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Letter from Simon – The founder and chair of Sky Autism Support.

“Dear All,

I wanted to give you an update on what we have been up to this year. We are now supporting 144 member families in the Malvern area and our 10-17 and 18+ groups are seeing representatives from 25 families each week.

I think what we do is helping – this is an email in October to Ruth from the parent of a boy in our 10-17 group

“Hi Ruth 

Just wanted to drop you a line to say how much (Youth’s Name) …. looks forward to SKY each week – thank you so much! What’s the deal with club subscriptions/donations? No one’s mentioned anything as yet. (Youth’s Name) gets so much out of this; just want to make sure we’re giving back!”

In answer to this parent’s question… If you do wish to support us, please see below

• https://skyautismsupport.com/just-giving/

• SKY Autism Support
  • Sort Code: 53-81-33
  • Account: 85597074

We had a meeting last night of the trustees and senior staff (see photo) and it was a joyous occasion. First of all, we discovered that Charles who leads the over 18’s had got engaged to Theresa- what fab news!!

Following, we discussed how this year we have started getting referrals from social prescribers, who are helping people to access our support. Before bringing them into the group we will sometimes meet with them on a 1:1 and also maybe meet them at the door to the venue to help them enter a room of people they don’t know. It is amazing the progress they can make- I am thinking of “J” now and Charles who met him first, was saying last night how much he enjoys the weekly over 18 meetings in Wetherspoons.

Can I thank our amazing volunteers, Sarah, Joan and June particularly for their help this year!

One person who wasn’t there last night was Jackie who often leads our parents’ meetings – this is what A…, a member, had to say about her impact after the November meeting:

“Hey, fantastic night last night! It was very informative. There was a lot of information to take in and good advice.”

One of our wonderful session leaders, Claire, is also organising a fundraiser for SKY on Monday December 19^th at St Andrews Church Hall Malvern WR14 3JX from 11.30 to 3.30. Please contact Ruth or Claire through the website or our Facebook page if you can help or bake- but definitely come along!

Finally, we are looking for volunteer befrienders. Some of our SKY adult members have got a bit isolated (particularly after the lockdown). Maybe if you are retired or just have a bit of spare time we wondered if you might be interested in offering support? Many of those with ASD are fine 95% of the time but can get thrown by a form that arrives through the post and needs filling in or a social interaction that they don’t maybe understand. They also love talking about their passions. If you can spare time and offer a caring ear, please email Ruth at ruth@skyautismsupport.com to find out more.

Happy Christmas and love and blessings from all of us at Sky

Simon