Littlehampton charity marks Autism Acceptance Week with West Sussex Coastal Walk

Alana and daughter, who is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD

Submitted by Aspens

Staff and trustees from Aspens, a charity that supports individuals on the autism spectrum, in Littlehampton, West Sussex, are taking on a rainbow-themed 10km walk to mark Autism Acceptance Week.

The team of around 20 people including support staff, managers, members of the executive team and trustees will be joined by family members who are supported by Aspens, to raise urgently needed funds for the charity.

The walk is part of Aspens’ fundraising challenge, celebrating Autism Acceptance Week and the 10-year anniversary of their family support team.

The West Sussex Coastal Walk kicks off at Littlehampton beach at 4.00pm on Monday, March 28 and continues to the half-way point at the Bluebird Café in Ferring, where walkers will enjoy complementary refreshments before returning to the starting point.

Aspens provides care and support to parents, carers and siblings who are living with a young person or adult on the autism spectrum or with complex needs through a range of services including support groups, workshops, activities, an advice chatline and one-to-one support.

Penny Piggott, head of Family and Specialist Support Services at Aspens, said: “We’re very excited to complete our 10km walk to raise funds to help us reach more families.

"Our family support team provides an open-door, tailored service that supports families, enables them to have contact with like-minded people and offers the opportunity for them to share experiences and ask for help. I passionately believe this should be free and accessible to all.

"We urgently need funding to make this possible and to continue delivering and expanding our service. If you live in West Sussex, do look out for our brightly coloured team taking part in our walk and give us a toot to show your support.

"Please do also support us by donating to our appeal or even better take up the challenge yourself. The more people that get involved and support us the more help we’ll be able to provide to families who so desperately need it.”

In recent months, the work of the family support team has been a life-saver as those with autism and learning disabilities have been particularly impacted by the pandemic.

Alana, from Chichester, contacted Aspens family support team just over a year ago to seek help for her 11-year old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD, and was struggling with her mental health.

Alana describes the difference support from Aspens has made to their family’s life: “This time last year we were in the darkest place and it’s hard to look back and remember how it was without getting emotional. Now, my daughter is excited to go to school and is slowly growing in confidence and acceptance of herself.  

"We have a journey ahead, but I will always be glad I took that step and reached out to Aspens. Our lives began to change for the better when we were blessed with their support and I know we aren’t the only family who will be eternally grateful.

"Aspens came into our lives when we needed them most and I am finally feeling positive about the next stage of our journey.”

Aspens has invited supporters to take on their ‘Au-Some 10 for 10 Virtual Challenge’, by challenging themselves to do an activity of their choice during Autism Acceptance Week, from March 28 to April 3.

Those who sign up can open a fundraising page where friends and family can sponsor them to complete their challenge, and raise vital funds for the charity.

The Au-Some 10 for 10 Virtual Challenge is open to all. To find out how to sign up or make a donation on the Aspens’ website, visit here.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from your local InYourArea feed.