s Respite Service Home from home at Clannalba E very family needs a break, perhaps none more so than those with a relative on the autism spectrum. Clannalba is Scotland’s only autismspecific respite and transitional assessment centre. Based in beautiful borders countryside near Biggar, Clannalba offers a whole range of options to suit all abilities: residential short breaks; emergency respite; specialist support and transition; team weekends; recreation and leisure. This unique autism respite service offers a wide range of planned and purposeful periods of short breaks and respite for children and adults. The environment allows each person the freedom and space they need. However, Clannalba offers far more than just a break. Our holistic approach allows staff to focus on both the person with autism and their carer, so they are able to offer advice to families on specific difficulties and to work on developing particular skills. 4 Set in spacious grounds, Clannalba is perfect for respite. One family to benefit from Clannalba is the Shaws, whose daughter Rhoda has autism. John Shaw said: “At a particularly difficult time in Rhoda’s life, we found Clannalba to be a wonderful resource - for both her and ourselves, as parents. The staff were magnificent in understanding the complex nature of her autism and she really enjoyed her respite time there. It gave us a break from intensive caring and allowed us a breathing space, as well as opening up Rhoda’s world with new experiences.” Preparing for Change Our team at Clannalba is experienced at preparing people with autism for transitions that may occur in their life. In the grounds are two bungalows which each create a comfortable, modern home where our staff work with young and mature adults to prepare them for living more independently in their own community. Any stay at Clannalba for this purpose begins with an intensive period of assessment. This is followed by developing strategies to ensure the person is fully prepared to live more independently. The staff continue support during the transition from Clannalba to the person’s future home. They focus on community living, independent living, domestic skills and ordinary life skills. Daytime Support Children spend anything from a few hours to several days a month at Clannalba. It may be as respite for their carers or the first steps towards returning to school. Every child who spends time at Clannalba has his or her own individual support plan. Teachers may also come and work with a child who has been excluded from school in preparation for his or her eventual return to the classroom. The benefits of working within an autism-specific environment are considerable. www.scottishautism.org Time Out Above: Having a private pool is a huge benefit for our visitors. Above and below: Specialist equipment makes the sensory room a calming space. Team weekends and activity breaks offer opportunities for socialising and excursions. Team Weekends Teenagers or young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can come to Clannalba one weekend a month for fun and social activities, staying at Clannalba from Friday night to Sunday evening. The programme is sent out in advance to help prepare them and includes a range of innovative activities.Team weekends provide a social network which allows relationships to develop with people who have similar needs in a relaxing and familiar environment where they can be themselves. They work on areas which need additional support such as social interaction with other people or unacceptable behaviour in social situations. Activity Breaks Adults and children with autism are welcome to come to Clannalba for a short activity break. Its location gives young people with autism a great opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities such as hill walking, wildlife spotting, horse riding, ten pin bowling, cinema, theatre, soft play and swimming. A break can be between three and five days and will involve outings in small groups. Photography: Tina Norris Although aimed at groups, the programme is tailored to individual interests and needs which maximises visitors’ potential to benefit from the experiences on offer. For further information about Clannalba and what it offers contact us by telephone or email: Kelly Logan, Service Manager, on 01259 728373 Adam Brodie, Regional Manager, on 0845 300 9272 [email protected] telephone: 01259 720044 5 Membership Meeting of minds With lots of new members coming on board, there’s never been a better time to join Scottish Autism. You will have the chance to become more involved with the organisation and have your say in issues that are important to you. We need you so that we can add your voice to ours. As a member you will be helping to make a difference to those with autism and their families across