There are many ways you can support the work we do at Autism Together, to help us care for autistic people in Wirral and Cheshire.
From setting up your own fundraising challenges, taking part in events, playing our Autism Together Lottery, or simply making a donation or leaving a gift in your will, every contribution makes a huge difference.
At Autism Together, fundraising is about creating possibilities. Every donation helps us do even more for the people we support – not just today, but for the future too.
It’s the extra things that make a big difference. Fundraising can help us build a sensory garden which brings calm and joy, fund technology to open up new ways for people to communicate, or begin creative workshops that help build confidence and connection.
These are the things that aren’t covered by regulatory funding, but they matter deeply to the people we support.
Fundraising also helps us look ahead. It allows us to plan for the future – to invest in new services, purchase properties that offer long-term security, and build a stronger, more sustainable organisation. With your help, we can make sure the people we support continue to have the opportunities, environments, and support they deserve for years to come.
Together, we’re not just raising money. We’re raising hope, independence, and a brighter future.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched a special fundraising project with one clear goal: to create an outdoor sensory and activity space for the people we support at our Raby site. What was once a simple lawn has been transformed into a stimulating space which can be accessed in all-weathers, with a design co-produced by our staff and the people we support.
This area is a place where individuals can enjoy a range of activities and explore their senses. Many of the people we support find being outdoors calming and beneficial for their mental wellbeing, and this space was built with that in mind.
It features:
· Durable astroturf seating for year-round comfort.
· Commercial-grade swings and a trampoline strong enough for two adults.
· Colourful light panels that reflect stunning patterns.
· Musical sensory equipment that invites interaction and play.
· A handmade pergola and sun canopy offering shade and shelter.
· Rubber pathways that are not only long-lasting but provide a soft, bouncy sensory experience.
Every element was chosen to create a space that could be enjoyed in all seasons, by everyone.
During the pandemic, when routines were disrupted and lockdowns became the norm, this sensory and activity area became a place of huge relief – not just for the people we support, but for our staff too.
With restrictions in place, many of the people we support were unable to go out into the community or see friends and family. Familiar routines vanished overnight, often causing people confusion and anxiety.
In the midst of this uncertainty, this important area offered a safe, calming space to reconnect with nature and find moments of peace. It became a place to breathe, to play, and to feel grounded – providing a vital source of comfort during difficult times.
Despite everything else going on in the world, our generous funders stepped forward and helped us raise the money to build this wonderful space. It is a lasting reminder of what we can be achieved together, even in the toughest of times.
In 2015, Autism Together successfully raised over £800,000 to help build The Willows – a specialist residential facility, designed to support autistic adults.
A significant portion of this funding came from a generous legacy gift, left in the will of one of the charity’s founding members. Their lasting contribution helped turn our vision into reality; creating a safe, supportive, and purpose-built environment that continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those we support.
The home was designed to be a perfect environment for autistic people. Through features including curved and extra-wide corridors to reduce claustrophobia, a lowered ceiling to minimise echoes, communal facilities to encourage socialising, and en-suite bathrooms to ensure privacy, a huge difference was made to quality of life of The Willows’ residents.
At the time, it was the only North West care home to receive an “outstanding” accolade from the Care Quality Commission – who assess all social care services – and it reached the finals of three national award schemes as a result.
Now, over a decade later, The Willows continues to stand as a state-of-the-art home – a place of comfort, safety, and pride for the people who live there.
Built with care and vision, it remains a shining example of what compassionate fundraising can achieve. Each corner reflects the commitment to creating not just a building, but a true home where autistic adults can thrive.
Looking for other ways you can help support the work that we do at Autism Together?
Get in touch with our Fundraising experts who can give you all the help and advice you need.
fundraising@autismtogether.co.uk
0151 334 7510
