April is Autism Acceptance Month, which began with World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 1 – dedicated to raising awareness of the signs, symptoms and realities of autism, but also to promote acceptance. At Newlife, greater acceptance of all children with disabilities is something we have been long been working and campaigning for, and many of the services we provide can support children – and adults – who are on the spectrum.
Volunteering
Newlife volunteers can make a big difference to the life of a child – and we have plenty of different opportunities to offer, as well as something suitable for all abilities, needs and ages, which means anyone on the spectrum who would like to experience a working environment, gain skills and confidence as well as meet new people are very welcome.
To find out more about our current opportunities please contact our volunteering team visit here.
Store Quiet Hour
The Cannock SuperStore in Cannock, Staffordshire, has a Quiet Hour between 9-10am on the first Saturday of each month which is ideal for those who might find the usual noise and a busy atmosphere overwhelming. To help create a calmer atmosphere the team reduce noise from announcements and music and there is minimal movement. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home, the online store here means you can still access a wide range of clothes and homeware at amazing prices – which help to raise funds to provide equipment for children with disabilities across the UK.
Play Therapy Pod Service
Newlife’s Play Therapy Pod service has a wide range of specialist sensory toys available which can benefit children with a wide range of disabilities, including autism. The free loan of toys are sent to families for around 12 weeks there are a wide variety of different categories to choose from, depending on a child’s age and abilities – but all of them can help a child learn about the world around them through play, help parents and carers learn more about their child’s needs and encourage development in areas such as motor skills. To find out more about the Play Therapy Pod service or make an application click here
Equipment
Newlife also provides specialist equipment which can improve the daily life of a child with Autism – including buggies and car seats so they can go out safely and securely to enjoy everything life has to offer, beds to keep them safe and secure through the night so the whole family can enjoy quality sleep, and communication aids which can open up their world.
One child with autism that has benefitted is five-year-old Grace who also has communication and learning difficulties. She had outgrown her standard car seat and was in desperate need of a new specialist car seat that would allow her to travel safely so she could continue going out into the community and enjoy new experiences with her family.
As Grace is unable to walk far, both the family and Grace are incredibly limited in what they can do without a suitable car seat, but thanks to the new car seat from Newlife which is larger and has a 5-point harness to keep her safe and secure, her family know she is protected and safe in the car seat which can support her up to the average 12-year-old, so she will be able to use it for years to come.
To discover more about how Newlife can help you and the application process, please visit here or call the free Nurse Helpline Monday to Friday between 10am and 4.30pm on 0800 902 0095 (free from UK mobiles and landlines).