Scotland. You will become engaged with the organisation, inspired to have your say and empowered to make a difference. We have a variety of plans to help you meet other members- networking forums, focus groups and of course you can attend the AGM to have your say and elect the Board. Our AGM is on Tuesday 21 November at 2pm at New Struan School in Alloa. This year we will again be recognising the dedication of two outstanding supporters who have made an enormous contribution to our cause. There are now three types of yearly membership: • individual £15 • family £25 • affiliated for constituted parents groups £40 Followers on our Twitter page include health and education professionals and other autism organisations from around the world. We also have a blog: http://scottishautism.blogspot.com Come and join us, see the school, meet the board – you will be most welcome. Our conferences Open Minds are attended by Our Open Minds events have been a great success this year with meetings in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Alloa, Dundee and Perth. parents and people Open Minds is a series of free networking events for people who care about autism. It is your chance to meet staff and members of Scottish Autism. website for details on The next event takes place in Aberdeen on Wednesday, 12 October, 12 noon-2pm, at the Aberdeen Arts Centre Association, 33 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5AA. All welcome. Places are limited so please call Eleanor Macleod, Scottish Autism membership officer, on 01259 720044 to book a place. Further dates in Inverness and Fife to be confirmed. One participant commented on his experience of Open Minds: “I found it very informative... [I am] encouraged by the collaborations of various bodies to ensure that information and support is available. “The message that came across from Scottish Autism was: If I can’t help then I know someone who can. The door is not closed.” 6 working in the health, education and care sectors. Check out our forthcoming events. Where’s Wallace? Just for fun, see if you have been following Wallace’s adventures this year. Answers in our newsletters or on our facebook page. No prizes! Which primary school did Wallace visit in June? Why was Wallace in the City of Discovery? Which heritage event saw Wallace strutting his stuff? Where did Wallace watch tossing the caber? Which school invited Wallace in for cake? News from the Web Our new website (www.scottishautism.org) continues to evolve. The information centre will have three new topics soon: hairdressing, going to the dentist and play. Already online are advice pages on sleep, eating, transition from school to college and holidays. www.scottishautism.org/autism-knowledge-services/ information-centre/ The Members’ Area on our website will be up and running soon, so keep checking www.scottishautism.org for updates. This area will offer previews, extra information, details of what’s on locally and the opportunity for feedback. www.scottishautism.org Tune Into Autism It’s showtime! Our Scottish Traditional Music night is taking place in Glasgow on Friday 14th October. The evening features Kirsten Easdale, who is one of the finest exponents of the songs of Robert Burns. Kirsten will perform with Bring in the Spirit (Rod Paterson, Gregor Lowrey and Marc Duff). Two top acts are also on the bill: Bellevue Rendezvous (Gavin Marwick, Ruth Morris and Cameron Robson) and Gordeanna McCulloch. MC is BBC Scotland’s Fergus Muirhead. The Scottish Music Night venue is St. Andrew’s in the Square No. 1 St. Andrew’s Square Glasgow G1 5PP Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £12. Concessions £8. Contact Ticket Soup on 0844 481 8898 or www.ticketsoup.com. Also at St. Andrew’s on the Square (cash only). Telephone 0141 559 5902. Kirsten Easdale explains why she is raising funds for Scottish Autism: My son Stuart attended Scottish Autism’s Struan House school and Craft Workshops in Alloa for 14 years. Stuart is now 25 and I am certain that he would not have reached his present level of functioning if it were not for the support of Scottish Autism. Its wonderful staff are not only trained to the highest degree, they are highly dedicated individuals who love their work and care about those they support and their families. New Struan is a true centre of excellence. Kirsten Easdale and her son Stuart. As an adult, Stuart’s assessment from Scottish Autism’s Centre for Training and Assessment (CETA), along with accredited training for Stuart’s new support staff, ensured his successful move to non-specialist adult services in his local area. Other autistic adults benefitted from the same support staff. I cannot speak highly enough of Scottish Autism. The Scottish Government and the world autism community recognise its leading expertise. Most of its resources are