While there will be a wide range of in-house events for people in Autism Together’s services, the charity is also holding events to engage the local community, too.

The highlight will be at Birkenhead Park’s Visitor Centre, where a group of talented artists supported by Autism Together, are displaying their artworks. The exhibition, called Inside Out, runs from Tuesday, April 7th to Sunday, April 12th and is a celebration of autistic art and artists.

Angie Kemp, CEO of Autism Together, said:

“This April, we are expanding our celebrations for Autism Acceptance Month to offer a variety of new ways for the people we support to get involved and really celebrate themselves and each other, throughout April.

“We’ve planned bake sales, parades, sports days, crafting and t-shirt designing, group walks, animal shows and more. We’re also holding our very first STAR Awards during April – a dedicated awards night we’re delivering in partnership with Wirral Mencap, to celebrate the incredible people we support.

“We also have a range of activities where the public can get involved, and we hope that schools, workplaces, and communities create their own events to support and celebrate autism and autistic people.”

One way in which our charity is increasing awareness and acceptance of autism is through training. This year, Autism Together’s Learning Culture team started running a range of training courses, some aimed at parents and carers of autistic children, and others for autistic adults to attend.

On April 17th, the team will be hosting two Autism Acceptance Training Workshops at the charity’s head office in Bromborough. Priced £10 per person, this is an excellent opportunity for people in the community or employees of local businesses to gain a greater awareness of autism and the needs of autistic people.

Parents and carers of autistic children can access our Coffee Mornings, taking place weekly in one of four different cafés across Wirral, where people can meet over a hot drink and chat with Autism Together’s Advice & Support Officer, Amy Jones.

We also run two community cafes – one in Bromborough Pool Village, and one at Bridge Community Farm near Ellesmere Port – and both of these will be holding a range of activities each weekday during the Easter school holidays, which are suitable for families and autistic people to attend and enjoy.

To end the month, on April 30th, the charity is engaging local businesses to find out how they can get involved in charitable partnerships with Autism Together, through an event at Egerton House in Birkenhead to launch a new initiative called Together for Change.

Chloe Jones, Autism Together’s Engagement Officer, explained more about what people can expect this April, saying:

“We hope people can get out and about to our events this April, or create their own fundraisers, bake sales, and challenges. Just head over to our dedicated Autism Acceptance Month web page to find out more and download items to help brighten your events.

“Schools can also get involved and participate in activities throughout the month, with posters, sponsorship forms, and a downloadable fun book all available on our charity’s website.”

Visit the dedicated Autism Acceptance Month webpage to access all the relevant information and resources for April’s celebrations: www.autismtogether.co.uk/autism-acceptance-month.

To support the work Autism Together does, donations can be made via the charity’s website: www.autismtogether.co.uk/donate.