channelled into direct specialist services, and all of its funding is spent where it is most needed: right here in Scotland. Tune Into Autism: Perform And Participate The Scottish Traditional Music Night concert kicks off our new Tune into Autism fundraising campaign. Using music as the theme we are inviting musicians, choirs, groups and performers to turn their next event into a fundraiser for Scottish Autism. All the best for the new campaign and very best wishes for your important work. Craig and Charlie Reid. The Proclaimers. Already, Glasgow University Music Society is gearing up its support with a fundraising gig. The Fotheringay Players and various choirs are dedicating a performance to us. Several musicians have offered their services to anyone planning an event for Scottish Autism. Check out our Tune into Autism group page on Facebook. telephone: 01259 720044 Martine Mitchell (left) who has been supported by Scottish Autism for many years plays the piano with music therapy student Pamela Loughridge at a group music therapy session at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Music therapy is an important part of our support and is usually funded by donations. Text your support TUNE12 to 70070 7 Celebrations Come in, No.29 Africa In Alloa A new base for adults with autism in Kirkcaldy opened its doors in August. No.29 is close to Adam Smith College and will be used by around 10 adults supported by Scottish Autism. There are four large and airy rooms offering space to relax, learn and be creative... all thanks to donations. From the kitchen which was donated by Howdens to the games and art materials which were given by parents, No 29 has a real homely feel. “We now have somewhere we can spend constructive time with the people we support. We have a computer room, a room for relaxing, and arts and crafts,” said Debbie Lauder, service manager. “Everyone is delighted with this base and full of ideas for new activities.” Young pupil Sean joins in the fun with Tajeu Ole Minisa of the Osiligi Maasai Warriors from Kenya, who gave an inspiring performance of dance and song at New Struan in September. The sounds and rhythms of Africa and brightly coloured costumes created a wonderful spectacle which entranced both the pupils and staff. “I loved it,” said one pupil. “It was weird but the thing I really liked was the jumping – they jumped so high!” said another. Members of the audience were invited to join in and the new head teacher, Jasmine Miller, gave it her best shot! Find out more about the Osiligi dancers on www.osiligiwarriors.co.uk ‘Tis The Season Lots to celebrate this year: we have a selection of Christmas cards for sale and our raffle theme is Treat Yourself. Top prizes include a two-night stay at the Grosvenor Glasgow Hilton, vouchers for a day at the Nick Nairn Cook School, a four ball at Kilmalcolm Golf Club, a private tour and tasting at Tullibardine distillery and £150 Love2Shop vouchers. Tickets are available from our office and by calling 01259 720044. Draw takes place 7 December in our Alloa office. Stunning ladies and children fashion boutique, Butterfly Kisses, and Paper Plane, the delightful gift shop next door at 8 Skirving Street Glasgow are opening their doors for a Christmas Shopping Evening on Thursday November 3, from 6pm (with bubbly and nibbles). Get a 20 per cent discount on all your purchases and 10 per cent of sales will be donated to Scottish Autism: a great idea! Thanks to shop owners Pamela and Gillian. In Iceland We Stand Carolyne Nurse (centre), East Scotland 07792 309 291 [email protected] Heather McArthur (left), West Scotland 0771 308 9690 [email protected] If you do your shopping online, you can donate without paying a penny more. Two sites we have signed up to are: www.easyfundraising.co.uk and www.giveasyoulive.co.uk Both include hundreds of well-known high street names as well as some smaller specialist retailers. Buy anything online and make sure you choose Scottish Autism at checkout. A percentage of your purchase is donated to our charity by the retailer. It couldn’t be easier! Contact the fundraisers! Alex Drinkell (right), Central Scotland 0771 308 9689 [email protected] Our supporters completed the Icelandic Lava Trek, raising over £13,000 for Scottish Autism. “Beautiful landscape and a challenge within most people’s reach,” said Jim Reynolds. Scottish Autism News is produced three times a year for our supporters. If you would prefer to receive your copy by email, or unsubscribe, please let us know: 01259 720044 or email: [email protected] Scottish Autism • Hilton House • Alloa Business Park • Whins Road • Alloa FK10 3SA Telephone: 01259 720044 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.scottishautism.org Scottish Charity No. SC 009068 • Company limited by guarantee • Registered in Scotland No. 81123